Saturday morning after setting up camp saw us all congregate behind camp at the base of the hill. Here we discussed pre departure checks and minor maintenance and repair issues. Next we all did a series of stall/start recoveries on the hill. This is always done with a trainer and the driver only in the car. This is done both for safety reasons and for reassurance and confidence of the driver. Many drivers both new and experienced find sitting on a hill and then starting the car with both feet flat on the floor a nerve wracking experience. Hopefully after a few goes everyone had much more confidence in the abilities of themselves and their vehicles.

Next we moved on to the play area, where we had a play in the wombat holes, reinforcing the importance of picking the right line and wheel placement, this kept us going until lunch time.

Whilst returning to camp we came across a vehicle which had slipped from the side of a track and was perched precariously on a very steep side slope. Other members of this group had attempted to secure the vehicle with four (4) snatch straps attached to other cars. Fortunately our group could lend some expert advice and got the vehicle safely down.

At this point the trip leader/assessor took the opportunity of checking out the water crossing for the trainees to attempt after lunch. Whilst checking out the water crossing, a sharp rock punctured the sidewall of a practically brand new tyre, which led to an embarrassing and awkward jacking to change tyres. Remember this was on the edge of a water crossing, with rocks mud and water at this time. This exercise was watched and supported by the group that the club had just rescued. Of course while this was taking place the other club members were none the wiser and were enjoying their leisurely lunches back at camp.

This led into our first session after lunch “Safe Jacking Techniques”, which was quite convenient as we were able to use this very current experience as an example. Next we formed into a convoy and headed off through differing terrain types to the dam where we all perfected the art of snatch strap recoveries. We then headed back via the creek where we all did a couple of water crossings, then back to camp to attend to a bit of paperwork then around the campfire for happy hour(s).

Sunday 18^th April 2010

Sunday morning, after another pre-trip check we were off on an extended loop around the back of the property. This involved a variety of terrain types including up and down hills, side slopes, narrow, rocky, rutted tracks etc. These helped to extend and reinforce our experience and wheel placement abilities. Some of the more experienced drivers in modified vehicles took the opportunity to attempt some of the harder tracks that we passed along the way, including one difficult track which was faultlessly driven by the Delica, - well done Brent. Towards the end of the loop we stopped to check out one of the extreme gullies. Once again the modified vehicles were keen to have a go, showing how picking the right line and correct wheel placement can make even the hard tracks appear easy. One relatively inexperienced driver in an almost standard vehicle was champing at the bit to have a go here, and then she drove a perfect circuit, - top job Joanne.(Get your own car Woody.)

Some of the steeper hills saw vehicles getting stuck, so we all managed to practice more snatch recoveries including one “advanced” double snatch strap recovery.

I believe that everyone had an enjoyable weekend and I think that everyone took something away from the course, new knowledge, new abilities and the confidence to get out and put these new skills into practice.

Finally, congratulations and thanks to all trainees and a special thank you to the trainers who give up their time to assist. Without their help my job would become enormously difficult.

Thank you and well done to all. See you on the tracks.

Peter.