Gavo
4x4 Earth Contributer
Well just home from a pretty decent weekend to Bendethera Valley.
Friday night, six of us met just south of Sydney at Pheasants Nest around 5pm.
From there we cruised down the highway to Braidwood and grabbed a counter meal at the local pub.
From there was an easy run down to our first nights camp at Araluen.
I was concerned that this camp ground may have been busy, but it was far from. Could have done with a slash, either way nice spot.
Saturdays morning Terry met us as per plan. So we headed off to dry creek camp ground which is the trail head of Merricumbene fire trail.
This was a nice, pristine, wheel depth river crossing, which after crossing started on the one of many super steep climbs.
The entire fire trail was in excellent condition. Probably due to the new NPWS rules of no trailers, and continued works to track.
We made great time with the track in such good nick. It's still most certainly steep, and low range the entire way.
Quick lunch break at the Bendethera trig, then a easy run into the camp ground. It was around 45km from start to camp.
Bendethera is Huge!! So we spent a good hour exploring the place. Then Wang and I got a hot tip off a local of a nice clearing. So after finding the small little track that lead to said spot, we called the rest over radio and made camp.
From there we enjoyed some beers, cooked some dinner and sparked up a well maintained fire (cheers Adrian).
Few hours after dark a single head light of a motorcycle headed towards our secluded spot. Under the helmet was a relieved fat head, who had spent the last hour and a bit scouting the entire camp looking for us. He had decided at half 6 that evening to come down from Cooma for the night!
Sunday we cleared our heads, packed up camp and headed to Snow Ball via dampier fire trail. This was also in great condition with recent works.
Over all, it was a top trip to a really beautiful part of the world. Thanks to all those who came, for a few of the guys it was their first 4x4earth trip. Hope to see you guys again.
I'm confident some others will add the some pics!!
Friday night, six of us met just south of Sydney at Pheasants Nest around 5pm.
From there we cruised down the highway to Braidwood and grabbed a counter meal at the local pub.
From there was an easy run down to our first nights camp at Araluen.
I was concerned that this camp ground may have been busy, but it was far from. Could have done with a slash, either way nice spot.
Saturdays morning Terry met us as per plan. So we headed off to dry creek camp ground which is the trail head of Merricumbene fire trail.
This was a nice, pristine, wheel depth river crossing, which after crossing started on the one of many super steep climbs.
The entire fire trail was in excellent condition. Probably due to the new NPWS rules of no trailers, and continued works to track.
We made great time with the track in such good nick. It's still most certainly steep, and low range the entire way.
Quick lunch break at the Bendethera trig, then a easy run into the camp ground. It was around 45km from start to camp.
Bendethera is Huge!! So we spent a good hour exploring the place. Then Wang and I got a hot tip off a local of a nice clearing. So after finding the small little track that lead to said spot, we called the rest over radio and made camp.
From there we enjoyed some beers, cooked some dinner and sparked up a well maintained fire (cheers Adrian).
Few hours after dark a single head light of a motorcycle headed towards our secluded spot. Under the helmet was a relieved fat head, who had spent the last hour and a bit scouting the entire camp looking for us. He had decided at half 6 that evening to come down from Cooma for the night!
Sunday we cleared our heads, packed up camp and headed to Snow Ball via dampier fire trail. This was also in great condition with recent works.
Over all, it was a top trip to a really beautiful part of the world. Thanks to all those who came, for a few of the guys it was their first 4x4earth trip. Hope to see you guys again.
I'm confident some others will add the some pics!!
