High Country 2020 - 2 to 3 May - CANCELLED

[Mike57]

TRIP TITLE
High Country 2020 - CANCELLED

As the COVID-19 crisis unfolds the club has decided to cancel all meetings and club trips. Therefore this trip will no longer take place at least not this year. I trust that everyone will understand that this is an appropriate decision.

TRIP DATE
Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 May 2020

TRIP LOCATION
Victorian High Country

TRIP DESCRIPTION
This year I thought we would go back to the very original route and keep it down to the Saturday and Sunday. That keeps it open to people who don't want to take any extra leave days. I have also moved it to the end start of May to avoid any issues with fires and hot weather. (and it was one of the few weekends I have available).

Start at Briagolong at 9.00am outside the park in the main street (it is a 3 hour drive from Melbourne)
Up towards the Pinnacles via Marathon Road (We can skip the Pinnacles if all attendees have been there before)
Down Billy Goat Bluff Track
Head up Eagle Vale Track to Cynthia Range Track
Down Herne Spur (with multiple river crossings)
Wonnangatta Track into the Valley
Camp overnight
Exit the next morning via Zeka Spur
Down to Licola and then home.

NOTES
Saturday will be the big driving day and depending upon what time we leave Wonnangatta everyone gets home mid to late afternoon on the Sunday.
All Terrain tyres as a minimum are required. You also need the usual recovery gear and a compressor. Recovery points front and rear are mandatory.
Sierras are fine in stock condition for this trip but Vitaras can be a little low to the ground for some parts.
It is difficult to tow a stranded vehicle out of this country so your vehicle should be in good working order especially cooling systems as even in cooler weather the steep climbs in low gear can cause a cooling system to work hard.
We will have to defer if there has been a week of heavy rain (rivers too high) or any chance of extreme fire danger (unlikely in May).
The only medium part of this trip is the steep ascents and descents but we will have a talk about those as we get to them for anyone not experienced - just remember to pick a gear and stay in it and never touch the clutch if you have a manual. We will talk about stalling stops and starting in gear.
The roads are rocky but generally not slippery even after rain but the roads change every year so we never know exactly what to expect.
The scenery is fantastic.
This trip is suitable for less experienced drivers and new club members.
Warm clothing will be required.
Suzukis should carry an extra 20 litres of fuel.
Fuel is available at Briagolong.

TRIP RATING
Easy / Medium (in parts)

TRIP MEETING POINT
Briagolong in the middle of town by the park - 8.30am (Best) to 9.00am (Latest)

ATTENDEE LIST
Mike - Jimny
Damo - Challenger
Chris - Wrangler
Richard M - Sierra
David - Sierra
Jack - Pajera Sport
Colin & Niki - XL7
Richard P - Sierra
Will P - Sierra (potential new member)
David P - Toyota LC (Temp member)
Darcy & Courtney- Sierra
Luke P + One - Vehicle TBC
Rod - Vitara
Beng - Toyota
Shaun and Michelle - Isuzu Mux

[South001]

Sounds pretty epic, looking forward to it!

[rmitchell]

Hi Mike.
Can you add me to the list please?
Ta.

[jdndm]

Hi Mike,

I"ll join in my Pajero Sport.

Cheers,
Jack

[colnniko]

hi mike ,niki and my self will be starters this year. Hopefully it will be a goer after the fires. colin

[fuzzychops]

I will came if that is ok i will try out the newly restored ute.as a suggestion Mt Kent is now open and is worth a look if time allows the views are great from the top nearly as good as the Pinnicales.

[South001]

I will camp on the Friday night if anyone else wants to as well.

Saves leaving home at 530am.

[Mike57]

I have updated the attendee list.

David you are most welcome. I have not done Mt Kent so it could be an alternative but it looks to be a bit further. We can work it out on the day. What is the track like?

Colin this area was burnt in parts last year and so far no new fires this year.

[fuzzychops]

The road to Mt Kent is good and not that far from where we are going the view to the West is amazing we can see how we are going for time I have been there a few times since the road was opened,Looking foward to the trip.

[South001]

I have updated the attendee list.

David you are most welcome. I have not done Mt Kent so it could be an alternative but it looks to be a bit further. We can work it out on the day. What is the track like?

Colin this area was burnt in parts last year and so far no new fires this year.

Hi Mike, post title says May and first thread says April.
Is it April or May?