Sawyers Valley

• Date - Sunday 5th June 2005

• Trip Leader - John Mc (Macca)

• Tail-end Charlie - John S (Stamp)

• Trip Notes - Martin & Karen

Much to the relief of Macca (John "M"), 5 vehicles showed up for the day trip through Sawyers Valley. He originally had 7 interested parties, however due to various reason a few members pulled out at the last minute. Macca was running solo for the day, as was John "S" took on tail-end-charlie of the convoy which included Martin and Karen, Gary and Wilma, and visitors Craig and Kirsty.

With a few wet days prior to the trip and light rain falling as we gathered near Sawyers Valley Tavern it promised to be an interesting day in the valley. We turned onto the newly graded section of the powerlines track from Great Eastern Highway and then taking the usual detour through the forest to the saw pit where we stopped for a quick look at the large Jarrah tree. At that stage we were joined by two other vehicles heading on the same path. That set the scene for the rest of the day with an abundance of 4WDs making use of the slippery conditions.

We soon returned to the powerlines track and began the fist of many climbs and descents in the valley. The track had been well utilised with many wash-aways making it an exercise not to be taken lightly. The ground was wet in most parts and several locations presented challenging water crossings to navigate. Most were side-tracked by dry land giving us the 'wimp' option if we chose.

John S was always eager to test the ability of the Hilux Surf where the opportunity presented itself. The high ground clearance and mud-terrain tyres on the Surf gave John a clear advantage over the other vehicles in the convoy. He made some climbs look like a walk in the park, were the rest of us were re-modelling our side steps.

Gary and Wilma put their Challenger through its paces. Gary not shy to try some difficult jump-ups, at one stage finding out that a square chassis and the washed away terrain of a rocky embankment were not compatible. The sound of mud guards or side steps crunching on rocks did not deter him from reversing and giving it another go. Eventually man and machine triumphed over adversity, ready to tackle the next hill, and then the next, and the next...

Craig and Kirsty, who have recently moved here from QLD, enjoyed themselves testing out their newly acquired Pajero. As former members of Queensland's Subaru 4WD Club they were also keen to tackle the more challenging tracks.

Despite the morning rain, the day turned out very nice, with morning tea and lunch stops on top of rock outcrops with the sun breaking through the odd cloud. Although the driving proved somewhat challenging, the days pace set by Macca and the good company made for a wonderful day's outing. It proved to be what a "day trip" is all about.

After lunch the girls jumped into the driver's seat to give the slippery conditions and few water crossings a go. It was approaching 3pm by the time we reached Talbot Road. We then decided to head for the Great Southern Highway for the drive home. We stopped at the junction of GSH were tyres were re-inflated and everyone bid their goodbyes.

Thanks Macca.
Martin