Crystalvale

10th - 11th September

Ian & Valda Maverick,
Dieter & Lyn Patrol
Col & wife (new members) Pajero
Greg & Phyllis Patrol
Ken & Fay Landcruiser

(Saturday arrivals)
Steve & Linda Landcruiser
Bill Patrol
Gordon & Lorraine Patrol
Bevan & Jennifer Prado

We arrived on Saturday morning around 7:30 after an early start.
Well I had an early start, while Linda slept until I pulled up at the house. When we arrived the Friday nighters were just getting up and getting breaky. Thinking that would be a good idea we set up and cooked our own.

After breaky we were off for the first drive around the picturesque GREEN property on some good tracks that would be quite difficult if not impossible if it had rained. We had a look at Dieters hill as Ian and Dieter reminisced (there’s a camp fire story in it, just ask). Tackled one hard hill that Ian and I made it up, some of the others attempting. We headed back for lunch all unscathed.

Col’s wife had to head off after lunch as she had to work Saturday night, she had driven her car down and parked at the house so she could go and let Col stay on.

The afternoon drive was a bit harder as Ian found some challenging bits for those who wished to have a go. Yep that was me!( Linda was back at camp) and a tag along patrol who invited himself to follow. I managed to slide the back into a bank whilst negotiating a tricky down hill (front passenger wheel in the air and crossed up). After some Oos and Ahs from the spectators (all the others), and some head scratching from me I reversed a little and drove around to the left in another washout with a little speed as I thought I may topple if I went slow (no damage suffered).
Well onward from there for a little mud play, and low and behold a water crossing (shallow) with a greasy step-up exit. After a couple of looks and some encouragement from Bill I thought yeh why not. After 4 goes (Greg hanging off the bull bar on one occasion as I seemed to be teetering again) I finally found the right line and momentum. Across and up the hill turn around and back to join the others. We came across the hard hill from yesterday and Ken walked his cruiser up it as he was in with Bill the day before. Time for a beer came over the radio compliments of Gordon’s key ring, so Ian lead us back via some more great tracks. Everyone handled the tracks well today and had an enjoyable time.

Happy hour was its usual good chit chat, Bevan and Jennifer had show and tell from their cape trip and by the photos and conversation they had a great time. We broke for dinner and very nice hot showers etc. before gathering around the fire for the evening.
Bill had footy fever in his eyes and brought out the miniature b/w TV. to watch his beloved Broncos (he’s now a share holder). To his distress he had picture but no sound. No worries on went the ABC radio as well for the duration of the match. Lorraine became his partner in crime and a GO BRONCOS cheer was heard on quite a few occasions. After a few more beers/wine and hot chocolates people started drifting off to bed.

After a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast everyone was ready to sample some more of what Crystalvale has to offer. Ian and Dieter were determined to find a track they had lost since Friday afternoon, so we were off once more. We had more play in mud (Gordon getting a snatch here IN A NISSAN)(only one for the weekend) and drove some more really good terrain. We arrived at an optional hill once more so off I went, of course no trouble for the mighty Toyota. Greg had a sample of my cruiser and I think has a front locker on his xmas wish list, after it was to much for the unlocked Nissan. Bill had a bash but it was plain he was missing Joyce’s advise so we all pitched in with a give it a bit Bill. Bevan also had a go on this hill. When Greg and I rejoined the others at the bottom Linda thought it would be a good idea to have a go so up she went, very pleased with herself. Onward for more play and back to the mud in a different direction. At one stage we thought Merv had join us in a different coloured car, as up the hill came a green patrol doing more revs than Mark Skaiffe down conrod. It was Bill missing Joyce again, but using her usual advice.

As time was now getting on we headed back towards camp for some more good hills close. The mighty Landcruiser showing how it’s done once more. The others in awe except for Jimmy’s show pony. Greg had another go in my cruiser after attempting it in the patrol, just to make sure a locker was what he really wants for Xmas. Linda was talked into having a go by the others, so I lost the drivers seat once more. The cameras were out and after one attempt at about 800 revs/ a scream as a front wheel left the ground/ she chickened out reversing for a second attempt. More revs this time and up she went still nice and slow though.

Well that was it as we made our way to the campsite for lunch and pack up. As you may gather I had a ball this weekend.(hope I haven’t gone on to much, I’m just enjoying my cruiser).
Great tracks, Great camp ground, Great company, what more could you ask for. Casualties for the weekend Ken/ flat tyre, Steve/ bent angle mud flap support.

Thanks Ian for a super weekend.

Simsy