42nd Traverse January 2013

The 42nd is always a good drive and when the weather is hot and clear and there's not too many others using the track it's just about perfick.  A few of us spent a stunning anniversary weekend exploring, re-exploring and camping in the central north island. . .

When lawn mowing gets a boost. . .

V8 Lawn Mower

Minginui January 2013

During a lull in the track clearing an attempt had to be made at the hill on the loop track.

After a couple of tries Griff handed over to Mars.  And with a "Do you want a ride so you can see what the top looks like?" he took off. . .

. . . still not sure what the top looks like.

Yes that is mud being spat at the camera.

Below: Returning from the far end of High Skid.

Historic 4X4 Vehicle Day

 Recently Trev and I took the '53 to a Historic 4x4 Vehicle Day at Ramarama. It was organised by Tony Burgess and the Manukau 4x4 Club. 

We met up with guys from the Auckland LR Club in their assorted old landies, Graham Martin in his '49, and others from various clubs. 

The morning was entertaining with a tricky gymkhana event, Graham winning a handy trouble lamp for zero points lost. The afternoon was spent driving farm tracks finishing with a bqq. 

It was really good to see the old vehicles out doing what they were designed to do, not just 'show and shine'. We are all looking forward to going again next year. 

Cheers Trevor/Jan 

Could be back in the 50s.  This captures the essence of the day.

Evidently the 107s are now the most sought after of the really old series.

So cool you could keep a side of beef on it.

Oh, a new one.

Oops.

A well earned rest.

Heading back for BBQ.

Compulsory climb to take in views.

Always time for a chat.

Lucky something non-historical was there to help out.

Takes all sorts.

Farm trek.

Ngaroma - Before the Return

A top notch day on our first trip to Ngaroma with some interesting history, great views and many stories from our host Michael as we travelled the farms. 
The BBQ at the end of the day was a welcome wind down and refresh after a busy day. 

Thanks all.

Ngaroma: The Return

Mike invited us back to Ngaroma in April to have a further look around and try a few more tracks.

The weather was perfect and a few hardy souls camped at the wool shed (we're told no one fell through the holes in the floor) and Saturday saw another good turnout.

After a bit of a tour around the high points and some stunning views. . .

. . . Griff and Mike had a bit of a lash at a washed out culvert. . .

. . . with varying degrees of success.  Griff made it through after using about 8 litres of petrol, and Mike had a good go but couldn't quite spin the tractor tyres on his truck fast enough to get up the other side.

Eventually both needed help to get back, BUT

there was MUD!

Cracker day out on the paddocks and in the bush, with a great crew.  

Another top day.

TECT Park Trip

A few photos of the short notice TECT Park trip, Good Friday.

Norm from the BOP Club lead us around a few of the tracks in the park and down a couple that looked like they hadn't been used for some time.

Griff in the play area.

Daniel lining up one of the short hill climbs.

Mars deciding less air is more.

Allcomers waiting their turn.

Hmm, Vinny looks tired. . .

. . . time for a lie down (note the driver, calm and collected).

The oil leaking out is normal.

That'll polish out Dad.

Deepest darkest Tect Park

 

Norm leading the charge.

No teenagers were harmed in the making of this trip.

Honest.