Saturday the 30th of April – Sunday the 1st of May 2022
Attendees:
- Gordon and Merrick, Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series
- Russell, Toyota Landcruiser 105 Series
- John and Ann, Toyota Landcruiser Prado 150 Series
- Dave, Nissan Patrol GU
- Nathan and Daniel, Nissan Patrol GU
- Daven and Richard, Nissan Patrol GQ
Nothing like a hearty pie early on a chilly morning….
Meeting up at the Warburton Bakery early on Saturday morning, I can tell you they were all
the rage to take the chill from the air. Greetings all round we also welcomed a couple of
visitors of the club to the trip and congratulated Daven on becoming a full member.
Slotting together, in convoy, outside the old Sanitarium Factory we started the long winding
journey from the valley in Warburton up to Cumberland Junction. Only being held up by a
accidental wrong turn for half the convoy and a suicidal cyclist.
Cresting the hill, we turned onto Big River Road and made our way for the airing down point
near Stockman’s Reward Campsite. Populating the day’s drive was slightly slippery, but easy
tracks over the mountains towards Woods Point. Tackling fallen trees and difficult alternate
lines provide entertainment for all.
Stopping for lunch on the Summit of Corn Hill proved to be a shiveringly good spot with icy
winds blowing in from all directions, even when we had stopped in the cover of Snow Gum
trees. With great luck the rain had held out even after the torrential downpours that had
happened during the week. After lunch we started the descent down Frenchman’s Gap track,
passing somewhere in the thick brush the source of the mighty Goulburn River.
Late afternoon the sun made another appearance as we navigated some steep sections
down to a place called Brooklyn Town. Brooklyn Town was once a bustling gold mining town
that is situated on the small flats around the Goulburn River. Crossing the river and following
a tight track we came upon a hut and cleared area that just fit us all in. Lots of banter and big
piles of wood were the story of the night. The ambient noise of the night wasn’t owls hooting
but Russell working away on his tyre as he tried to fix a leaking bead.
Waking early the next morning we punched down a quick brekky and trekked out to the
Wood Point town, taking a quick detour to enter an old mining tunnel and play along the
upper sections of river. Wouldn’t you know it as well, Russell in his mighty Landcruiser
became stuck on one of the river entries. Wheels were spinning and profanities may have
been flying, that is until he was let in on a secret that someone had unlocked his hubs.
Stopping for a bite to eat at the pub, we took in the historic town. After lunch the weather
unfortunately turned quite sour, with heavy fog, cold temperatures and inconsistent rain
setting in. Travelling the road less travelled we climbed up to Mount Matlock before getting
back onto Woods Point – Marysville Rd.
Just like that we arrived back where we started at Cumberland Junction. Airing up and
saying our goodbyes we trundled off in different directions as we headed home.
Thankyou to everyone that came, it was a great trip and I will see you on the next one.
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