Our last day trip, ‘Chromite Mountains’, crystallised for me what is special about our tag-along trips. In some ways it was a disaster: two convoys were required but we lost one leader near the start (the spare wheel carrier snapped off and Simon spent the rest of the day finding for it), so we were delayed, then had a single very large group, then had very slow going because of overgrown tracks (maintenance long overdue), then had very rough track conditions (requiring vehicle recoveries on two occasions), then finished up having to 4wd down a notoriously difficult track in the dark.
So what was so special about it? Firstly we had a couple of experienced drivers with well set-up vehicles looking for a challenge…they got it! Secondly, and more importantly, we had three first-time 4wdrivers in new/standard vehicles who were looked after and encouraged by the rest of the group… and coped superbly! Listening on the radio as each driver coaxed the following one over huge rock ledges with inky black shadows made me so proud of the culture of cooperation and caring which was taken up by everyone. At the finish all shared the elation of our achievement. That was really special! Thanks.
Our efforts to re-organise and relocate the business because of Andrea’s illness is also progressing, with thanks to many people for their support. This also enabled us in April to have an amazing campervan holiday in New Zealand, during which we met with a similar 4WD tour operator (email me if you’d like a copy of my story about it). Marcus is taking a greater role in trip leading as indicated below. Contact me for trip details, or you can now book on-line.
Regards,
Ron
Sat~Sun 4~5/6/16. Advanced 4WD Driver Training. Residential course at Rawson. $250/participant, $50/partner.
Sun 5/6/16. Huts before Winter. Toggle Link, Marathon, Horseyards and Kelly’s Lane. Visiting high country huts with Marcus, north of Briagalong. $120/vehicle tag-along (past customers $110).
Sat~Mon 11~13/6/16 (Queens Birthday long weekend). Upper Murray Meander. Explore gold mining country around Eldorado and Flaggy Creek, plus 4WD track views of Lake Hume and the Murray River. We will also be chasing some warmer weather with Marcus. Suggested Friday night start from Melbourne to meet Saturday morning at Glenrowan. $330/vehicle tag-along (past customers $300).