Well, a great time was had by all on the night drive. This was my first time leading a trip, which thanks to Jason and Thommo was very easy. Things didn't start off all together smoothly with Jason’s compressor rushed into Thommo’s 80 so as to get the lockers going.We all headed of a little later than planned from Pakenham but with heaps of time for some serious off-roading. We headed to Gembrook around where the club Nav Rally was held, and given the recent rain, there was sufficient mud for some fun driving and a little winching.
Four cars went - two 80's(Thommo, Warren, Jason & Kev in Thommo’s, Adam and gang in Adams), a GQ shortie (Bec and I) and a GQ wagon(Shane and gang). Simex,Swampers and diff locks all round. The trip started with a little climb up Two Scouts Tk, which Adam had a couple of goes at, then drove it. Bec had a stab and then handed the reigns to me where I had a blast up. To quote Thommo who was explaining to Bec how to drive it "with no regard for the right hand quarter". Thommo and Shane chose to drive around only to find the muddy alternative had both cars bottomed resulting in a winch.
After some good fun driving I showed eveyone how not to go down Rankin track after having to winch over a large rock that I tried to punch into the ground with my diffs.
On our way we met up with another group who were cruising.Jas and Thommo knew names but not a newcomer like me. We moved on and were asked to assist some young lads who had bogged their car in what I found out was a swamp. A deal was struck and Jas and I headed off to recover the vehicle. In an attempt to cause a splash, I followed our guide at speed, and ended up bonnet deep in the swamp (Yes I will accept a fine for saying to Jas in the car" Shall I wet him?),which was the source of much entertainment. Thanks to our visitor Adam, who tried numerous snatches before turning the surrounding swamp into bog, he winched me out. After walking and plotting a course that was above ground, we made our way to the bogged vehicle and made a recovery.
Next stop was Andersons Tk, a greasy rutted climb, which is grouse fun and where Thommo showed us how to change a tyre after rolling it off the rim. Beadlocks are a good thing. Last stop Sooky Anderson’s, a slippery down hill descent, where steering and stopping weren't options. At the bottom a rutted creek with a winch out that provided some fun for all and a little damage to those of us more gung-ho and keen to try to drive everything. As those of you who have seen the photos would know, a little damage occurred but nothing that couldn't be fixed.
Best part of all, after a top night I was home in bed at 1.35. Thanks to all who came and to Jas, Thommo, Kev, Adam, Shane and friends I hope you had a top time as Bec and I certainly did.