To:

P. O. B

ox 228, Nelson 7040

http://ww

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dnz.netW

ould you like to sponsor the colour cover??? P

lease let the editor know

.O

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2011

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Club Information

MeetingsSocial meetings held at the Suburban Club, Tahunanui on the FIRST WEDNESDAY of the month at 8pm, except January. Next meeting: Wednesday 5th October 2011. Vehicle inspection (to get the club tick) Please contact Rowan Coutts @ Translog, Brightwater, phone: 543 5220 or mobile: 027 5963180 to make an appoinment. A small amount of equipment like strops, spark arrestor material etc. will also be available there. Or, if you live in the MOT-area, call Gordon Jackett: 528 7713.

Annual SubscriptionsSubs are $65 if paid by 30th June then increase to $75.New membership is $75, after 1st November $45. Fee period is 1st April to 31st March.

Advertising Full Page $40 Half Page $20

DisclaimerThe opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the various authors and do not necessarily express the policy of the Nelson Four Wheel Drive Club.

The Official Magazine of the NELSON FOUR WHEEL DRIVE CLUB

Committee 2011/2012

Phone EmailPresident Tracy McCrenor 03 545 2115 tracy@4wdnz.netVice President Gordon Jackett 03 528 7713 gordon@4wdnz.netSecretary Chaz Brooks 0274844676 chaz@4wdnz.netTreasurer Harald Ahlfeld 03 541 9128 harold@4wdnz.net Trip Co-ordinators Neil Albury / 03 544 7989 neil@4wdnz.net Miles Anderson 03 545 6265 miles@4wdnz.netSafety Officers Rowan Coutts / 03 543 5220 rowan@4wdnz.net Gordon Jackett (MOT) 03 528 7713 gordon@4wdnz.netMembership Lex Bloomfield 03 528 8729 lex@4wdnz.netTraining Liason Graeme Nicholls 03 541 8317 graeme@4wdnz.netPRO, Combined Clubs & Tracy McCrenor 03 545 2115 tracy@4wdnz.netNZFWDA Representative Communications / GPS Andrew Mackie 03 547 9425 andrew@4wdnz.netEquipment Miles Anderson 03 545 6265 miles@4wdnz.netSocial Graeme Nicholls / 03 541 8317 graeme@4wdnz.net Gordon Jackett / 03 528 7713 gordon@4wdnz.net Lex Bloomfield 03 528 8729 lex@4wdnz.net

Front page: Photo of the Hacket Hut, taken by Guy Evans

Newsletter editor Harald Ahlfeld 03 541 9128 editor@4wdnz.netSheriff Lex Bloomfield 03 528 8729 lex@4wdnz.netDeputy Scotty Newport 0274997098 scotty@4wdnz.net

President’s Comment

Well, it’s been a busy 43,829.0639 minutes….and even longer since my last report with a bit of a family trip away to the good ‘Ol US’ of A for nearly 3 weeks.The first man and Squeak had a great time and we certainly covered some miles (2,800 miles to be exact…!) in our trusty van. Spending a day out on the Bonneville Salt Flats during Speed Week was a highlight for Madam President…they were certainly doing some great speeds out there – I gather the fastest for the week was around 425 miles per hour..? wouldn’t be keen to do that in the Wrangler methinks…!

But more of that at a later date – Squeak was very keen to do his report during the trip but due to computer / e-mail glitches he was unable to send it…shame! Of course we now have to put up with a whole heap of photos with squeak’s head in the frame- - such a Hollywood…

On a Club note – it was great to see such a good turn out for the Hacket Forestry trip despite the rain and thanks to Phil and Higgy for the last minute changes in plans and ensuring a trip went ahead regardless. My brother Terry only said a quiet “bloody hell” as we dropped down onto the greasy firebreak and the back of the Wrangler tried to come round and meet the front – still managed to get some photos on the way down so couldn’t have been that bad!

Sav and I have just returned from another successful day at the annual Sheffield Mud Plug this last weekend with a first placing in Open Class and overall, with Mike and Sherryl Holmes (Blenheim Club) coming in 3rd place having come up from competing at Dunedin Winch Challenge and a respectable 2nd placing there. Sheffield fire Brigade again did a great job organising this event and with 50 competitors and a very large spectator crowd would have raised a good amount of much-needed funds.

As always we had a number of people looking over the Jeep during and after the event – not believing that it only had factory limited slip in it with no diff locks! Shows you what good driver skills and a capable vehicle can do….!

The Southern Zone has a meeting early October – if any club members have issues that they would like to raise or comments on any topics discussed at the AGM earlier on in the year – please contact me and I’ll pass them on.At our next open Club meeting I will be putting the subject of the current tyre size ruling out on the floor for discussion to gauge feeling on whether or not to change this! I hope this will generate some lively debate around the issue.

Well, onwards and upwards – see you out on the track..!

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NEW MEMBERSThe Club welcomes the following new member:

Stephen & Bernadette Thoms, they drive a Toyota Surf

Looking forward to seeing you at the next meeting or on the trail.

Challenge of the day?

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Editor’s ramblings

PHOTO OF THEMONTHThis photo was taken by LloydKnowles on the Hacket Hut trip

All articles etc. as usual to be in hand of the editor by the 15th of the month. Preference is by e-mail: editor@4wdnz.net or post it to: Harald Ahlfeld, 6 Fenn Place, Wakefield 7025.

The editor reserves the right to use discretion to edit trip reports and to withhold names of properties and landowners to protect their privacy.

If you want to see your photo printed in the magazine simply send your digital photo (highest resolution possible) by email to: editor@4wdnz.net.

Please include a suitable caption.

All photos in a trip environment will be considered, and the editor’s decision is final. Actual photographs will be returned if return address/stamped envelope included. The Nelson 4WD Club reserves the right to use material submitted.

Hi folks,

just to let you know that the anonymous ‘bill payer’ from Auckland is found: a Club member, living in Richmond. It all happened because of a glitch in the computer system and took a while to get it sorted.

Some interesting trips are on the calendar,

see ya out there!

5

Minutes of the General Meetingof the Nelson Four Wheel Drive Club

Held at the Nelson Suburban Club 7th September 2011

Before the meeting commenced Roger Ball from Civil Defence Nelson gave a brief informa-tive talk on the role of Civil Defence and answered a few questions from Club members.

Present: 28 members

New and prospective members: S. Thoms

Matters arising from CM: Bill Knowles asked for clarification on the funding application Tracy is applying for on behalf of the Club.

Past trip reports: Lamb Valley – A report by Ian Hanford, muddy, enjoyable day Snow Trip – Scotty reported on snow trip with lots of snow. Golden Downs – Warren Blake reported seven trucks covered a good distance, good day out.

Upcoming Trips: Waimea Forest – limited access due to logging Ladies Trip - men are welcome Scott Trial - postponed, now the Westbank Trip Haast Knowlesville Fun Day

General business: Phil Madill reported that with the proceeds from the Manuka Island trip he gave the key holders a couple of bottles of wine and some biscuits, it was much appreciated.

Sav presented the rubber ducky award to Scotty for getting stuck in the Ap- pleby River and requiring a tow out.

Sheriff session: Thanks to Lex $22.40

Meeting closed: 9.10pm

Chaz Brooks(Secretary)

Simple home remedies that workYOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE: WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN’T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN’T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE. sent in by Graeme Nicholls

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Minutes of the 405th Committee MeetingHeld 13th September 2011 at Graeme Nicholls’

Present: H. Ahlfeld, C. Brooks, L. Bloomfield, T. McCrenor, G. Jackett, G. Nicholls, N. Albury

Apologies: R.Coutts

Absent: A. Mackie, M. Anderson

Minutes of the 404th meeting read and confirmed

Matters arising: Re: Fireworks for the Old Farts trip - Lex and Gordon are looking at costs. Letter of thanks was sent to land owner for training day. Scooter Challenge - further info required on what trailers are required. Graeme offered his trailer to use.

Corresp. inwards: Various magazines

Matters arising: Nil

Financial report: Presented by Harald and moved. Moved Chaz and Neil

Matters arising: Total of 86 members. Term deposit has been reinvested

Upcoming trips: Discussed programme. Scott Trial now 3rd/4th December, Westbank trip has taken its place in calendar. Bob Dickinson & Kevin Page are running a Southern Safari next year on Nelson Anniversary weekend. 25th September – Ladies Day. Staying at Red Deer Lodge 9th October - Westbank 22-25th October - Haast Trip 5-6th November - Knowlesville (Old Farts) 20th November - Fun Day

Safety: Nil

Membership: One person joined. Committee discussed past members and why some don’t rejoin. There were few enquires for new memberships.

Magazine: Harald received an email from David Selby (Marlborough Club) asking for permission to publish our magazine on their website. Committee sees no issue with this and we will look at doing the same with their magazine.

Social: Planning going on for Old Farts and then Combined Clubs events/trip.

NZ4WDA: Southern Zone meeting is on the 8th October in Dunedin. Tracy is to fly down representing club. Flights to be covered by the club. Chaz to update membership on website.

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TRIP REPORT: GOLDEN DOWNS

Date: 28th August 2011Trip leader: HiggyTrip report: Warren Blake

Sunday 28 August dawned fine and clear and I predicted a large number of vehicles to be out on such a beaut day. The meeting place was the Belgrove Pub and most club members know what to expect on a “Higgy” Trip. That’s right – expect the unexpected. So the first unexpected event of the day was upon leaving Belgrove there were only seven vehicles in the convoy. A disappointing turnout as Higgy gives such great value for your petrol money as this day also proved.

From the pub we headed into Wai-iti Valley Road and reaching Hiwipango we turned off into the forest along Stades Road. There had been no rain for some days before this trip so roads were dusty. After a few side tracks and traversing generally West we finally came out on the main road at the top of Spooner’s Saddle. We crossed the main road and travelled passed Spooner’s Saddle Lookout and proceeded along some easy roads and tracks before a sharp drop down a rough track to hit the main road at the top end of Norris’s Gully.

A short re-group was held here before turning off the main highway into Valley Road. The convoy travelled several kilometres along Valley Road before entering the narrow belt of for-

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Combined Clubs: Nil

General meeting: DVD’s for the October general meeting

General business: Club’s trailer now has awning and shelving fitted, progressing well. Lex mentioned that a table will also be required for club trailer, committee agrees to the purchase of the table.

At the next general meeting there is to be a discussion about the Club’s tyre size ruling.

Graeme mentioned if it was possible for the meeting time on the trip info sheets be changed to departure time.

Gordon is looking for a mannequin if anyone has one available.

8.45pm meeting closed

Next Meeting: 11th October at Lex Bloomfields’, 239 Thorpe St, Motueka

Chaz Brooks(Secretary)

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(continued from page 7))

(continued on page 9)

Leo gives Darren a hand... Harald Ahlfeld photo

est which separates Valley Road from the Motueka River. A play in a nice long mud hole in the forest entertained most vehicles who tried getting through. Usual stuff here – plenty of mud flying and the inevitable towing of some vehicles. Lunch was held and afterwards the convoy proceeded into the Motueka River bed. There we stayed travelling a considerable distance up river, passed the back of the Gun Club at Golden Downs before finally finding a place to climb the bank and get onto Gibb’s Road several kilometres downstream of Jansen’s Bridge. The river bed trip involved a large number of zigzags from side to side through the river and also a number of times straight up the edge of the river in order to continue the trip. Several vehicles needed a tow to access the steep bank out of the river bed before getting out onto Gibb’s Road. Travel-ling up Gibb’s Road to Jansen’s Bridge took us to Blue Glen Road (you can access the Motueka Gorge from this road). After several kms along Blue Glen we started up a steep zig-zag track following a line of pylons. Great views and some interesting driving here. Not the sort of place where you wanted to get too close to the outside edge. Much steeper than it looks Guy Evans photo

We were rewarded with afternoon tea near the top and then drove down an easy road back to Blue Glen Road.

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TRIP REPORT: HACKET HUT

Date: 11th September 2011Trip leaders: Phil Madill & HiggyReporter: Leo Van Workum

18 trucks rolled up the Aniseed Valley in heavy rain to start Higgy’s trip around the forests. I should remember to not be cheeky to Higgy as he has the last laugh by giving me the trip report. But I guess I’ll never learn.

Higgy turned up only a few minutes late which is positively early for him. He gave us a drivers briefing, which I could hardly hear because it was raining so hard on my umbrella. All I could make out was a long list of places he did not have permission to go. However, he did invite Phil Madill along who had permission and a key to go into the Serpentine block of the Waimea Forest.

...and Neil rescues Lance Harald Ahlfeld photo

The return trip took us over Jansen’s Bridge and down the main road a short distance before turning off into Smith Road. A short distance along here we headed up a fire break and across forestry roads before coming back out onto the tar seal at the big bend on the southern side of Reay Saddle. We turned off again at the top of the saddle and followed Goblin Road and fire breaks until arriving back into Stades Road and out onto the main road at Hiwipango where we started. Higgy has a great knowledge of the area and we travelled considerable distances involving a wide range of different four wheel driving conditions. Club members who missed this trip can now take a step back and chastise themselves for missing such a good day out. A big thank you to Higgy. As usual he did a great job and I’m sure all those that were in the convey will be lined up come the next Higgy trip.

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(continued from page 9)

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Help! Can you Help? Thanks Mate! by John Buckland

During May, Hillbilly was to be the trip leader for the Hira forest area. There was an e-mail sent out to club members for a Saturday tag along trip with safety and support in mind. I have ridden most tracks in the Hira forest by Mountain bike, Trials bike and Horse but very little by 4x4. With Church on Sunday, Saturday fine was a good day to view the area out again.

I was the only club member to roll up. Meeting up with Hillbilly was a first time for me. I had

We all set off in convoy and drove through forestry roads until we came to the Hacket hut in the back blocks. Here we had an early lunch break then retraced our steps through the forestry on a ‘tour de skid site.’ Eventually we came to skid site no: 30 and turned around and went home.

Thanks to Phil and

Higgy for getting us out for a trip on what was a very wet Sunday.

Lloyd Knowles photo

Photo Guy Evans

11

read a number of articulate and humorous trip reports by him but hadn’t the pleasure of his trip leadership. What a real character and gem he is, a real Father Christmas, he’s like a feral farmer from the lost tribe. We traveled a few Ks before his old faithful ground to a halt and clearly wasn’t going to start with the air turning blue. Pushing it down into the gully was illegal. I couldn’t totally blame Hillbilly for he told me in confidence that Sav and Bruce Cook had owned the Range Rover before him, so it had the drive shafts thrashed of it and they need to accept some responsibility for some of the troubles he’s lumbered with, that is reasonable and fair comment I believe too.

Well the day was getting on and having a soft spot for R/Rs and being helped out in Australia with mine, I was only to happy we hook up the Pajero and headed back to Town. Now if you haven’t towed a vehicle slowly up Princess Drive lately you very likely haven’t enjoyed the wonderful panorama.

Now for those with strong backs, no crock joints or heart pills, probably will not remember car- less days and in the 1960s you needed overseas funds or buy a new tractor to qualify for a new car. And better still by selling after using it for two years you made real money on it. Not able to meet the criteria of the above I was off overseas to be on to this money maker.

Keeping some way off the booze, females and dodgy shares I was able to save enough to im-port a brand new 1972 Range Rover from England to Perth, cost $5000 at a time when they were about $8000 + several new tractors in NZ and expected to wait for years. Four years later I sold my R/R for $11,000 in Nelson.

That trusty R/R treated me very well in OZ and over shocking rough tracks and 20,000 miles it broke one shock absorber, bust two tires and + a full replacement set (? - ed.). It took me into most Mountain Ranges, Deserts and special places without too much winching, except for one.

The trip into Nickel Bay stopped her. I had fished the spot a year or two before and followed the old wheel tracks by others through the mangrove flats. Almost there the track went soft and the Rover was in a hole with the doors impossible to open. What I didn’t know was it had rained a few days earlier and pooled and softened the area. No worries, Out with the winch. We couldn’t shift it, it just sank deeper and just pulled out mangroves. There was a lot of head scratching and what ifs. What would Ray Warne have done at a training day? We were in the back of nowhere. Pray, yes I think that was at least whispered.

Despite being in the donger we could hear a vehicle. An old series one bush truck with very wide wheels pulled up. Hl !!! HELP we need your Help. ‘Gidday mate, get in the back and we will get some gear’ was the only response. We went back almost to Dampier, picked up some extra strong mates, six steel plates about a mtr square and back to the R/R. With all hands lifting we picked up each corner of the Rover and slipped under a plate. We were able to move the vehicle to the next plates. About 10 meters and we were on firm going again. About $100 in cash for a few cool tinnies and we were off on our trip around OZ. They had tried this method before and it was the most suitable to extract the unwary. You wouldn’t get a heavy winch truck within several ks. A big Nissan or two with long jerk strops would possibly have sledged us out.

I am very thoughtful about mud flats or water logged sand.Just because there’s wheel tracks doesn’t mean you will also follow.I am also happy to help if they are in trouble and a R/R I have a soft spot for.

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RESCUE MISSIONReport & pics by Vicky & Scotty

Well sometimes four wheel drive trucks come in very handy; able to go places other vehicles can’t. One Sunday around the end of July two of our Club trucks were used to recover a Prado 4WD from Dun Mountain walkway.

Maintenance was being done on the walkway at the time: clearing windblown trees from the tracks. A call was put into Frosty’s Tow services on the Friday to recover a vehicle that had gone over the side of the track. After riding quadbikes up the track to take a look it was decided that no way was a tow truck getting up there. That is when they asked for Scotty and Kooze’s help.

Sunday morning at 9am we all headed off. It was a great opportunity to drive somewhere not many people get to drive anymore. A very narrow road or track I should say. Both Kooze and Scotty with Vicky in tow had to drive all the way to the Third House as there was nowhere to turn around. The Prado was approx 2km back down the walkway from the Third House.

On arriving back to the Prado both Kooze and Scotty were facing downhill but on the top side of the Prado. Out came the winches, ropes, strops, chains and even the Club tirfor. All crossing over, under, around, through and which every other way pos-sible we got started with the recovery. One guy on the tirfor started the ball rolling. Tirfor going flat out, Kooze and Scotty winching, slowly it all came together. Over came the Prado. Now facing downwards but back on its feet (tyres) - it was time to winch uphill. Frosty got inside the Prado and the tow started uphill. A bit of vocal was heard, stop, go, wait, go, stop, slow, nearly there and there it was. Prado back on the track facing downhill. Kooze and Scotty still parked behind. Up went the bonnet, out came the mechanics. Tools everywhere but then it hap-pened: A huge cloud of smoke and the Prado was running. The smoke died down and tools packed up, all ready to go. Motorbike in front, Prado next, then Scotty and Kooze. The bike moved but the the Prado wasn’t going anywhere. No gears! So back came the bike, hooked on the Prado and off they went, all the way to the bottom.

By noon we were all safe and sound at the bottom. The Prado put on the tow truck and off it went. A few dents, lack of liquid, broken windows etc.

The driver was a very lucky guy to have gone off the track were he did. It was a pretty narrow

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(continued from page 12)track in some places and it was straight down.

Recovery is quite exciting to watch, just glad no one was hurt in the roll over.

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TRIP INFORMATION SHEET

Trip name / type: Motueka Westbank Grade: 2 - 3 Date (s): 9th October 2011

Trip leader: Lloyd Knowles Phone: 526 8754

Limited nos: no Book with trip leader before: no

Meeting place: Motueka Clock Tower Meeting date: 9/10/11 Departure time: 9.30am Cost: $10

WEATHER RESTRICTIONS: TRIP SUITABLE FOR:q Dry day only Novice drivers o Light rain / wind ok Average drivers o Rain, hail or snow, "we go" Experienced drivers only o Subject to landowners’ discretion

POSSIBLE VEHICLE DAMAGE EXPECTED: ALL VEHICLES MUST HAVE:q No damage likely * Tow hooks front & rear Some brush marks possible * Tow ropeo Heavy brush marks / scratches expected * First aid kito Damage to sills and corners possible * Fire extinguisherq Body damage from rock/dirt banks expected * Spark arrestor * Club safety tick

TRACK TYPES: mostly some optional Grass or farm track o o Gravel track o o Beach or sand track q q o Clay or mud track q o Deep mud holes o q o Rocky boulders o o o Creeks or streams o o

Rivers or deep water o q o Average ascents or o o descents Very steep ascents or o q descents

Comments: Must have Club safety tick! More information @ the next meeting.

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TRIP INFORMATION SHEET

Trip name / type: Haast area Grade: 3 Date (s): 21 - 24th October 2011

Trip leader: Kooze Phone: 027 627 1972 (Sav)

Limited nos: no Book with trip leader before: yes Meeting place: Haast township Meeting date: Sat., 22/10//2011 Time: 1.00pm Cost: $40

Departure time: ea. day @ 9.30am

WEATHER RESTRICTIONS: TRIP SUITABLE FOR:q Dry day only Novice drivers oq Light rain / wind ok Average drivers Rain, hail or snow, "we go" Experienced drivers only o Subject to landowners’ discretion

POSSIBLE VEHICLE DAMAGE EXPECTED: ALL VEHICLES MUST HAVE:o No damage likely * Tow hooks front & rearq Some brush marks possible * Tow rope Heavy brush marks / scratches expected * First aid kit Damage to sills and corners possible * Fire extinguisher Body damage from rock/dirt banks expected * Spark arrestor * Club safety tick

TRACK TYPES: mostly some optional Grass or farm track q o o Gravel track o o Beach or sand track q o Clay or mud track q o Deep mud holes o q Rocky boulders o o Creeks or streams o o GOOD MUD TYRES ONLYRivers or deep water o o Average ascents or o o descents Winch an advantageVery steep ascents or o q o descents Comments: Members must have Club safety tick! This is run as a grade 3 trip as these tracks aregetting rougher each year. Travel down Friday pm, home on Tuesday - if rained out we will be heading home on Monday. Please plan and book your accommodation to suit.

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TRIP INFORMATION SHEET

Trip name / type: Guy Fawkes / Old Farts camp over Grade: 1 - 2 Date (s): 5 - 6th November 2011

Trip leader: Bill Knowles Phone: 544 4847

Limited nos: no Book with trip leader before: no Meeting place: Knowlesville approx. 10 kms up Motueka River from Clock Tower corner (look for Club sign) Meeting date: 5/11/2011 Time: up to you Cost: nil

WEATHER RESTRICTIONS: TRIP SUITABLE FOR:q Dry day only Novice drivers o Light rain / wind ok Average drivers oo Rain, hail or snow, "we go" Experienced drivers only o o Subject to landowners’ discretion

POSSIBLE VEHICLE DAMAGE EXPECTED: ALL VEHICLES MUST HAVE:o No damage likely * Tow hooks front & rearq Some brush marks possible * Tow ropeo Heavy brush marks / scratches expected * First aid kito Damage to sills and corners possible * Fire extinguisherq Body damage from rock/dirt banks expected * Spark arrestor * Club safety tick

TRACK TYPES: mostly some optional Grass or farm track q o Gravel track o o Beach or sand track q q o Clay or mud track q o Deep mud holes o q q Rocky boulders o o o Creeks or streams o o

Rivers or deep water o q o Average ascents or o o descents Very steep ascents or o q o descents

Comments: BYO drinks and a salad or dessert - BBQ will be provided by the Club. If the heads are not too sore on Sunday morning we might throw in a mystery trip. More information at the next meeting.

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Southern Safari incorporating Nelson Anniversary Day and Waitangi Day 2012 Tentative Schedule Sat 28th Jan Assemble at Oamaru in readiness for first trip, Sun 29th

Sun 29th Jan Dunrobin :- commences 20km inland of Oamaru via Mt Dasher Stn, and traverses Kakanui Range to the top of Mt Obi (1425m) before descending via Shingle Creek Stn to The Pigroot (SH 85) 30km east of Ranfurly. Overnight Ranfurly

Mon 30th Jan Oteake Conservation Park :- Johnstones Creek Loop Track. Commences via Naseby and Mt Buster Rd to Buster Diggings including short detour to visit historic Thomp sons Hut. The route then continues via a loop, almost all above 1300m, and above 1600m at it’s highest point. Great scenery. At conclusion in Home Hills Runs Rd, return to Ranfurly.

Overnight Ranfurly

Tue 31st Jan During morning, visit historic Oturehua General Store, Hayes Engineering Works and Ophir. After lunch, via Omakau to Thomsons Saddle, followed by steep ascent via Mt Moka and across to Leaning Rock (1647m) followed by spectacular descent to SH 8 between Cromwell & Alexandra.

Overnight Alexandra

Wed 1st Feb Drive to St Bathans and Pauley Rd to commence 4wd route via Dunstan Creek (over 25 crossings) to eventually exit via Goodger Rd into Lower Lindis Valley. Return to Alexandra. Overnight Alexandra

Thur 2nd Feb Rest Day, and re-locate to Cromwell. Overnight Cromwell

Fri 3rd Feb 4wd trip out of Cromwell

Overnight Cromwell

Sat 4th Feb 4wd trip out of Cromwell

Overnight Cromwell

Sun 5th Feb Shorter 4wd trip out of Cromwell, followed by re-locating to Omarama.

Overnight Omarama Mon 6th Feb via Broken Hut Rd to western boundary of Oteake Conservation Park for 4wd West Manuherikia Track via Omarama Saddle, Top Hut and Boundary Hut with numerous crossings of Manuherikia River before returning via East Manuherikia Track and Little Omarama Saddle.

Overnight Omarama

Tue 7th Feb Homeward bound

Members keen to do the Safari please contact either Bob Dickinson 544 4679, or Kevin Page 544 7586 to get their name on the list.

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Simple home remedies that workIF YOU HAVE A BAD COUGH, TAKE A LARGE DOSE OF LAXATIVES - YOU’LL BE AFRAID TO COUGH. sent in by Graeme Nicholls

MONTHLY MECHANICAL & SAFETY TIP

Common-Sense Safety Tips for 4x4 Off-RoadingWhether you’ve gone off-roading in your 4x4 before, or are about to take your first off-road trip, knowing how to keep yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle safe is always smart. Here are some common-sense safety tips to run through before you ever leave home, de-signed to help make off-roading all fun, and no fear:

Be sure you know your vehicle well, and have become used to driving it. You should also know your truck’s limits, and how not to exceed them. Other things to know about your 4x4 before you leave the pavement are: - The location of your spare tire and jack, and how to use them.

- The height, width, length, approach and departure angles, and ramp angle of your vehi- cle, so you know which tight spots you can squeeze through, and which you can’t. You’ll also want to know where the lowest point of clearance is, and how much clearance you have.

- Find out if your 4x4 has an electronic stability control system and learn when, why and how it works.

- Practice using the low ratio gearbox. (continued on page 21)20

(continued from page 20)

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- Know the location of your truck engine’s air intake and computer, so you’ll know the maximum depth of any water you can cross.

- Stay up to date on maintenance of belts, filters, and hoses, and keep all fluids topped up.

Be prepared. Inclement weather or an unforeseen break-down can put a real damper on an off-road trip, so be sure to pack emergency supplies, including energy bars and water, a first aid kit, and either extra clothing or blankets, or both.

Don’t Fly Solo. Always take at least one other person with you, and if possible, have an extra vehicle along on your trip as well.

Contact Counts. Always make sure someone at home knows where you’re going and how to get in touch with you, and be sure you have their number, as well. It’s also a good idea, at least on your first few trips, to check in with your emergency contact at a pre-arranged time, just in case.

Maintenance Matters. It cannot be repeated often enough: be sure your 4x4 is in good condition before you take it off-road. This includes making sure the tires are in good condition and adequately inflated, that all belts are intact, and fluids topped up, and that your brakes and steering are in good working condition.

Lighten the Load. While it is important to have necessary emergency supplies with you, don’t over-pack, and when you do load your truck, be sure to balance the weight evenly. If you’re using a roof-rack, be sure to account for the additional height of any items packed in it.

Location, Location, Location. Always know where you’re going, and how you’re going to get there, and be aware that a trip that looks short on a map may be a long drive in a 4x4. Keep maps with you – going off-road doesn’t mean ignoring usual safety conventions.

Off-roading in a 4x4 is thrilling and exciting, but having an emergency in the middle of no-where is never fun. Take safety precautions before you leave home and you won’t have to spend your time fixing problems instead of taking hairpin turns or tackling challenging hills. Always know where you are, where you’re going, and which route you intend to take. Be time-conscious... What may look like a short trip on the map may take many hours in 4-wheel drive -- so allow enough time for safe travel.

Happy 4 wheelingRowan Coutts - Safety Officer

Simple home remedies that workTO AVOID ARGUMENTS WITH THE FEMALES ABOUT LIFTING THE TOILET SEAT -

USE THE SINK. sent in by Graeme Nicholls

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Basic Club Rules

1. The trip leader is always in charge.2. No DOGS or FIREARMS are permitted on club trips.3. No drinking ALCOHOL until the trip is officially over for the day.4. Vehicles must be mechanically sound and suitably equipped for off-road driving, and before being allowed on club trips must be checked, and have an equipment sticker displayed on the windscreen. The onus for safety rests solely on the owner to maintain his vehicle and equipment in good working condition at all times; and to use them in a safe and responsible manner. Requirements for the sticker are listed below: a. Tow hooks securely mounted and accessible on front and rear of vehicle with high tensile bolts no less than 10.9 metric 12mm or imperial equivalent. Hooks to be upright or else have a rope retainer fitted: No sharp edges allowed. Before mounting tow hooks check with safety officer first. b. Fire extinguisher suitable for fuel or electrical fires: (min size .9 kg) c. An approved cutting AND digging implement. d. A strong tow rope with an eye spliced into both ends: (5 to 8 metres long 20mm nylon or 24mm polyester) OR an approved recovery strop. e. Your vehicle MUST BE INSURED at all times to ensure you have a minimum of third party cover. f. A first aid kit. g. A current warrant of fitness and up to WOF standard. h. Approved mud tyres. i. A spark arrestor has to be fitted.5. When travelling in convoy: a. Keep the vehicle immediately behind you in sight (always wait at intersections for the next vehicle). b. Keep your position in the convoy — No passing. c. Make sure the vehicle in front has cleared an obstacle before attempting it. d. When on public roads keep a space between vehicles to enable the public to pass safely. e. If you leave the convoy, inform the trip leader.6. Guests on a club trip are the responsibility of the member who invited them with the approval of the trip leader.7. Respect the environment, tread lightly and leave no rubbish.8. New members are required to attend a club-training day is at the earliest date pos- sible.9. The official club radio is PRS. Channel 20 should be used unless otherwise in- formed by trip leader.10. 33inch or equivalent measured 840mm tires (diameter) is the maximum size tire for club trips unless otherwise indicated.

Useful equipment to carry - CRC or other type of water repellent for electrics, winch, (gloves, sack, rated shackles) high lift jack, and spare parts, (such as fan belt, condenser, brake fluid, air pump) etc.

Amended September 2007

23

25

All photos taken on the Hacket Hut / Aniseed Valley tripby Guy Evans