Helping the totally unprepared.
Submitted: Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:06
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Andrew (Bris)
Got a phone call from a mate this afternoon. The situation was like this. Michael was bogged in his new four wheel drive. He thought he'd go out on his own and teach himself how to drive off-road. He'd managed to get the cruiser about 100 metres off the bitumen, and he was stuck. Mud up to the sills. Sticky, smelly black mud. Some blokes on trail-bikes, with a four wheel drive following them had come past, but didn't have the equipment (or inclination) to help. So he walked out to the highway, and waited.
No winch, no snatch straps, no jack, no experience, and definitely no idea.
I let him sit a few hours, and then went out to give him a hand. Would have let him sit a bit longer, but I didn't want to lose the light. Needed some light so I could get some photos.
Photos at www.andrewpanshin.fotopic.net/c917321.html
He's learnt his lesson, and will be shopping for a few accessories this week, and definitely won't be going out on his own again until he gets a little more experience.
On the way
home I saw two other solo vehicles well and truly stuck only a short distance from the highway. Why do so many people with absolutely no idea decide to play off-road on their own? And should we be out helping the totally unprepared?
Reply By: Patrolman Pat - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:14
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:14
I will always help the unprepared before they do damage to themselves, their vehicle or the track. As for leaving a mate to sit for a few hours, well I'm glad you are no mate of mine.
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Follow Up By: Andrew (Bris) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:22
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:22
The reason I let him sit a couple of hours was that I had offered several times since he bought the vehicle to go out with him and show him how to stay out of trouble.
But he knew better.
He is a friend, but was an employee of mine first.
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Follow Up By: Gramps (NSW) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:04
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:04
LOL you did the right thing Andrew. Let him contemplate the error of his ways for a short while then instruct him in how to extricate himself from the situation. He'd have to pay real $$$s to get that from a training mob.
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Reply By: Member - John - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:14
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:14
Andrew, I hope you had him do the hook up, LOL. Should we help the under/totally unprepared??? I think yes and try and educate them at the same time. If, as some of the forumites have mentioned before, the rescued offer no thanks etc, just mark it down to experience. I believe in Karma............. Good luck teaching your mate.
PS, good pics
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Reply By: brett - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:19
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:19
I'm with patrolman Pat, if he's a mate you don't leave him sitting there for a few hours. You get there as soon as you can, then tell him he's a di%^ he#$ and that he shouldn't go on his own first time and give him a few other helpfull tips, then get him out.
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Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:31
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:31
BUT you take pics first
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Follow Up By: Pajman Pete (SA) - Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 at 08:03
Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 at 08:03
absolutely!
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Reply By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:25
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:25
What was he thinking going in there?
If it was my mate, I'd have gone earlier, but what the hell. You got him out of trouble and he has learned some important lessons. If it was my son, I'd probably have let him sit a while because he should have asked me for advice first! But then, he probably would.
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Reply By: johannagoanna - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:29
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:29
I gotta ask.......where on earth was he? And I sure hope you made his hook on the strap to his vehicle..........or did he not know how to do that either? - Jo
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Follow Up By: Andrew (Bris) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:33
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:33
He was in the forestry area just east of the highway south of Caboolture.
He had no idea how to get out, and when I got the snatch-strap out, he thought I'd hook it over his towball.
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Follow Up By: Andrew (Bris) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:34
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:34
Sorry about that. Not Caboolture, south of Caloundra.
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Follow Up By: stevesub - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 07:39
Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 07:39
Some nice little mud holes there incl one right by the highway that I saw a truck stuck in one time - unfortunately for him, I was towing a boat at the time and the missus would not let me help. I have never attempted that mud hole as it is too embarressing to be stuck and there is a chicken track.
We are usually on our own so our ability for self recovery is limited to a spade so we avoid potential traps, especially one so public.
My son got us stuck in that area once a few years back despite being told to go the other way. He nearly lost his inheritance then becuase he said its your truck dad, you get it out (he is also bigger than me). Took 2 1/2 hours of digging and hand winching to recover it but the worst of all, I had the keys to the wifes Landrover in my pocket so she could not come and winch/snatch us out.
I am now trying to spend his inheritence as quickly as I can and he is banned from driving my vehicles offroad.
Stevesub
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Reply By: cokeaddict - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:33
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 19:33
Nice swamp that !!!
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Reply By: Trevor R (QLD) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:02
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:02
Lucky he's not my mate or we'd still be out there me on the video and he'd be on the shovel. This is the best way to do this maaaate keep digging hahahaha.
Only joking, He's must be one confident driver going in there alone. I could understand with a couple of vehicles but not solo.
Lucky you didn't come with us today hey Andrew or you may have missed out on a couple bribery points.
Talk soon Trevor.
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Follow Up By: Andrew (Bris) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:15
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:15
Worst part is that I'd spent all weekend cleaning up and re-rustproofing under my cars. The black sticky rustproofing stuff takes a week to dry, so now it'll have to be redone.
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Follow Up By: Trevor R (QLD) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:21
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:21
Yeah I was thinking that.
Maybe your mate needs to come over next weekend with a carton for the recovery you done and you drink while he gets black sticky stuff all over him.
Cheers mate.
Trevor
PS roofscooter2 took us to some unreal territory today so we all should get into it sometime soon.
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Reply By: Member - 'Lucy' - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:17
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:17
Yep! just as I thought - a shameless GU driver
May your worst nightmare - having to be recovered by a yota - come true in big heaps.
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Follow Up By: Trevor R (QLD) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:09
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:09
Look harder Lucy, He was in the Rodeo today and other times when he's been out with us. So no one eyed monster there.
Good to talk again mate.
Trevor.
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Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:34
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:34
hahah His worse nightmare would be a toy recovery Lucy
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Follow Up By: Member - 'Lucy' - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 00:31
Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 00:31
Yep! that would be right as well Mr Trevor.
Responded to like a true Bananna Bending, overheating GU owner/driver, and may the 'God of Shame' visit you as well.
ROFLMAO
Oooh! you Nitsan drivers are such good value.
By the way how is that O/heating problem going. Have you nailed it 100% yet.
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Follow Up By: Trevor R (QLD) - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 08:22
Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 08:22
Member-'Lucy',
Overheating still evident, so have learned to live with it now. Too many dollars thrown at it now to throw it away (which is what I feel like doing sometimes). The funny (if you can call it that) thing is it just keeps running hard even when I don't back off and she's cooking her head off.
I doubt the "God of Shame" will ever visit me as I go 4wheelin with real 4x4 owners :-))))) LOL
Cheers mate Trevor.
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Reply By: Footloose - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:22
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:22
I remember when I was just starting out, 4wds were few and far between. Most of em were Bland Rovers who'd wave to you (I had one also). I hope they still do that, it was nice.
Anyway I have had to dig myself out a few times etc etc. Had to leave it and walk 3k home once till it dried out a bit.
I had no idea where it would go and where it wouldn't. I found out the hard way like your mate.
Got a Landcruiser stuck in a table drain at 1am once and had to walk/ hitchike home (20K). I thought I had all the gear with me but didn't know how bottomless the drain was in the dark and rain. Easy with another vehicle and in daylight.
I'll help anyone I can. You never know when it might be you that needs a hand.
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Follow Up By: Member - Bware (Tweed Valley) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:58
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:58
Memories.....When I was a
young lad in the early 70's and Dad would take us camping in the swb Landcruiser (not sure what model), my brother and I would play '
spot the 4wd'. We would be lucky to count ten between
Sydney and the Nth Coast! There were only 'Datsun' Patrols, Landcruisers and Landrovers around. Occassionally you might see a Willies, Bronco, Scout. I remember Suzuki's and Range Rovers Hitting the market. In those days it was like some special club owning a 4wd and whenever one was passed all occupants would wave at each other. It WAS nice!
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Reply By: roofscooter2 - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:26
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:26
Hi Andrew ,you did well making him sit there & sweat for a while, it makes them think about what they have done,& to think before they do it again. He will learn a couple of good lessons today & hopefully remember them. Oh What A Feeling !!!!! Missed you today as well, Cheers Bob.
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Follow Up By: Andrew (Bris) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:34
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:34
If I had rushed out straight away I would have been in deep ... at home anyway. Spent all weekend working on the cars, and was not in the good books because of the black stuff I'd dripped all over the driveway.
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Reply By: Mike Harding - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:36
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:36
Perhaps I'm just old fashioned; but I reckon you just help people (especially friends) out when they need it and you don't plaster their problems and/or your worthy? deeds across the internet.
Would you like a medal?
Mike Harding
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Follow Up By: Andrew (Bris) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:45
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:45
The point was that while I was out to give one person a hand, I saw two other single vehicles stuck? Why? If I hadn't gone that way for the reason that I did, I wouldn't even have noticed these other vehicles in the same situation. I've driven that stretch of road plenty of times, and never taken any notice of what goes on only a few metres away.
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Follow Up By: Patrolman Pat - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:23
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:23
You are wrong Mike. You definately plaster it all over the net and with pics. Andrew did that part well. Always get the camera out before the recovery gear. Always.
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Follow Up By: AdlelaideGeorge - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 09:08
Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 09:08
mmmmmmmm I think the sarcasm is called for too. The registration plate of the inexperienced driver is clearly visible..........I don't like that at all.
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Follow Up By: conman - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 12:53
Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 12:53
No harm done. I'm sure the driver of the landcruiser is telling all HIS mates what happened to him on the weekend. It's just part of the fun. No real damage done, and i'm sure he won't be hiding in the house for a month, scared to drive his 4wd, because a few people saw his licence plate.
My ego wouldn't be hurt if there was pictures of me stuck somewhere( can't see it happening :-))) ).
That photo should be like a badge of honour. I'm sure Andrew's mate got a bit of adrenaline out of it though.
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Reply By: Exploder - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:58
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 20:58
Are yes, the Phone call from a mate.
The only times I have ever got into the chit in 4WD’s is when I have taken that it’ll be right attitude and every time it has been a single 4WD affair that resalted in a lot of digging, sweeting, swearing and thrashing around to get out.
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Follow Up By: Member - Bware (Tweed Valley) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:02
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:02
Ain't that the truth. Them's the learning experiences though, aren't they?
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Reply By: Jimbo - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:28
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:28
Having viewed the photos, only a melon would have driven into that.
Still, he is from QLD lol. So he has an excuse.
The sun bakes your brain up there LOL.
After 7 years in Townsville I had to get back to civilisation (
Victoria) and deal with human beings ROFLMAO.
Ten years on and I'm not sure I've fully recovered. However I still do enjoy a XXXX, what a fine
beer NO LOL.
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Follow Up By: Member - Bware (Tweed Valley) - Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:37
Sunday, Apr 09, 2006 at 21:37
I'm just Sth of the Qld border and I reckon you're right, although I think I would have braved the leeches and mozzies to test the
mud first! And that XXXX is XXXXed LOL
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Follow Up By: Gramps (NSW) - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 10:06
Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 10:06
XXXX is a very good remedy for constipation. $hit through the eye of a needle after a good session on XXXX
Regards
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Reply By: Mad Dog (Australia) - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 13:36
Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 13:36
hahaha, what a knob
Lots of nice winching trees around, perhaps you should have given him a lesson in hand winching...lol
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Reply By: Sarg - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 20:56
Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 20:56
Gotta be worth 3 ctns of Crownies & a couple bottles of Wild Turkey.
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