Sunday Muddy Sunday, Toolangi
Finlays trip to Toolangi, led by Trevor and navigated by Gary.
Finlay, Leigh & Nick Hilux
Trevor, Gary & Tully 62 Series
At approx 7 am, we all set off from Finlays, heading to Toolangi via Gembrook. We arrived at the starting
point of our adventure, Yarra-Glen, had a cuppa, fuelled up Trev and set the GPS.
At 8.30am, we came across some chaps in a new patrol who had a flat tyre with apparently part of the jack
kit missing. So they asked to borrow Finlays hilift to change their tyre. Trev and Finlay let down their tyres
while waiting and we were off for some action.
On our way, we turned left onto Victoria Range track, which is a great slippery, muddy, very deep rutted
track. We were going great until Trev got bogged in a deep hole, broke a tail light and had to be winched
out. Once out Trev decided it was a good idea to put on the chains, for extra traction. Nick and Leigh called
him a cheat, however, all jokes aside, traction was very much needed. Next was Finlays turn. Three
attempts and he was out. Turned the next corner sliding, spinning wheels, mud spraying everywhere and
came across the first deep water hole. We heard Finlay exclaim Oh no! I’ve just replaced the seal in my
gear box.
As the point of no return was upon us, we had to forge on. Finlay and Leigh checked the depth of the water
and realised the water would come halfway up his door. We decided to dig a trench to drain the water level.
At this point it was only 10am, so Leigh, Trev and Finlay started digging.
About one hour later the fun of driving through the water hole became a reality and we got some really great
photos. Of course, we had the winch cable wound out and tree trunk protectors ready, as nobody wanted to
get their feet wet. Lucky the bottom of the hole was very hard and Finlay forged through creating a bow
wave. The winch had to quickly come and within minutes of hitting the switch, the Hilux was out. Trev made
it through without any aid.
Some time after our water crossing, Trevs alternator stopped charging, so we stopped for lunch just short of Martins
and Pine Tracks. The alternator was removed and discovered there was mud in the brushes. A quick clean
and back together within the hour.
My navigation was hard at times. Trev reckons it was because I didn’t have my glasses on, but it was due to the
fact that he was driving to fast past the signs.
Drove up some very steep rocky tracks with damp loose ground, so we thought it best to carefully turn around so
as not to roll the car and drive back down. After the alternator fix, Trev didn’t like the water
anymore.
Approx. 3.30pm, we got back to Victoria Range Track, reinflated our tyres and headed home as the fog was starting
to roll in and become a bit nippy. All slightly shagged and a good nights sleep was in order. If there had of
been rain and more vehicles, things could have gotten more exciting.
Thanks to Finlay and Trev for a good drive. Both cars fared well. Only damage was Trevors left panel, a tail light
assembly, a cranky starter motor, a crook soloniod and to finally top it off, taking off from a set of lights, BANG!
Trev sheared axel bolts off.
GREAT END TO A GREAT DAY.
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