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Gorman's Gap
13th November
At 8:00am we assembled at the Caltex Service Station at Blacksoil for
our trip to Gorman’s Gap led by Steve Sims and John Ries. After Steve
provided the group with an overview of the trip, reminder for Convoy Procedures
and the signing of the Trip Book, we departed at 8:15 with 15 vehicles
in convoy looked after by John as “Tail-End Charlie”.
A short drive on the “Black Top” took us to the small township
of Helidon where Steve suggested we have an early “smoko” as
we would be having lunch a little late. (If only we knew what he meant).
All back in the vehicles we travelled for a short period before
leaving the “Black Top” behind and onto the Gorman’s
Gap Heritage Trail where first up we encountered some over-grown lantana
bushes invading the track. Steve Sims showed all his skill in deforestation
techniques and cleared the way for all to follow. Funny how we still received
some lantana scratches above bonnet level Steve; we wonder why?
Progressing through the narrow track we came to a rock monument
in memory of those who passed through it many years ago.
All progressed through the trail quite comfortably until we
encountered a rather challenging portion of the trail (to say the least)
that had deteriorated rather badly due to recent rains since Steve and
John had done the Reece.
After some deliberation on how best tackle this challenging
rocky and washed-out hill and what line was best to take, Steve led the
way with all helping to pack the washouts with bush timber and rocks. With
the first couple of vehicles having trouble, it was soon revealed that
one particular stump and tree (dead ones) were in the road of progress.
With drag chains attached to the little fella’s Cruiser, the stump
soon gave in. (probably felt sorry for someone of the same stature). Even
though the tree was dead it did not give up easily as the stump. Since
we didn’t have a chainsaw a number of precision cuts were made with
a collapsible Bow Saw that a surgeon would be proud of. With a great amount
of pushing and shoving it finally fell to the ground clearing the way.
One by one, and about 11/2 hrs later all drivers put their
4WD skills to the test to reach the spectacular summit. As we were on our
way up "Corey", (yes Merv’s nephew) somehow became stuck
in his Hilux, not just the once but twice. So Richard Scott did the deed
of snatching him out both times, and yes Richard owns a "Toyota".
With all of that sorted out we kept on driving on up the hill and on our
way.
After enjoying the scenery from such a great altitude and travelling
through a few patches of mud (Yee Ha) we eventually assembled at the RM
Williams Reserve Picnic Area at 2pm for a much awaited lunch. (Now we all
knew what Steve meant by “a late lunch”).
With all stomachs full (I think) we had a short drive to the
Gorman’s Gap Monument. This monument contains a time capsule which
will be opened in 2007 and another in 2080. The monument was built in respect
of lieutenant Gorman and an escaped convict who in 1880 forged their way
through the valley to build the first trial through the range.
After admiring the monument and a few photos later most walked
their lunch down by walking some 600 metres down to the ‘Camels Hump’.
One could assume they were given their names from the contour of the land
at this point in the trail? This was quite worth the effort as the views
were breath-taking; ………..so was the walk back up the
hill.
Leaving the monument and once again in our vehicles we progressed
on the trail to again come across a roughly eroded portion of the trial.
With only a couple of vehicles slowly making it through the rough section
we were then greeted by a property owner who introduced himself as Jim.
Jim stated that Gorman’s Gap Road has been impassable for many years
due to progressive erosion and that the only option for us
to continue forward was to occupy the adjoining track that went through
his property.
Jim went on to say that irresponsible four wheel drivers and
dirtbike riders initiate erosion with Mother Nature continuing
the rest of the erosion process. Jim said he was fed up with 4WDrivers
and dirtbike
riders disregarding his “Private Property” and “Keep
Out” signs and the ripping down of his property fences to occupy
his land so they can continue travelling.
From discussions held Jim became quite aware and appreciated
that the Ipswich 4WD Club and its members were not environmental
vandals and that we came to “enjoy” not to “destroy” and
that we are responsible four wheel drivers who respect the environment
and the people and property within it. With this understanding Jim not
only gave us permission to continue through his property, he provided Steve
Sims with his contact details so future club trips may be arranged……….A
big “Thank You” to Jim for allowing us to continue.
Reflecting on the events of the day we all enjoyed the last
few kilometres of steady four wheel driving through Jims property before
assembling to say our thanks to Steve and John for certainly a most enjoyable,
eventful and somewhat interesting 4WD outing.
Post Script: Some members couldn’t help but visit the “Golden
Arches” at the Gatton By-Pass on the way home. I wonder why? Was
it to settle nerves from the day’s events, or was it just to satisfy
the still grumbling stomachs?
By Dylan Warry
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