Arbuckle Snow Trip 2024 (27th and 28th of August)
Attendees:
- Merrick TL – 80 Series Landcruiser
- Gordon – 80 Series Landcruiser
- Callum +1 – Jeep Cherokee XJ
- Russell and Kobe – 100 Series Landcruiser
- George (Visitor) – Mazda BT50
- Bonnie (Visitor) – Toyota Hilux
- Chris and Suzanne – Toyota Hilux
- Matt – Nissan Patrol GU
- Matt (Visitor) – Toyota Prado
- Steve C – Mitsubishi Pajero Shorty
- Steve and Hayden B – Nissan Patrol GQ Shorty
- Rob – Izuzu D-max
- Sam +1 – Jeep Cherokee XJ
- Dave – Suzuki Sierra
- Phil – Nissan Patrol
- Nathan and Katherine – Nissan Patrol GU
For some the trip started early on Friday night. With those not wanting a long drive on Saturday or to eager to wait till then heading up to McAllister River Campground. From all accounts the rain held off, it wasn’t too cold and a good night was had.
With the rest of us early risers arrive a little after 9AM on Saturday morning final packup, greetings to those friends not seen for a while and a final vehicle count took place in the campground. Checking in with all and pushing onto Licola we gathered while a snow report was tried to get drawn from the general store, while last toilet stops were taken. A quick discussion about vehicle order and we drove off hopefully into the hills.
Climbing up the windy, seemingly corrugation free, road we arrived at Dingo Hill to air down. Once jumping out of the cars we let tyres down and realised that the air temp had reduced dramatically to that of the valley. Unfortunately after jumping back onto the road a little bingle was had between Matt and Chris’ and Suzanne’s car. What seemed like a small dint on the Hilux’s tray was a different story to Matt’s patrol with bent bull bar, and serious damage to engine components. After some diagnosing, road side repairs and stop leak luckily Matt was able to drive the car off the mountain. Gordon following for support and to make sure he got to town safe we bid farewell to our early departee.
With time getting away from us now we drove on and slowly started to spot patches of the white stuff. These growing larger as we got closer to The Lost Plain (1480m). Finally a very light covering was seen and this was maintained until we climbed up to the locked gate at the high plains road. Here we found a good covering that was unfortunately very icy, and thus rock hard. Stopping for lunch we all had to dodge one or two cheeky snowballs.
Heading away from lunch we drove out of patchy snow to the start of our planned trackside camping location. Here we changed into 4 low and started sinking our teeth into some slippery stuff. Finally making it the highplains that would serve as our camping spot we all took turns and various lines in the large creek created boghole. This resulted in a couple of people needing a couple of bites and one snatch out. Just as we began to setup camp the weather took a turn and in no time we saw snow falling. This kept on for most of the night and by 10:00PM we had a great dump of snow.
Waking to a brisk, light breeze a few extra cm’s were found to have fallen. Getting a fire going and coffee’s on the go was a good idea because before we could pack up the snow had started again. Finally packed up we lined up for a groupshot and formed up for the 4wd out to the main roads.
This turned out to be a little more difficult than the previous afternoon, with my Landcruiser throwing a bead on the drivers side front tyre within meters of returning to the track. Luckily not too much air was lost and I was able to drive on it. Further down the track, where a small climb was needed the snow became very slippery for cars closer to the middle and back of the convoy. Here we also had a second bingle as Steve andn Hayden’s patrol almost slid backwards into Steve C’s Pajero. Luckily some additional air let out of tyres made a big difference going forward.
Returning to Moroka Rd we said goodbye to some of the convoy. The hardy members sending it on and upwards to the high plains road. Here we had good stretches of road to play in. After a small break and play up at the road end we trundled back down to Licola while admiring the snowscape that had arrived overnight. I think the count to Kobe was snow down to 864m, but I might need corrected on that.
Airing up at at a campsite on the road to Licola we snacked on a few pies and said our goodbyes. A great trip with lots of excitement. Thanks for all that came and good to hear Matt that you made it home safely after your accident, can’t wait to see the patrol back in action.
0 Comments