Xtrail in Gloucester Tops

Hi,
Just went on a little trip to the snow and back from the Gold Coast. We came back via the Hunter. mmmm. Anyway we got up to the Barrington Tops via Gloucester Tops Rd (So the eatsren part of the NP could be called the Gloucester Tops.

It is a lovely place and the caravan Park run is run by a friendly couple, Sue and Campbell. We only stayed 1 night but wished we were there a week. There are a few river spill ways(?) to cross before you get to the park which give a beautiful view up and down stream on the Gloucester River.

The Caravan park gave ne a map and I was all alone on the 4wd tracks - sticking to the easy ones of course - being alone (with CB tho) and in an Xtrail. The track starts with a river crossing - so I supposed if I cant do that then I am not going to negotiate the rest any better and Campbell dosent have far to go to pull me out. The little guy made it.

The scenery is great, and the tracks are varied - hardly ever flat. Up on the ridge there is an unmapped loop that i mistook for the mapped one and ended up stopped on a very steep decline into a rutted track that were 3 feet deep. Just as well I went down to check it out. I am sure I would have slipped into the rut (canyon) with the XTrails ABS on-off action. When I got out to look my wife leapt out too saying 'Well I am not staying in this car alone on this slope" haha - dont blame her actually.

I decided to back out - nearly didnt get out - thinking Reverse is a good gear . A bit disappointing. Got half way up and the Auto wouldnt take it up in R - no wheel spin - just the Auto not driving the train. There was 10 feet that were not too steep to get momentum so I used it and had to do it at speed winding backwards past stumps and walls whils the wife who was videoing dashed into the bush for cover (hahaha).

Moral.... Look before you leap. Dont try too much too soon especially without another vehicle and one with Low Range.

At least I know the XTrail limitations now. Disapointed that a slope stopped it.

PS It seems to have a strange whine it it now - that remains if I slip it into Neutral whilst travelling - and pitch consistant with speed - maybe the tyres? - maybe something worked too hard.