CHOOSING a destination proved a tricky prospect for the ANZAC Day long weekend. Eventually the group decided to try somewhere new and three Patrols set out on an adventure.
Deb and Dave, Mark, as well as Tim and Mel travelled to Springbrook Host Farm, 29km north of Goomeri on the Burnett Highway.
The owners run cattle, horses and have an olive grove on their 2500 acre property.
We arrived at our destination shortly after midday on Friday and were accompanied to our campsite by a friendly black dog.
After setting up, we decided to go out for an afternoon drive and our energetic, new ‘tour guide’ showed us the tracks.
On Saturday, we eagerly waited for the mist to clear so we could explore the undulating countryside, traversed by old logging tracks.
It soon became apparent there were numerous hill climbs, riverbeds and erosion gullies to conquer.
To whet the appetite, we tackled a hill climb that was made up of slippery rock and sand-like sections. Dave and Tim both made it up after a couple of attempts.
Mark’s road tyres and lower ground clearance worked against him and so, a winch job was necessary.
True to form, Tim decided to test the limits of his car, racing up hills and falling into holes.
The cars made it through the day relatively unscathed, with only a few rear lights coming loose.
We finished the day around a roaring campfire, exchanging 4x4 tips and recounting adventures from previous trips.
As Sunday dawned, we set out for a leisurely morning drive while our gear dried, before heading back to camp to pack up and make our way home.
Overall it was a pleasant weekend, with the group agreeing there were plenty of variable tracks to explore.
At $20 per day for driving, and camping included in the price, our excursion was excellent value for money.
For more photos from the trip, visit http://goo.gl/LAlPnY
I was showing the photos to Melinda as I started typing highlighting who was driving which vehicle on the other monitor. It was Mark's GU the screen as I started typing.
