Another GREAT Trip lead by Eli. Thank you. To Add to your report. It took 1 hour for myself and Eli to get Jason and his Navara to a wash away for others to get past. This was mainly due to the steepness of the track and the thickness of the snow and ice. No chances were taken and we had to reposition the snatch a few times to aid in guiding and being an anchor to ensure Jason and his Rig got to a safe location. Good team work and communication by all involved. Sorry to all those who had to wait at the bottom of the hill while this was all happening!.
If this trip was run during any other time it would of been a Easy to Medium trip. But with the heavy snow dumps and the fact we were the first convoy to use most of the tracks it turned the trip into a solid Medium Trip with a couple of technical sections. Perfect for the group and a great experience for those who are not use to this type of driving. Plenty of experience and guidance between all involved which made the day easy.
First hit snow at around 780 - 800 mtrs and had thick powder at 1000 -1100 mtrs (approx 40cm to 50 cm). We expected snow BUT we didnt expect the amount we found and the weather was perfect sunny and NO WIND!.
We had some young "P Platers" in front of our convoy who were a little heavy on the right foot and one almost went off the cliff at about 1150 mtrs, Luckily we were not too far behind them and quickly arrived and Eli snatched him back on to the track and cleared a fallen tree then was brought down by the P plater. We continued up to the fire tower were it was like Bourke St 10+ 4wds and Mud slush everywhere.
Discussions and goodbyes at this point as we headed down to the main road. those camping headed off and everyone else continued on to the air up point. Jason in the 100 series radioed that he pinched a brake line and was not going to camp but to head home.
We continued to Cumberland Junction were we began to air up. rolled in Jason and his 100 series with the front left smoking like a 90 year old chain smoker. Still unsure of how badly damaged the vehicle was Jason said he would limp home as he was about 20 mins from there.
Jason & Katrina, Blair, Peter & Mel and Me, Tracey and Kids continued to Air up and discuss which way we were heading home. We all headed to Warburton instead of going via Marysville. Luckily we did as we rounded a bend and saw Jasons 100 series on the side of the road with his hazards on. we all pulled up and jumped out, His front left wheel has completely come off and was 5 -10 mtrs behind him brake disc was behind the vehicle and skid marks to where he came to rest. LUCKY! as it could of been a lot worst!. We all discussed how we could assist and it was decided that Jason and Katrina would run Jason to somewhere with phone reception to arrange a tow truck while Peter and Mel stayed with the vehicle to ensure it was safe and not ransacked while Jason was getting help.
Blair and myself and family continued home as it was decided we couldnt assist any further. Thank you to Jason/ Katrina and Peter / Mel for assisting Jason getting his Rig home!. Hopefully it will be back on the tracks sooner rather than later.
Some facts about the Trip!
KM Travelled - 191.6 Warburton to Warburton
Max Altitude - 1392 m
Moving time - 5 hrs 32 mins
Stopped time - 3 hrs 26 mins
Total time - 8 hrs 58 mins
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