30th anniversary 4WD Road trip
Huggett’s Crossing, October 12th, 2024.
Participants: Tonee and Alan Harlow, Sue and Ross Howell, Helen and Alan McCrae, Heather and John Kerr, Shaun Johnson and his lovely daughter Amy, Vivian and Craig Murray, Collette and Jan Parniak, Sue and Rob Kendrick, Ian Blake, Susan and Ken Markham, Rod and Loris Catchpole, Peter Johnson, Barb and Terry Heskey.
Apologies: Ray Massaro, Lois and Greg Rose, and Charlie Calafiore.
All participating members gathered at the Macalister River Reserve in Maffra at 9.30am, for an anticipated lovely outing. The weather was favourable. Once housekeeping and the mandatory briefings were done the convoy headed north through the township, leaving bitumen at Kentucky Road. The dust began to rise with the convoy spreading out a little to aid comfort and vision. A steady pace was set with all adhering to convoy etiquette and waiting at each corner for the next vehicle to arrive. This would be important on the homeward phase as many turns and unmarked road could lead the driver astray.
A few stops were taken at lookouts, Green Hill lookout and Huggett’s lookout with views across the ranges and the Avon Valley below.
Our caterer was spotted on the track pulling his food van into the crossing in anticipation of setting up before we arrived. Diminishing any thoughts this was a difficult 4WD track, bumpy but not difficult. The van did scrape its tail on the journey reminding travellers its not for larger caravans to venture further.
All arrived drama free ready for lunch at Huggett’s crossing campground. Whilst the caterers did the last-minute preparation. Many of us wandered to survey the changes in the campgrounds since our last anniversary adventure 10 years ago. The river crossing access had changed and the authorities had placed large boulders in the river crossing to guide vehicles across the river, preventing river and foreshore degradation by off track escapades.
Darren Gee and his team from Heyfield Pizza’s presented an exceptional celebratory lunch, comprising of beef and lamb roast meats and four lovely fresh salads. This was followed by a sweet platter that was not to be refused. Little finger delights to be washed down by an individual’s preferred beverage. A very big thankyou goes to Darren and his team for such a lovely meal that would be the envy of many stationary eateries across Gippsland. The meat melted in your mouth and the sweets were diet breakers. Well done.
After full and satisfied bellies, the customary Land Rover line up photos were taken. Defenders lined up according to age and the Discos followed. The Amarok sneaked in as well. A group photo will be added to our treasure trove of trip memorabilia.
After saying goodbye and thanks to the caterer, the afternoon drive begun with the customary river crossing with a low water level of the Avon River at this location. Then began the climb out of the valley. All vehicles into low range and rock and dust were traversed, travelling along Huggett’s - Mt Angus track. A stop at Mount Angus lookout, viewing across North Gippsland and the valley below. Speculation as to the large building in the distance, believed to be Maffra Milk Co-op. Other 4wd adventurists were also enjoying the view. With all 4wd’s fully engaged the driving was straight forward with good weather and road conditions. Some parts only recently been bulldozed as the tell-tale corrugations. After the bumpy ride we stopped at Wombats Crossing to enjoy our celebratory jam and cream filled sponge cake. The cake had survived intact seat-belted in the rear of Markham’s car. Officially cut by our oldest team member present, Terry Heskey. The 30th anniversary emblem was displayed on the cake to remind us of our milestone achievement and was enjoyed by all.
The afternoon was complete with the convoy returning to Maffra for those who wished, whilst others travelled home via known back roads. Informing the convoy of their individual turn off points via radio. The weather, the road conditions and the company of friends made the day both enjoyable and memorable.
Write a comment