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LJ78 Build Thread
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A couple of weeks ago I did another Toolangi day drive with my friends Jiri and Aneta! 
First track of the day was the infamous Rocky Track where I wanted to test my diff locks.
I got a few hundred meters up to where it started getting rougher and got out for a look.
It was over 3 years since I last drove this track and it has become a lot harder and more washed out and eroded than it used to be.
It is these rock steps that I couldnt quite get up no matter which line I took!
If it had been dry I think I would have succeeded but I was struggling for traction in the rain, on the slippery rocks.
I'm hoping to get the video off Aneta soon of my attempt, I will post it on this thread once I do.
I reversed 50 meters down and took one of the different tracks and made it to the top, then drove around and met back up with Jiri and Aneta, as there was no way their unlocked Troopy on 31" all terrains was going up this challenging track!
And we soon hit the tracks again.
I spotted a steep muddy hill and foolishly decided to have a go.
But I couldnt get up, the slippery clay was just too wet!
We continued up and through the foggy forest.
I said to Jiri and Aneta over the radio "I look forward to when we find a fallen tree across the track and I can use my chainsaw to clear it".
30 seconds later I came across a fallen tree across the track!
Only this one was 70 meters long/tall and the trunk was over a meter in diameter!
So we had no choice but to reverse and turn around.
A quick stop so Jiri could top his brake fluid up.
And then we drove down Aeroplane Track, a track that exists because it was pushed through so they could remove a crashed plane.
Half way down we came across some guys in an unlocked 105 on all terrains, who really didnt have a clue how to drive off road.
They were slipping and wheel spinning trying to get up track on the side we were coming down on, to try and avoid some really deep ruts.
The pics above doesnt really do it justice, so for perspective, heres Aneta!
We advised them they would be better going back down as there was no way they would make it up.
They then proceeded to stuff around trying to reverse back down and out of our way.
They also destroyed a fair few trees with their ignorance and stupidity by ring barking all the trees by wrapping their winch rope directly around the tree as they were not using a tree trunk protector.
With the idiots out of the way (or so we thought) I drove carefully down with Jiri spotting me and then Jiri went to bring the Troopy down.
I spotted him through the trees on the very slippery side slope that led straight to that huge hole/deep ruts if things went wrong.
Jiri drove beautifully and got through without incident!
But soon we were confronted by the idiots winching their way back up towards us.
Apparently they were trying to move the car over into the next set of ruts but all they were doing was winching themselves side ways up the track.
I said I would use a snatch block and my winch to winch their arse end over so they could reverse down and out of our way.
They didnt really understand, as they werent very intelligent but Jiri and Aneta understood what I was saying and between the 3 of us we soon had it rigged up and the 105 dragged over into the other ruts
Terrible pic I know, but you get the idea.
We continued making our way down.
I got to the bottom and Jiri radioed to say he was stuck.
So I parked up and walked back up.
Jiri was busy digging trying to free the stuck Troopy.
We tried the MaxTrax and even used the Hi Lift jack to lift a wheel and get them underneath the tyre but they didnt work and just shot out from under the tyre and ended up under the car in the mud.
I've decided MaxTrax do not work in mud!
They may work well in sand but in mud they are next to useless!
So I turned The 78 around, engaged the lockers and crawled my way back up the slippery hill.
A very small winch pull, like half a meter and they were free!
I backed down, turned around and we headed down.
Past a stolen, burnt out Jeep.
And out of the forest where we stopped to air up and say our good byes.
It was an awesome day drive and we all had a lot of fun!
Next weekend were doing a huge 4 day High Country trip as it is a public holiday to celebrate the Queens Birthday, it is also an important date as it is after that weekend that a lot of tracks get closed for the Winter to prevent them getting too damaged during the wetter months.
First track of the day was the infamous Rocky Track where I wanted to test my diff locks.
I got a few hundred meters up to where it started getting rougher and got out for a look.
It was over 3 years since I last drove this track and it has become a lot harder and more washed out and eroded than it used to be.
It is these rock steps that I couldnt quite get up no matter which line I took!
If it had been dry I think I would have succeeded but I was struggling for traction in the rain, on the slippery rocks.
I'm hoping to get the video off Aneta soon of my attempt, I will post it on this thread once I do.
I reversed 50 meters down and took one of the different tracks and made it to the top, then drove around and met back up with Jiri and Aneta, as there was no way their unlocked Troopy on 31" all terrains was going up this challenging track!
And we soon hit the tracks again.
I spotted a steep muddy hill and foolishly decided to have a go.
But I couldnt get up, the slippery clay was just too wet!
We continued up and through the foggy forest.
I said to Jiri and Aneta over the radio "I look forward to when we find a fallen tree across the track and I can use my chainsaw to clear it".
30 seconds later I came across a fallen tree across the track!
Only this one was 70 meters long/tall and the trunk was over a meter in diameter!
So we had no choice but to reverse and turn around.
A quick stop so Jiri could top his brake fluid up.
And then we drove down Aeroplane Track, a track that exists because it was pushed through so they could remove a crashed plane.
Half way down we came across some guys in an unlocked 105 on all terrains, who really didnt have a clue how to drive off road.
They were slipping and wheel spinning trying to get up track on the side we were coming down on, to try and avoid some really deep ruts.
The pics above doesnt really do it justice, so for perspective, heres Aneta!
We advised them they would be better going back down as there was no way they would make it up.
They then proceeded to stuff around trying to reverse back down and out of our way.
They also destroyed a fair few trees with their ignorance and stupidity by ring barking all the trees by wrapping their winch rope directly around the tree as they were not using a tree trunk protector.
With the idiots out of the way (or so we thought) I drove carefully down with Jiri spotting me and then Jiri went to bring the Troopy down.
I spotted him through the trees on the very slippery side slope that led straight to that huge hole/deep ruts if things went wrong.
Jiri drove beautifully and got through without incident!
But soon we were confronted by the idiots winching their way back up towards us.
Apparently they were trying to move the car over into the next set of ruts but all they were doing was winching themselves side ways up the track.
I said I would use a snatch block and my winch to winch their arse end over so they could reverse down and out of our way.
They didnt really understand, as they werent very intelligent but Jiri and Aneta understood what I was saying and between the 3 of us we soon had it rigged up and the 105 dragged over into the other ruts
Terrible pic I know, but you get the idea.
We continued making our way down.
I got to the bottom and Jiri radioed to say he was stuck.
So I parked up and walked back up.
Jiri was busy digging trying to free the stuck Troopy.
We tried the MaxTrax and even used the Hi Lift jack to lift a wheel and get them underneath the tyre but they didnt work and just shot out from under the tyre and ended up under the car in the mud.
I've decided MaxTrax do not work in mud!
They may work well in sand but in mud they are next to useless!
So I turned The 78 around, engaged the lockers and crawled my way back up the slippery hill.
A very small winch pull, like half a meter and they were free!
I backed down, turned around and we headed down.
Past a stolen, burnt out Jeep.
And out of the forest where we stopped to air up and say our good byes.
It was an awesome day drive and we all had a lot of fun!
Next weekend were doing a huge 4 day High Country trip as it is a public holiday to celebrate the Queens Birthday, it is also an important date as it is after that weekend that a lot of tracks get closed for the Winter to prevent them getting too damaged during the wetter months.
Last edited:
Hmm, I’m now thinking I need lockers.
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Everybody needs lockers Rich! 
OK...............
Long time no update!
Its almost a month since we went on this big 3 day High Country trip but shortly after the trip I went on holiday up to sunny QLD for 10 days and since we got back I've been busy working on my other 70.
So on the Queens Birthday long weekend (yes we get a pubic holiday for the Queens Birthday) we decided to head 5.5 hours East to drive the infamous Haunted Stream Track, with its 54 river crossings.
I picked up these maps before the trip and Jiri and Aneta helped me plan it.
We left Friday afternoon and didnt get to our chosen camp site till 9:30pm. We met some older couples there who were locals and they invited us to camp next to them.We shared their fire with them and had a nice night drinking and chatting.
The next morning I was up bright and early.
There were a few other dogs for Lexi to play with which was nice.
Our neighbors setup.
I cooked my traditional camping breakfast of sausage, egg and melted cheese on a toasted brioche bun.
And was suddenly surrounded by dogs!
It took Lexi a while to warm to the other dogs but eventually her and the other Border were off chasing each other around.
Having good friends who happen to have a big car, meant I was able to put my Oz Tent in their Troopy and not have to put my roof rack back on (The 78 wont fit under my car port with the rack on, hence why its no longer fitted).
With the tents and camp packed away, we said good bye to our new friends and hit the tracks.
The first few tracks were quite easy and well used but the next track was quite overgrown and hadnt seen traffic for a while!
We came across a few small trees across the track.
And then we came across a monster tree blocking the track!
So I got the chainsaw out and we got to work!
I cut up from underneath about half way and then took a big wedge out of the top.
Jiri got to work on the axe to help clear the wedge out.
Then we had to do the same to the other limb of the tree and this time Aneta had a go with the axe.
A little bit more cutting with the saw and that end of the blockage was severed!
Then I attempted to drag it out of the way but even with both lockers in I was just wheel spinning and the tree wouldnt budge!
So then we decided to try and winch it out of the way.
Jiri and Aneta positioned a snatch block up in a tree and we attempted to winch it out of the way.
But still the bloody thing wouldnt budge!
So then we decided to do some more cutting.
But still it wouldnt budge!
Bit more cutting.
And eventually we got through and finally had it on the ground!
We tried with the winch rope and snatch block again to winch it out of the way but the winch would not budge it!
I'd estimate that this big chunk of soaking wet hard wood weighed 4-5tonnes easily!
And soon it snapped my winch rope.
So then it was down to The 78 to drag it out of the way.
It took quite a few attempts to get it to move, even with the lockers in. Each hard reverse snatch would get it to move a few inches at a time.
And soon it became apparent that the other section of tree was in the way, so Jiri used his jack to lift that out of the way.
And finally it was out!
Next we needed to roll it out of the middle of the track, which wasnt easy as it was so heavy!
But between us Jiri and I used another piece of wood as a lever and managed to move it over enough for us to get the 70's through!
And we were on our way!
OK...............
Long time no update!
Its almost a month since we went on this big 3 day High Country trip but shortly after the trip I went on holiday up to sunny QLD for 10 days and since we got back I've been busy working on my other 70.
So on the Queens Birthday long weekend (yes we get a pubic holiday for the Queens Birthday) we decided to head 5.5 hours East to drive the infamous Haunted Stream Track, with its 54 river crossings.
I picked up these maps before the trip and Jiri and Aneta helped me plan it.
We left Friday afternoon and didnt get to our chosen camp site till 9:30pm. We met some older couples there who were locals and they invited us to camp next to them.We shared their fire with them and had a nice night drinking and chatting.
The next morning I was up bright and early.
There were a few other dogs for Lexi to play with which was nice.
Our neighbors setup.
I cooked my traditional camping breakfast of sausage, egg and melted cheese on a toasted brioche bun.
And was suddenly surrounded by dogs!
It took Lexi a while to warm to the other dogs but eventually her and the other Border were off chasing each other around.
Having good friends who happen to have a big car, meant I was able to put my Oz Tent in their Troopy and not have to put my roof rack back on (The 78 wont fit under my car port with the rack on, hence why its no longer fitted).
With the tents and camp packed away, we said good bye to our new friends and hit the tracks.
The first few tracks were quite easy and well used but the next track was quite overgrown and hadnt seen traffic for a while!
We came across a few small trees across the track.
And then we came across a monster tree blocking the track!
So I got the chainsaw out and we got to work!
I cut up from underneath about half way and then took a big wedge out of the top.
Jiri got to work on the axe to help clear the wedge out.
Then we had to do the same to the other limb of the tree and this time Aneta had a go with the axe.
A little bit more cutting with the saw and that end of the blockage was severed!
Then I attempted to drag it out of the way but even with both lockers in I was just wheel spinning and the tree wouldnt budge!
So then we decided to try and winch it out of the way.
Jiri and Aneta positioned a snatch block up in a tree and we attempted to winch it out of the way.
But still the bloody thing wouldnt budge!
So then we decided to do some more cutting.
But still it wouldnt budge!
Bit more cutting.
And eventually we got through and finally had it on the ground!
We tried with the winch rope and snatch block again to winch it out of the way but the winch would not budge it!
I'd estimate that this big chunk of soaking wet hard wood weighed 4-5tonnes easily!
And soon it snapped my winch rope.
So then it was down to The 78 to drag it out of the way.
It took quite a few attempts to get it to move, even with the lockers in. Each hard reverse snatch would get it to move a few inches at a time.
And soon it became apparent that the other section of tree was in the way, so Jiri used his jack to lift that out of the way.
And finally it was out!
Next we needed to roll it out of the middle of the track, which wasnt easy as it was so heavy!
But between us Jiri and I used another piece of wood as a lever and managed to move it over enough for us to get the 70's through!
And we were on our way!
Last edited:
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The track we were on soon left the forest behind as it opened up onto a valley and farm land.
We went through the gate and as it was now mid day we looked for some where to stop for lunch.
We found an area at the side of the track with a picnic bench and a tree stump with some old metal beer signs nailed to it.
Inside the fallen down tree behind the stump I found a parasol inside it which fitted into a metal fitting some one had nailed to the tree stump.
I set it up and the bar was soon open!
*Please note, I dont and would never drink that disgusting VB rubbish, it was just for the photo.
Life is too short for drinking shit beer!
We had lunch and admired the view.
Then a quick check of the map confirmed we were getting close to what we had traveled all this distance for!
54!!!!!! Thats what dreams are made of!
We carried on down the easy dirt road.
And then drove 2km's of, bitumen if you're an Aussie, Tarmac if you're a Brit or Asphalt if you're Czech.
Until we reached our turn off.
Bis of this trip felt like green laning in the UK and the start of this track was no exception as we passed through private farm land.
We stopped at the first big campsite and I was impressed with the excellent car parking facilities.
We soon hit the track again.
And stopped at the old Gold rush mining town of Stirling.
Very little remains today apart from a few stone walls.
Then it was time to pass through one of the seasonally closed gates and cross our first major river crossing.
I was behind another vehicle at this point, but he was moving reasonably quickly so I didnt mind.
After a dozen or so river crossings we got to a big steep rocky hill to climb!
View back across to Jiri who was driving across the river to where I was stopped at the base of the hill.
We got out and walked it and it was very slippery the further up we went with the wet clay providing very little traction.
After a bit of slipping and sliding we got both the 70's safely to the top.
We got some excellent video footage of Jiri driving his Troopy AKA The Mountain Goat up this climb, I will include the video at the end of the trip report.
Few more crossings.
We went through the gate and as it was now mid day we looked for some where to stop for lunch.
We found an area at the side of the track with a picnic bench and a tree stump with some old metal beer signs nailed to it.
Inside the fallen down tree behind the stump I found a parasol inside it which fitted into a metal fitting some one had nailed to the tree stump.
I set it up and the bar was soon open!
*Please note, I dont and would never drink that disgusting VB rubbish, it was just for the photo.
Life is too short for drinking shit beer!
We had lunch and admired the view.
Then a quick check of the map confirmed we were getting close to what we had traveled all this distance for!
54!!!!!! Thats what dreams are made of!
We carried on down the easy dirt road.
And then drove 2km's of, bitumen if you're an Aussie, Tarmac if you're a Brit or Asphalt if you're Czech.
Until we reached our turn off.
Bis of this trip felt like green laning in the UK and the start of this track was no exception as we passed through private farm land.
We stopped at the first big campsite and I was impressed with the excellent car parking facilities.
We soon hit the track again.
And stopped at the old Gold rush mining town of Stirling.
Very little remains today apart from a few stone walls.
Then it was time to pass through one of the seasonally closed gates and cross our first major river crossing.
I was behind another vehicle at this point, but he was moving reasonably quickly so I didnt mind.
After a dozen or so river crossings we got to a big steep rocky hill to climb!
View back across to Jiri who was driving across the river to where I was stopped at the base of the hill.
We got out and walked it and it was very slippery the further up we went with the wet clay providing very little traction.
After a bit of slipping and sliding we got both the 70's safely to the top.
We got some excellent video footage of Jiri driving his Troopy AKA The Mountain Goat up this climb, I will include the video at the end of the trip report.
Few more crossings.
Last edited:
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It was by this point about 4:00pm and we were looking for a camp site.
We knew from the excellent detail on the map that there are very few suitable camping spots along the track, but we happened to find one and it was a perfect!
I was soon joined by Jiri and Aneta.
And we soon had the camp setup.
I cooked my dinner.
Marinaded chicken and veggies.
We then had a lovely night sat round the fire drinking and chatting.
The next morning I was awake bright and early, as was Lexi.
Cooked breakfast.
Tasty breakfast cooked over the fire, washed down with a litre of tea! Perfect start to the day!
With roughly another 30 crossings to do we packed up camp and hit the track.
Soon we got to a really muddy section.
Jiri's little tyres soon had him hung up on his diffs and a little snatch recovery was required.
Few more river crossings.
And then another muddy section.
We assessed the situation and Jiri decided to put his MaxTrax in a hole that he thought he would struggle to get through.
Then he got stuck 10 meters before he even got to the MaxTrax.
So I reversed The 78, hooked him on and dragged him through the thick slippery mud.
Another dozen or so river crossings.
And we reached the end of the track!
At Dawson City, another former Gold rush town which also has very little remaining.
We drove up Boomerang Spur Track which was a really nice steep climb.
Guys I'm out of time now as I have to get up and do some work on LJ's V8 engine conversion before work, but I will try and do some more on this trip report tonight.
We knew from the excellent detail on the map that there are very few suitable camping spots along the track, but we happened to find one and it was a perfect!
I was soon joined by Jiri and Aneta.
And we soon had the camp setup.
I cooked my dinner.
Marinaded chicken and veggies.
We then had a lovely night sat round the fire drinking and chatting.
The next morning I was awake bright and early, as was Lexi.
Cooked breakfast.
Tasty breakfast cooked over the fire, washed down with a litre of tea! Perfect start to the day!
With roughly another 30 crossings to do we packed up camp and hit the track.
Soon we got to a really muddy section.
Jiri's little tyres soon had him hung up on his diffs and a little snatch recovery was required.
Few more river crossings.
And then another muddy section.
We assessed the situation and Jiri decided to put his MaxTrax in a hole that he thought he would struggle to get through.
Then he got stuck 10 meters before he even got to the MaxTrax.
So I reversed The 78, hooked him on and dragged him through the thick slippery mud.
Another dozen or so river crossings.
And we reached the end of the track!
At Dawson City, another former Gold rush town which also has very little remaining.
We drove up Boomerang Spur Track which was a really nice steep climb.
Guys I'm out of time now as I have to get up and do some work on LJ's V8 engine conversion before work, but I will try and do some more on this trip report tonight.
Last edited:
Looks like that tree at Stirling got struck by lightning Ben.
It was by this point about 4:00pm and we were looking for a camp site.
We knew from the excellent detail on the map that there are very few suitable camping spots along the track, but we happened to find one and it was a perfect!
View attachment 146312
I was soon joined by Jiri and Aneta.
View attachment 146313
And we soon had the camp setup.
View attachment 146314
View attachment 146315
View attachment 146316
View attachment 146317
View attachment 146318
I cooked my dinner.
View attachment 146319
Marinaded chicken and veggies.
View attachment 146320
We then had a lovely night sat round the fire drinking and chatting.
View attachment 146321
The next morning I was awake bright and early, as was Lexi.
View attachment 146322
Cooked breakfast.
View attachment 146323
Tasty breakfast cooked over the fire, washed down with a litre of tea! Perfect start to the day!
View attachment 146324
With roughly another 30 crossings to do we packed up camp and hit the track.
View attachment 146325
View attachment 146326
View attachment 146327
View attachment 146328
View attachment 146329
View attachment 146330
Soon we got to a really muddy section.
View attachment 146331
Jiri's little tyres soon had him hung up on his diffs and a little snatch recovery was required.
View attachment 146332
View attachment 146333
View attachment 146334
Few more river crossings.
View attachment 146335
And then another muddy section.
View attachment 146336
We assessed the situation and Jiri decided to put his MaxTrax in a hole that he thought he would struggle to get through.
View attachment 146337
Then he got stuck 10 meters before he even got to the MaxTrax.
View attachment 146338
View attachment 146339
So I reversed The 78, hooked him on and dragged him through the thick slippery mud.
View attachment 146340
View attachment 146341
Another dozen or so river crossings.
View attachment 146342
View attachment 146343
View attachment 146344
View attachment 146345
View attachment 146346
And we reached the end of the track!
View attachment 146347
At Dawson City, another former Gold rush town which also has very little remaining.
View attachment 146348
We drove up Boomerang Spur Track which was a really nice steep climb.
View attachment 146349
View attachment 146350
Guys I'm out of time now as I have to get up and do some work on LJ's V8 engine conversion before work, but I will try and do some more on this trip report tonight.
Your photo-heavy write ups are brilliant Ben, I almost feel I’ve been thre after reading them!
Wood is very heavy, especially if it’s green and soaked.
It was attempting to drag one end of a pine tree off a track that broke my PTO winch originally on the truck when I bought it. The wire rope skipped over the flange at one end of the drum, and cracked (broke) the flange and the winch casing. I wish now I’d kept all the bits of that PTO but alas, I didn’t know what I do now, and sold it all for a measly £100.
Thanks for the report, and all the effort of posting
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Thanks guys.
It was a great trip.
That sucks about your PTO winch Clive.
OK...............So part 2 of the trip.
We left the Haunted Stream Track in the valley below and climbed high up into the mountains and were rewarded with some spectacular views.
We continued on the tracks heading towards the little town of Dargo where we planned to stop for lunch.
We came to a nice big river crossing and I lept my way to the other side to get some pics without getting wet.
It was a nice spot and would have been excellent for swimming, in summer time.
I drove across, followed by Jiri in the Troopy.
We decided as it was such a nice spot to stop for a while and Lexi had a swim.
We continued on the track and soon had a few more river crossings to drive.
Then we passed by a hut which we stopped to have a look at.
We continued on our way and soon found ourselves on a really wide ridge track.
Which led upto a helipad where we stopped for a break.
We continued on our way and dropped down again and found ourselves in a valley with farm land.
The road to Dargo felt very much like a greenlane in the UK as it went across farmers fields (Or paddocks as they call them in Australia).
We soon reached the iconic little High Country town and stopped for some lunch and a beer at the pub.
We had arrived at Dargo a little later than planned and with light now fading fast and our chosen camp site many km's away we had to push on.
The bitumen soon gave way to dirt again.
Our next track the Rock Of Gibraltar Track was a really nice track with lots of steep climbs and drops with a huge river crossing at the end.
It was a great trip.
That sucks about your PTO winch Clive.
OK...............So part 2 of the trip.
We left the Haunted Stream Track in the valley below and climbed high up into the mountains and were rewarded with some spectacular views.
We continued on the tracks heading towards the little town of Dargo where we planned to stop for lunch.
We came to a nice big river crossing and I lept my way to the other side to get some pics without getting wet.
It was a nice spot and would have been excellent for swimming, in summer time.
I drove across, followed by Jiri in the Troopy.
We decided as it was such a nice spot to stop for a while and Lexi had a swim.
We continued on the track and soon had a few more river crossings to drive.
Then we passed by a hut which we stopped to have a look at.
We continued on our way and soon found ourselves on a really wide ridge track.
Which led upto a helipad where we stopped for a break.
We continued on our way and dropped down again and found ourselves in a valley with farm land.
The road to Dargo felt very much like a greenlane in the UK as it went across farmers fields (Or paddocks as they call them in Australia).
We soon reached the iconic little High Country town and stopped for some lunch and a beer at the pub.
We had arrived at Dargo a little later than planned and with light now fading fast and our chosen camp site many km's away we had to push on.
The bitumen soon gave way to dirt again.
Our next track the Rock Of Gibraltar Track was a really nice track with lots of steep climbs and drops with a huge river crossing at the end.
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We continued on the track and light was fading fast.
We kept driving as darkness fell and all went well for about an hour until we reached one particularly steep rocky climb.
Despite multiple attempts Jiri couldnt get the Troopy up.
Turning around wasnt really an option as we had driven for hours to get to this point and the camp site wasnt too much further ahead.
We managed to carefully get the Troopy over enough for me to pass and I attempted it in The 78.
With both lockers engaged and with my foot flat to the floor and held there, I wheel spun and bounced my way up.
It was quite an adrenaline rush!
I drove on ahead and found some where to make a 5 point turn and then drove back down to the top of the really rocky steep section.
We anchored The 78 to a tree and then used every available strap and even tree trunk protector straps joined together on the end of my tied together winch rope, to give us enough length to reach the Troopy, which Jiri had driven up as far as he could and had actually ended up on a bit of a dodgy angle.
We prayed the knot joining my winch rope would hold, which it did.
We were all tired, hungry and just wanted to reach camp but we all worked together and soon had the Troopy up the climb.
Aneta then guided me as I made a very dodgy 10 point turn on the narrow track.
Then finally we were on our way again!
Down the Castle Hill Track.
To a wild camp site we had used on a previous trip.
We all pitched in and soon had the camp setup.
And most importantly the fire lit.
We were camped at a high altitude, much higher than the previous 2 nights and it was bitterly cold.
In the morning we awoke to ice on the tents.
I cooked breakfast.
We packed up our camp and hit the tracks.
The ground was frozen.
Lots of mist in the valleys below.
A quick stop to look at the maps and work out where we were going.
We stopped at a look out.
And continued on our way on a very muddy track.
Our next track which I'm not sure I've ever driven before was the infamous King Billy Track.
It was a great track with a bit of everything, river crossings, rocks, climbs, descents, it was awesome!
Around a few hair pin bends as we climbed out of the valley below.
And out the top, where we headed for home.
Heres Jiri and Anetas video of the trip.
It was an awesome trip!
Our next 4wd camping trip is next weekend!
We kept driving as darkness fell and all went well for about an hour until we reached one particularly steep rocky climb.
Despite multiple attempts Jiri couldnt get the Troopy up.
Turning around wasnt really an option as we had driven for hours to get to this point and the camp site wasnt too much further ahead.
We managed to carefully get the Troopy over enough for me to pass and I attempted it in The 78.
With both lockers engaged and with my foot flat to the floor and held there, I wheel spun and bounced my way up.
It was quite an adrenaline rush!
I drove on ahead and found some where to make a 5 point turn and then drove back down to the top of the really rocky steep section.
We anchored The 78 to a tree and then used every available strap and even tree trunk protector straps joined together on the end of my tied together winch rope, to give us enough length to reach the Troopy, which Jiri had driven up as far as he could and had actually ended up on a bit of a dodgy angle.
We prayed the knot joining my winch rope would hold, which it did.
We were all tired, hungry and just wanted to reach camp but we all worked together and soon had the Troopy up the climb.
Aneta then guided me as I made a very dodgy 10 point turn on the narrow track.
Then finally we were on our way again!
Down the Castle Hill Track.
To a wild camp site we had used on a previous trip.
We all pitched in and soon had the camp setup.
And most importantly the fire lit.
We were camped at a high altitude, much higher than the previous 2 nights and it was bitterly cold.
In the morning we awoke to ice on the tents.
I cooked breakfast.
We packed up our camp and hit the tracks.
The ground was frozen.
Lots of mist in the valleys below.
A quick stop to look at the maps and work out where we were going.
We stopped at a look out.
And continued on our way on a very muddy track.
Our next track which I'm not sure I've ever driven before was the infamous King Billy Track.
It was a great track with a bit of everything, river crossings, rocks, climbs, descents, it was awesome!
Around a few hair pin bends as we climbed out of the valley below.
And out the top, where we headed for home.
Heres Jiri and Anetas video of the trip.
It was an awesome trip!
Our next 4wd camping trip is next weekend!
tonytoyota
Well-Known Member
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- Sep 9, 2010
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Hi Ben looks a lot of fun thanks for the pics big up you r have ing a grand old time .
up you r have ing a grand old time .
AndyCook
Well-Known Member
Gosh you are so lucky with those trails,
I can only get decent trails for mountain biking here in Scotland
Must have been stressful with the tricky trail in dark, when all you've wanted were a camp, cold beer and food
I can only get decent trails for mountain biking here in Scotland
Must have been stressful with the tricky trail in dark, when all you've wanted were a camp, cold beer and food
Brilliant! What else is there to be said.
Stunning views too, great photos Ben.
And in the previous post, who was it that shinned up the tree for one of those pics of your campsite, Aneta? She’s a game girl that one, if it was
Stunning views too, great photos Ben.
And in the previous post, who was it that shinned up the tree for one of those pics of your campsite, Aneta? She’s a game girl that one, if it was
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2010
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Thanks guys!
We truly are blessed in Australia and particularly in Victoria to have so many tracks and areas open to us!
The High Country is hundreds of square miles of mountains, forests and rivers and its full of 4wd tracks!
I love it!
Yes Clive it was Aneta, she climbed onto the roof of the Troopy to get some pics.
Shes certainly game, they both are! Whenever there is work to be done, be it vehicle recoveries or setting up the camp they both jump straight into action and get on with it! They make great travel companions!
We truly are blessed in Australia and particularly in Victoria to have so many tracks and areas open to us!
The High Country is hundreds of square miles of mountains, forests and rivers and its full of 4wd tracks!
I love it!
Yes Clive it was Aneta, she climbed onto the roof of the Troopy to get some pics.
Shes certainly game, they both are! Whenever there is work to be done, be it vehicle recoveries or setting up the camp they both jump straight into action and get on with it! They make great travel companions!
Great trip, great travel companions and fantastic scenery. Well done Ben. I don’t know whether I’d be hopping out to take photos every 5 minutes so hats off to you for that.
Watching that I wondered whether you’ve got any underneath protection as I don’t remember seeing any go on it in the build?
Watching that I wondered whether you’ve got any underneath protection as I don’t remember seeing any go on it in the build?
