4WD trip to the Julimar State Forest - November 17, 2002

This day was an idea I plagiarised from another 4WD club - let the ladies have the wheel for a change. Skip and I planned this as a relatively easy trip through the Julimar state forest ending up at a winery for some drinks and eats. We severely underestimated the interest in this trip, with 18 vehicles registered before the day. We had a few no-shows on the day but still a healthy showing. I'm not sure I've got all of these name straight, so please let me know if there are any corrections.
Anyhew, we met at the corner of Neaves Rd and Pinjar Rd. Once everone had arrived, we headed towards the hills through Bullsbrook. Some chose to have the ladies drive the whole way, while others did the driving on the highway and swapped over in the forest. Bec drove the whole way in my car, needed the experience as she had never been in it (as a driver) before.

Getting together.
We drove through the very pleasant Chittering Valley to our first stop, which was morning tea. The location was a convenient lookout over the valley, providing the ideal spot to stop and chat. Parking was challenge but we made do.

Morning tea

The view
Our next stop was the Julimar State Forest. Just inside the entrance we stopped to lock hubs and let the ladies know what was ahead.

The briefing.

Bec!
For the next half-hour or so we wound our way through the forest. There were a few steep hills (both up and down) plus a creek crossing (with no water in it - this being almost summer and all). At the end of this we wandered around in a small playground area to test our 4WD skills. In winter this would be a real challenge as the low lying areas would be very messy mud.

Nicky stuck!

Estelle roaming around.

Not quite making it.
Another half-hour of driving followed - nothing too challenging, but we did find a small creek with some water in it, avoided many fallen trees and saw much wildlife - kangaroos and emus.
Our lunch stop followed in a shady area which just happened to have a couple of mud pits in it. Fortuitously chosen, you might say. Bec was the first on in and didn't get very far. But, to her credit she did try but the bottom was far too soft. Next up was Skip and using a bit more entry speed got a bit further. Gary followed and made it about the same distance. Mike jumped in and while not making it through, almost made it back out under his own steam - overall a top effort. Finally, MacGyver roared through at high speed in both directions, making it all the way but only just.
The second mud hole proved less of a challenge, with several people getting through successfully with no recoveries required.

Bec waiting to go through.

In the mire.

Checking the damaga.

Waiting to be recovered.

Skip's entry.

Also stuck.

Second mud hole.

Also in the second hole.

Back in the first hole.

But not getting too far.

Mike getting far.

But not far enough.

Lots of mud.
Following lunch, it was a relaxed drive to Western Range Winery for a wine tasting session and then onto the StringyBark for more tasting and consumption of food and beverages. We listened to some good music, had some nice cheeses and accompianments before heading home.

StringBark.

StringBark.

Small people dancing.
Given the good feedback and the excellent turnout, we will be looking to run another similar day for the ladies at some stage in the future. Now all we need to do is create another set of trip notes.