Participating:

Steve - Team Leader (All Tracks 4WD Club member).

Independents: Craig, Justin, Eric, Mushy.

West Coast 4X4 (Inc) 4WD Club members: Froggy & Sofia, Sparky, Bronky, Cactus Jack.

All started at the Lakes at precisely 9.00am. Vehicles ranging from 4bees to 2x4's amounted to a convoy close for 35 vehicles. Dave Fyfe (2005 ASU coordinator) addressed the mob from perched on top of a tedium trailer. The convoy leader for the trip to Northam was selected and identified as was the tail end Charlie. Dave gave me the job of relaying between the leader and the tail, being that the convoy was spread over quite a distance and some were only on hand held UHF. Convoy procedure was addressed by Dave before moving on.

We arrived in Northam under a blanket of fog and were directed to the an open car park in Northam itself and of course right next to a block of dunny's. We then all split up into our own team groups whilst waiting for Dave Fyfe to get back to us whom left the convoy from The Lakes, something about picking more gear up. We then hopped back into the trucks and headed to the Avon Descent race start. Stopped there for awhile and checked out various things before moving on worked our way down the valley following the Avon River identifying any risk/hazard areas.

The first major obstacle we were to check out was going to be Katrines. Katrines had significance as someone was drowned here a few years ago, the location was identified as a spot whereby the recovery rescue team would be monitoring on the first day. 

We stopped at Extracts for lunch. Helped out the laying of star pickets to guide competitors to walk their craft around instead of heading down the poly pipes if they chose the softer option. We then went about and marshalled the river for competitors that were making their practice run down the Avon - speed boats that is. Bronky looking after the whistle and red flag. 

Stopping at a couple more spots after making our way to campsite, then setup camp almost right on the Avon River itself, fantastic.

Evert brought a trailer load of goodwood <Greenwood>, 8 year old Jarrah Logs and when burnt, minimal smoke... so far as to say, thanks to young Mr. Evert, the volunteer rescue recovery team enjoyed the very BEST campfire there that evening. And you know when a campfire is the very, very best... when lads sleep right next to it in their swags and its still burning in the morning. Bloody marvellous. Onya Evert ;-)

The morning was cold but not extremely cold, very wet a dewy, no noticeable ice to speak of to chip off the windscreens. Everyone packed up camp in timely fashion, though the following weekend it will be a bit of a team effort to get us all packed up and outta there very early - on time. This exercise was a great opportunity to get orientated and ready for next weekend.

Off down river our team leaving camp last and locking the gates behind us, rest of the rescue team in front of us. Didn't take long for us to over take them down the track. Stopping very frequently and taking a look at the river with Mushy pointing out all the hazards on the River and what would be expected of us the following Sunday.

Oh, Mushy leading us with Steve up the rear with Mushy doing a superb job communicating to us over the radio all aspects of what we might be confronted with following weekend. Excellent communication skills.

Other places visited was the airport, Emu Falls. 

As a convoy, we stuck to the speed limit of 40kph where possible but more importantly driving to the conditions. We meandered our way to Syds Rapids, did the big walk/climb down the embankment to the banks of the Avon and met up with Bryan Lee and his team doing some simulated rescue activities in the Avon. Tell you what, these guys need a medal for what they do, unbelievable! And so will we when we drag a few boats outta Syds and onto the trailers, bloody hell, what a climb up?! Better get to the gym this week ;-)

All in all, it was great weekend, meeting new people and witnessing some incredible scenery and I do mean really, really incredible. The tracks we drove on is restricted, they ALL have gates and are ALL padlocked.

A special thanks to Dave Fyfe for allowing us the opportunity to be involved in this activity and thanks to both Steve and Mushy for looking after us over the weekend. And of course Evert for keeping us all nice, warm and cuddly around that AWESOME campfire Saturday evening and Sunday morning, and don't forget them hugs Evert! ;-) 

Enjoy the pics everyone ;-)

Northam Car Park

Race start

Start line

Katrines

Extracts

Day 2

Syds Rapids