Trip Report – Pyrenees Ranges, Victoria - 8th to 12th November, 2007
Prepared with concurrance of JohnR, Heather, Bonz, Glenn, Des Lexic, Lucky and Chris G
Weeks of planning by EO members seems to have paid off with the return home by most, and the last to leave before 12pm Monday. The
campsite chosen was the
recreation reserve at Glenpatrick which is a free public
camping area, with a
toilet block, and
camp shelter with fireplace, tables and benches.
We had a total of 29 4bys arriving from Thursday morning onwards. JohnR was first to arrive, followed shortly after by RayJen Paj from Mittagong and Navigator 1's Robyn and Charlie from
Sydney, arriving having aleady done their own solo trip from Avoca
camping overnight near the top of Fraser Track. Heather arrived in the Falcon ute with a
tank of
water to augment the onsite
water supply, and to provide fire protection. A short time later a few caravanners arrived. We advised that they would be sharing the facilities with a large group of people. They were considerably put out as they had expected to have exclusive use of the public facilities. They duly set up
camp at the other end of the
camp ground but continued their antagonism for most of the weekend. However that attitude did not distract us from our plans for the weekend. We are proud of how
Explorers handled what could have been a difficult situation.
Recent rain had freshened the grass at the
camp ground. The weather was fantastic all weekend, if a bit warm for some. Altogether there were 50 adults, 23 kids, and 3 dogs present. For about a third of those numbers it was their first ExplorOz gathering, so it was great to meet new members and visitors, and for the old hands to renew acquaintances. As usual, by the end of the weekend all were old friends.
We accepted registrations throughout the Thursday, then had the Riverland crew of Des and Mrs Lexic, Blaze and Sadie and Kenny arrive at about 12.30am, Willem arrived early next morning with doof doof music rivalled only by Rock Crawler. The incoming
Explorers arrived throughout the day and evening, and as John led a tour during Friday, JohnR missed the arrival of many. They did some testing tracks too, and there was occasionally some tree
debris to clear during the day. We can post the plot files of the trips we did if anyone is interested.
More people to meet and greet that evening so it was an enjoyable time. More
Explorers arrived overnight, with Muddy and Judy arising late after a 2.30 arrival, so they said. LOL Wink, wink, After
the Pyrenees weekend they went on to
the desert with Willem and Navigator 1 crew.
We all remember Eric (Rock Crawler) arriving with Giota and with Dean and Natalie in tow as we had to get the tent up in the dark with light rain falling. Eric had left the reference of how to fit the poles together at home so we all got wet waiting for him to work it out. DOOF DOOF
Friday afternoon Chris G had arrived with a trailer load of firewood and walked into a little storm with a neighbouring camper not in our party. The same person had been assailing Heather, but backed away when JohnR arrived back with our Friday trip party.
You are all probably aware that there have been recce tours by some of the trip leaders. Victorian Member Glenn had a lot of previous experience here. Glenn introduced JohnR and Heather to the beauty of the range for the first time two or three years ago, with Willem, Mr and Mrs Al too.
Bonz, Lucky and JohnR had been around there two or three times recently too. Bonz's brother, Rob, had had his first real offroad experience there recently too, Bonz's dad too on Cup Day. With that preparation it meant we could time the trips reasonably
well, and drivers and passengers could be back in
camp to begin meal preparation and generally socialise. We really felt for Member Lucky that he had been hospitalised when we knew how much he enjoyed the area and had put in considerable planning effort too.
As arranging member, John was so lucky to have people to consult with in Bonz, Glenn, Lucky(Member Lucy) until hospitalization, Chris G (someone on the ground locally),and Des Lexic who stepped up when Lucy became indisposed. Merv Flett, the Manager of the DSE based at Avoca had a part to play, with a number of phone calls to him and a couple of visits to the
camp site, and Fraser McKay, secretary of the rec res committee. We also spoke to neighbours who would have upwards of 30 vehicles drive past their homes. These discussions included our trip plans, fire safety, and
campsite useage.
An unexpected highlight of the weekend was the attitude of children round the
camp. They revelled in the space and freedom of the
campsite, and were delightful. They were really
well behaved and we know from what has been said to us and by parents, how they enjoyed the
camping and exploring experience. From Qld Kev and Sam's one year old, and Adrian and Annie's littlie, to teenagers, they all enjoyed the experience, even if faces were buried in pillows when travelling steep tracks, hey Imi. It was lovely to see the happy faces all around. We have found with ExplorOz there is no age barrier, with all generations genuinely enjoying each other's company. It's like a big family, minus the fights! The experiences these children are receiving certainly gives them an appreciation of the beauty of our bush, a greater empathy with our environment, and a message of caring and sharing.
One of the favourite toys of the Child Contingent was the stakes Bonz had cut for marking out the territory at the Reserve. Sharpened to a point they were waved about, burnt in the fire, jousted with and generally banged together, with no eyes out, and no fights evident. Three made their way home with AdrianLR’s children as souvenirs of the weekend. Liam’s words when heading to bed Sunday night to his Dad summed up the weekend…”Thanks for taking us
camping Dad!”
On Friday John had led a trip for the early arrivals. Later, much socialising took place round the campfire, until a shower of rain sent most people to their camps for an early night. It didn't deter the stayers though.
On Saturday those wanting to go on trips split into four groups. Others preferred to do their own thing, mostly including visits to several local wineries. Trip leader Glenn with his usual professionalism was the best prepared with a plan for his group. Des Lexic's Magical Mystery Trip was interesting to say the least, including genuine exploring but often running into other groups! Bonz's trip concluded with his Nissan by being towed into
camp by Willem, which sometimes happens to Bonz. His day got off to a bad start with the only flat tyre of the weekend. Tough on tyres that grass at the campground! JohnR's trip was for those wishing to combine 4wding with wine tasting - quite a mix. Mostly they stayed to trip plan, although came of a dead end on Whiskers Track which John just had to investigate. First real challenge was Old King Tree Track, with some rocky ledges. All enjoyed a picnic lunch under the trees at Taltarni Winery, followed by tasting and buying. Next visit was the the boutique winery, Summerfield in Moonambel. The trip back to
camp was up the rocky Sardine Track with many washouts, to 747m at Mount Avoca, and a long, steep in
places, descent on the North Glenpatrick Track.
Saturday night with everyone now in
camp made for a huge circle round the campfire. It was impressive to see so many
camp ovens round the fire, and the delicious aromas emanating there from. The kids loved toasting marshmallows, especially using Bonz's tomato stakes! After tea we had the drawing of the raffles. Even the caravanners who were so reluctant for us to share the public facilities with them, joined in by buying tickets, even taking off one of the prizes. Here we must especially acknowledge the donors of the prizes – David and Michelle from ExplorOz, Chris G, and Qld Kev. Bonz especially enjoyed distributing the prizes, accompanied by hugs and kisses, regardless of age and gender. A short fines session followed, then music by Rob, Willem and Nat on the guitar, and groover Glenn on the maracas. A late night was had by most.
A late night seemed even later when everyone from
Ararat to Avoca received an unexpected early wake up call on Sunday morning when Lucy and his long suffering SWMBO roared into
camp at 6.45am, horn blaring, The Flag flying truimphantly. (Can Jeepneys roar?) Several rounds of the campground ensured that everyone was awake. The Flag's freedom was short lived, as it was again flag-napped. How careless, wonder where it will next be seen. The whistle is still missing, although several of its relatives were at Glenpatrick. It was fantastic that Lucy and Dierdre were able to make an appearance. Lucy looked so much better for having got rid of all that gall! Hope the trip didn't tire you out too much, mate, and that you will soon be a new improved Lucy version.
Sunday was Remembrance Day, being 11th of 11th so a service was in order for many so Chris G who is local RSL Branch Secretary took the Avoca service and we had several EO members in attendance. Truth be known, that was a major reason for Lucky to be there for the day, with the EO contingent. The EO presence was also noted by the local newspaper,
the Pyrenees Advocate and we look forward to seeing what they write about our intrepid
Explorers. And the jelly cakes at the RSL were DIVINE.
There were several members who wanted to do another drive on Sunday so JohnR took them over tracks to meet the EO members at the Waterfalls Picnic ground who had been to the Remembrance Service. Lucky and his lovely Dierdre too. They were able to meet at 12.30 for a picnic lunch so had a relaxed return to
camp for pack-up for those heading home that afternoon or next morning break of
camp.
We know this trip report really doesn't cover much of the tracks over
The Pyrenees of Western Victoria but leave that to individual reports from team members as there were so many tracks covered. To quote Rock Crawler in a conversation with JohnR “ the tracks have such vairety, some quite testing, some very easy. Great
views, and what I really liked, was that provided you did what you should do in driving, none would damage your vehicle” Hear, hear to that. As Bonz said in a post in the last few days, “How I love
the Pyrenees”
The non-EO campers at Glenpatrick had during Sunday moved their caravans to around the
shelter shed and
toilet block, something we can only guess they intended to do on arrival. That created a sort of exclusion zone which is not particularly neighbourly in a public area. EO members had to approach the
toilet past a close-quartered caravan and were asked in no uncertain terms not to use the
toilet that is set up for wheel chairs as they had their shower set up there. They also drilled a hole in the wall for the
water to drain. That attitude really didn't fit with the spirit of what we may expect in such a
free camp public area. They were however disappointed when we removed the large map from the wall of the
camp shelter which by now was set up with lights, table cloth and board games which they played endlessly. The map is now displayed in the Info Centre in Avoca (complete with EO sticker) for the use of 4wders.
Explorers will be amused to know that a contractor turned up on Sunday afternoon to mow the grass in the campground! Too late for us.
We broke
camp on Monday morning with the
toilet block mopped out with plenty of
water, the
tank left full of
water, campfire ash buried, and no rubbish left for us to pick up. Not only that the maintenance on the leaking
toilet cistern had been done by a bushie.
We guess this report has blown out in size but is written co-operatively with
the Pyrenees Team who are very happy that there will be a kitty of $500 to be presented to the Glenpatrick
Recreation Reserve Committee for development. This was raised from a nominal “
camp fee”, raffles, fines and donations. John has already been making enquiries to see if they can get a government grant to multiply that amount. Congratulations everyone,
well done.
All in all,
the Pyrenees Team feel pretty happy with the response from members and their behaviour throughout the weekend. We wonder if it can be an annual event perhaps. Such a beautiful area deserves our support.
This report has been worked through with the other team members in mind but we will also add information of individual trips and tracks