We arrived in dribs and drabs at the Morgan Caravan Park and deployed around the perimeter. Some were in cabins along each side, one was guarding the waterfront approach, the elite were in Toff’s Lane on the powered sites and the rearguard was down the back paddock. Between all of us were some tourists and a number of ‘permanents.’ Chris and Jeff arrived late, like about 1 or 2 a.m. Saturday, as they travelled up after going to see the Goodies.
Paul
departed early Saturday as he had a mishap occur. Len arrived and briefed us on
the skills update training plan. Kay had us sign up for what lay ahead.
We headed for the quarry and had a drive up and down the inclines. We then went for a drive around the area as a bit of a warm up.
At one stage David found himself in the lead and hoped to be first over the top of Rocky Ridge. However, as his body started over the top he was hit in the midriff and slumped to the ground. There he stayed for some time, paralysed and in shock. The recovery unit arrived and deployed their equipment until they were exhausted. They got him on his feet and towed him clear. He seemed to suffer only minor grazing on the midriff and no loss of ego. Most declined following the leader up that hill, deciding that discretion is the better part of valour. However, a couple of brave ones required the advanced assessment. They had taken a real good look at the terrain and survived. P.S. At the December General meeting Denise presented David with the “ORVC Well Hung Award 2005.”
Having
warmed up, it was back to the quarry where several members undertook uphill and
downhill keystarts and snatch strap assessments. Trainers included Len, Stuart
and Gerry. Training/assessment continued after lunch. Bodies were lying under
vehicles in all directions. I have never before seen about 5 ladies with heads
down and bums up peering into the engine compartment of a 4WD. Remarkable you
might say; but see my photos. I thought there must have been a bunch of flowers
in there or maybe someone had dropped a diamond ring. However they were looking
for the engine mounts and other bits. Other training included advanced snatch
strap and winch recoveries.
During the afternoon Chris ventured off and made a drive into no-man’s land. Making her way downhill her front end became embedded in a stone wall. Her bumper cleavage is a sight to behold to be sure. Anyway, I hear she is now hoping for a steel transplant.
Ralph
had made a booking at the local pub on Saturday night for dinner for 3 people.
However, it was Denise’s birthday. She phoned the pub and enquired whether she
could vary the booking from 3 to 16!!! It seemed the pub staff was
knocked for six by this variation, however they accepted the booking, as you
would.
Happy hour saw Stuart all dressed up and strutting his latest fashion statement – a seersucker vest (formerly a tablecloth) with strategically placed patterns resembling food and beverage stains. Needless to say he was taking the mickey out of Queenie who, as Stuart knows, has a pair of seersucker pants.
The meal at the pub was a pretty good feed, following which we returned to the back paddock to resume happy hour. The birthday cake emerged and due ceremony attended to. We then ate the cake; it was a Queenie carrot cake without the nuts (that exclusion sounds familiar somehow?). The evening finished off in spirited fashion and we retired to satisfy the curfew.
Sunday
morning Button arrived (code name for Dean driving his esky carrier). We
executed a deep water crossing on the ferry and headed for a sand driving area.
More assessments took place. Button was put to use by several people. Several
ladies practised their skills driving in sand. Due to either my or, Queenie’s (ü)
driving, I had to retyre as the bead on a tyre had partly dislodged. This
allowed sand between the tyre and rim and the tyre would not inflate.
Some returned to the quarry for some more training. Kay handed out evaluation sheets and retrieved them. Members on the trip recognised the support she provided and extend their thanks for her efforts. P.S. At the December General meeting Len thanked Ralph for the use of his recovery equipment.
By mid afternoon we were back at camp and packed ready to head home.
Overall it was a successful weekend.
Written by Greg Young
