Steve Dalli (fearless trip leader) and boys – Nissan Patrol.
Dale and Cody – Toyota 80 series.
Richard and Chantel – Nissan, Navara.
Lee, Moira and Joe – Nissan Patrol.
Scotty, Lucy and boys – Toyota100 series.
Cameron, Belinda and Jaydon – Nissan Patrol.
Terry and Cathy – Toyota 80 series.
Nick, Karen and Domenic – Toyota Hilux.
Steve Rhall – Toyota 80 series.
Tony and his mate – Nissan Patrol.
Phil Reid – Toyota 80 series.
Brad, Adrianne and boys – Toyota 80 series.
John, Yvonne, Elisa and Anthony – Toyota 80 series
Starting the journey to Woods Point, Victoria, on Friday the 1st of September, thirteen four wheel drives set off for a weekend full of fun, excitement, challenges and new friendships.
Steve, the trip leader recommended that the journey was to be started at approximately 6:00 am in the morning (we slept in, and left later J, hence, dad tried to make up time by setting new speed records down the freeway.
The last fuel stop was at Mansfield. From there on in the scenery was nice, but where the little cottages were located along the narrow, wind road, it became eerie, as if a scene from a horror movie! (I was waiting for a mutant, madman to run out of a cottage with an Axe covered in blood!
Finally we reached the Woods Point Pub. We were the last to enter the pub, to greet our fellow members, hence, getting the honors of writing this report.
This 1940’s style pub was full of character. Down stairs was the bar, and dining rooms, where memorabilia was hanging off the walls (literally). With plenty of stuffed animals, those of the proud hunters, plenty of photos and guns.
After a few drinks, we all made our way up stairs, where the bedrooms and 2 bathrooms where located. While every one was pushing z Z z Z, Scott had an unplanned trip, down the stairs. (were the lights off? Or was Scotty off?)
The next morning we were all up, scoffed down our breakfast and was hurried out the door by Steve. In convoy procedure we followed Steve through the many wonders of Woods Point. Up and down mountains, through the rivers and along muddy tracks, all in the search of the “snow”. We reached the summit of Mt. Skene,1571 metres above sea level. Where we all parked, and got out to stretch our legs. Steve was telling us that there was plenty of snow last year, they couldn’t walk through it…. (Yeah yeahh) Then as the boys went looking for a comfort spot, they stumbled across a small patch of snow, protected by the tree line. The disappointed looks on the children’s faces soon changed when they heard the cries of “snow”
After playing in our winter wonderland, we set off in search of more trail to explore. While traveling through some extremely windy tracks we hear a cry over the radio from Scotty, “ I think I broke something in my front axle”. Finding a flat section of ground to park on, the pitstop crew jumped into action and stripped the front splines and tale shaft off the front axle, after finding that Scotty’s front diff was broken.
Scotty was mobile again. And we were on our way back to the pub, when Cameron brought up the subject of tonights dinner. Were we getting pork or a leg of lamb with a bone? (Cameron you totally confused me! I think it was good that I didn’t understand).
We arrived at the pub and fed our faces, and after another few drinks we retired early.
The next morning we were all up and ready, when the sight for sore eyes, Cameron walked down the stairs with a red-checkered flannelette shirt on. (Joke being: he looked like a hillbilly bride’s father.We were then on the road again, leaving the Woods Point Pub in search of new challenges, while Scotty and his two wheel drive – four wheel drive made their way back to Wangaratta, to await us for tonights mealDue to the unfortunate weather, the original track we tried to take was too risky; we therefore took another track, which would eventually lead us out to Jamieson. Over the radio, Rodger made quite a few announcements, which brought laughter to the troops.
After arriving in Wangaratta we sorted out our accommodation, then met at the Chinese restaurant. Where we shared a meal, and fourteen bottles of mixed wine. From there we said our goodbyes, and separated. Ending the Snow Trip for 2006.
We would like to thank Steve Dalli for organizing the trip, and thank you to everyone who attended and making it an enjoyable time.
