Moondyne Track - Avon valley Trip Report
We could not have asked for a more perfect weather, to meet up and enjoy a day of four-wheel driving with friends.
We all met up at ginger's Roadhouse. On this trip we had four members and two visitors.
We started with a morning briefing in which I advised all that this was an unknown track, and we could be in for an easy or difficult day battling our way along the track, as I had downloaded the directions from Hema maps Website.
We made our way to the start point where I had to do a quick recce to make sure we were on the correct track. Once I was sure, we reduced our tyre pressure and started the track.
The beginning of the track was like any normal Bush track the views with fantastic and the Bush very pretty. At this point we also realised that there was a Bush marathon event being held in the same area, so we had to lookout for runners competing in that event. We then came along our first obstacle which was a fallen down tree, other than being a bit tight to get around we all made it around safely and then came across our first descent into the valley.
This track was very steep, so we all got to test out our downhill assist in low range which was disconcerting to some of us proceeding down the hill not using our brakes and trusting our vehicles. We then came across a couple of motorcycle riders who advised us that there was a rather steep ascent ahead of us in which they did not want to attempt on their bikes.
With that to look forward to we descended again and followed the track through till we came across the ascent the riders warned us about.
As trip leader I was the first to attempt the climb, there were many larger rocks to navi-gate along with very loose smaller rocks that made grip very hard. I'm proud to say that the mighty Prado made it up first go. Following me was one of our visitors Sarah and her daughter Aria in the Colorado 7. As this was a stock vehicle with road tyres it struggled and only made it up halfway on Sarah's first attempt. As a team we got it Sarah back down reviewed the track adjusting some of the bigger rocks and moving them out the way and change tack on which way Sarah should go. On her next attempt she did a fantastic job and made it up. Following that Louise, Brett and that other visitors James and Teresa had a fun time heading up the climb putting their vehicles through their paces. Last up the climb was Winfried, in his 200 series who made it look incredibly easy.
From that point we continued the ascent which was just as fun an at the top we all stopped for morning tea.
Once finished we continued our drive along the track enjoying a few more easier hill climbs and then we all had fun travelling through my number of large muddy puddles.
We continued our way following the track as per the map until we came across, a closed gate with warning signs not to enter. A quick look on Google Maps and we found another track that we could take to where we followed some power lines before stopping and having lunch.
Having to deviate away from the track that I downloaded and working out we didn't have much further to go and all of us wanting to do more we all agreed that we should attempt the hill climb in reverse. After making our way back to the point of the steep hill climb, we all had great fun going down it and then making our way back up to the beginning of the track.
Once we got back to the start point, we aired up and all agreed it was time to find some ice cream. We all made our way to Joeys Swan Valley Diner where we all enjoyed our ice creams especially Aria with a double choc ice cream.
Once finished and full of sugar, we all agreed it was fantastic day and we made our way home.
