Otooles Intermediate Run Report

BEK

4x4 Earth Contributer
Trip Report – Saturday 1st November
Intermediate Run
Leader – Nick J
Tailgate Charlie Patriot/Bushnut

Vehicles commenced the day in overcast conditions.

Tracks were slightly moist after some rain on the Friday, but in good condition.

Started at approximately 9.50am with a drive from O’Tooles to White Star track with a view of arriving at the Mount Useful hut and tower

In the convoy were Nick J, Brad CQ, Robz, Wild Surf, Grey Ghost, Coxy, Centaur, BEK and Patriot & Bushnut.

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Tracks vary between easy to quite steep with shale and puddles throughout

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It’s amazing the regeneration of the forest after significant bush fires just under 2 years ago.

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After the visit to the White Star mine where some of us tested ourselves by going down a steep track. This track should not be attempted when wet!!

Nickj making his way back up

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Remaining boiler originally brought in by oxen and horses - sign reads built in 1895.

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Picture of one of old mines

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And some of the crew that went exploring

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Another view of convoy

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Grey Ghost and Nickj

We then proceeded along Toomstar track and came across an area of forest that had been burnt with no recovery evident. It was dubbed “matchstick forest” by Tyler.

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Lunch was had at Mount Useful tower, some chilling winds coming through the overcast temp Coxy temp gauge read 8 degrees didn’t allow for wind chill factor, just a pleasant Saturday afternoon in the Victorian Alps

Interesting view from one of the Dunnys here. No door just a 180 degree view of the valley below and a red back sharing the seat with you.

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Proceeded down McEnvoys through to White Star
(Thanks to navigator Lachlan who made sure the convoy went in the right direction)

Then down Willoughby track where most of us practiced our hill descents without brakes

Then into Donnelley’s Creek for a ford crossing and then back to camp at close to 3pm.

Special mention to Patriot, aka Maverick, first time out with a new vehicle performed very admirably and special mention to Centaur, who showed how a diesel can quickly and effectively become a smoke screen for those traveling behind.

Thanks also to Nick who did what all trip leaders aim for:
Everyone home in one piece and no damage - a job well done
 
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BEK

4x4 Earth Contributer
Otooles Photos

Time to dust off the piccies and put them in here
 
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Nickj

5th Annual Victorian Gathering member
Thanks Bek

Though the weather was a little on the cool side, it was a great drive enjoyed by all. As I mentioned on the trip, the last time we went that way, the ground was covered in snow and we followed a lone motorbike track most of the way past the mine.
New members Justin and Fay and Stef and Tim joined us at the top of the mine hill.

Nick
 
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