December 20, 2008

Powerlines Trip

Again, off to the powerlines. I hadn't been out in quit some time so it isn't like this is a monthly destination or anything. This time our main purpose was to let Jim test out his new Discovery 3. I let Gerry drive the Jeep most of the way so I could jump out and take (some) photos and (mostly) videos. There are lots of videos on this page so it make take a while to load...

Airing down at the start
The first climb was relatively easy - a few ruts to contend with...
Jim showing the Disco's traction control
Next up was a small water crossing on the main Powerlines track.
A few videos of the group going through some easy ruts
On the other side of the descent a very short but rutted climb. There was a rock about halfway up that made things slightly tricky if you weren't carrying enough momentum.
And there was a bigger hole just past the climb...
A little further on there is a challening descent - a large rut in the middle that you really don't want to slip into. It requires a fair amount of control and trust in the person guiding you down becaue you can't see where the hill goes. Luckily it wasn't slippery - in the wet this can be treachorous.
Gerry brings the Jeep down the hill
Jim showing no fear
After that is a small bowl to play in. There are easy ways out, harder ways out and then there is the really difficult bit...
Jim takes the difficult line and has a bit of a scrape
Is there anything a V8 can't solve?
We think this is where the aux fuel tank sprung a leak. Whoops.
Further on is a tricky party of the track - big holes with a big rock on one side that you don't want to slide into.
Sparky showing how his traction control works and doing a sidestep in at the same time
Finally, a climb up the fenceline. Gerry took the hard line (to the right of where the videos go) but the left-hand side is more comforting when you're looking up the hill.
The boys in the Surf choose a good line
Thanks to everyone for coming out - I had a good time even though it wasn't too tricky out there...
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