Flinders Ranges (Bendleby Ranges) Trip - May 2004
All photos are of designated 4wd tracks and training grounds on private property
As new members of the Adelaide City Jeep Club, I was asked by John Tuckwell to give our perspective of the Northern Flinders Ranges trip, on the weekend of May 15-17.
As it was our first “real” 4WD adventure, and buoyed by much enthusiasm, we headed off towards our meeting destination of Tarlee, and met up with the rest of our travelling companions (John Tuckwell and brother David, Steve Speake and daughter Haylie and Katie and John Cullen) at the designated time of 9.30am.
Once all briefings were completed, we then travelled towards the Bendleby Ranges, with a quick stopover at Orroroo for a final fuel stop and quick lunch. We finally reached the Springs Homestead shortly after lunch, met with our hosts, and once formalities were completed, drove to our campsite, which proved to be one of the best sites on the property.
After setting up camp (very quickly I might add!), it was decided to do an exploratory drive, which, I was told, would be quite easy and would prepare us for the more difficult tracks we would attempt the following day (Sunday). Jeff was rearing to go, and so was I until we reached our first steep hill! Needless to say, I was terrified, in desperate need of a “Jesus bar”, and suffering from very deep nail imprints in both hands.
Jeff on the other hand was in his element. He was really having FUN! With the guidance of the more experienced drivers (John and Steve), he manoeuvred the more difficult tracks with ease, and was pleased with the performance of his “new” toy.
We spent much of Saturday afternoon exploring fairly moderate (I wasn’t of the same opinion) terrain, but nothing prepared me for what was to come!
As mentioned earlier, Jeff was rearing to go, and was first up Sunday morning (5am!!!!). With a beautiful sunny day ahead of us and prior to heading off into the never-never, we stopped by the homestead to advise our hosts of our plans and to consider the difficulty levels of some of the tracks we would attempt that day. Billy Goat Ridge and the Kokoda Trail were the go. However, before heading off, it was suggested we try the training track next to the homestead, to get a feel of what lay ahead.
Wellll! That was even scarier than the previous day!! I didn’t know I could hold my breath for so long! The guys thought it was great fun, and so did Hayley and Kate, who were just as enthusiastic as the guys in attempting to drive over some of the hair raising obstacles.
Training over, and off we went. After driving a short distance, we reached a lookout, had morning tea and enjoyed the breathtaking views. We then proceeded to defy the odds.
The next few hours were spent climbing and descending the most forbidding tracks.
For me, it was a truly terrifying experience, and although it gave Jeff an adrenalin rush, I surprised myself with the colourful language I was able to muster up under the circumstances.
We finally stopped for a lunch break, and afterwards started making our way back to camp. To my dismay, the trip back was just as rugged; however, no damage was done to any of the cars, except for the loss of one of Steve’s mudflaps and a bit of underbelly crunching. We had travelled a distance of 25kms or so, and it had taken us approximately 6hrs.
The following day (Monday) was overcast and blowy. We packed up, paid our fees and did one last drive around some of the other camp sites, and gave each one a rating
out of 10. With an ominous looking sky, we headed towards Orroroo, for a fuel and coffee stop, and after bidding everyone farewell, we headed home in the rain.
I can honestly say it was an exhilarating experience for both Jeff and I. We are very grateful for the professionalism and expertise of Steve’s guidance and John’s confident and reassuring manner in getting us through some very “hairy” moments They have taught us some invaluable lessons in “do’s and don’ts” of 4WDriving.
It was a great team effort, and we’re looking forward to the June long weekend.
Dani Boon
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