The weekend got off to a rotten start, as myself and TurboJoe were the last 2 to arrive at the meeting point opposite HJs on Safety Bay Rd. Technically Joe was last (because I overtook him about 500m before we got there), but we decided to share the joy of the trip report.
A uneventful drive down to the airdown point was closely followed by a series of "OMFG!!" statements as the Yeagarup virgins got their first look at the big dune on the way in. With very little attrition (even Casper made it up first go) we all climbed up onto the top of the dune system. Alas, the weekend was over for some soon after - several beers (fortunately not mine) died on the crossing of the dunes, although they were only Carlton and they were in the back of one of the Slo-luxes as well.
We got in and camped, had a bit of a drive and an explore and then settled in for the night. During the evening Thomas' mate Sean (or Seen?) rocked up in his wife's brand new V8 76 Series to say hello. He stayed a while, sated his thirst a bit and then left with his mate to make their way back to their campsite. We heard the big V8 being given some coal, and then about 10mins later his co-pilot came charging into our camp on foot panicking because the brand new cruiser was hankering to become a boat. When we got there (at the rivermouth) we did a bit of digging (with waves soaking us) and a snatch recovery and we had caught ourselves a Tojo! Alas (like so much of the fishing over the w/end), it got away...
Saturday saw more driving, and Casper discovering that Maxtrax have a lot in common with cheese graters - i now own a pair of Maxtrax with big bits of black rubber on them. Around lunchtime we had a visit from the Evil ones, and they stayed in camp for a few hours and had a good chat. We think they wanted to stay overnight, as the Evil GU didn't seem keen to climb up onto the top of the dunes on the was out. Whilst the Evils were still here Vanda arrived in his very tidy F150 camper truck for an overnight camp.
Saturday evening brought extra fun in the form of high speed skimboarding on the river, repairs to the rivermouth, chilli vodka, beer, a healthy fire in a drum, and some more beer...
Sunday morning brought further excitement (!), provided this time by the F-truck. Somewhat unfortunately Vanda managed to stake 2 tires whilst turning the truck around, but only had one spare. Much deliberation and chin stroking then took place about which cars might have rims that would fit the effy (answer - none), then the topic moved to who's car we could rob (<- hint here) the spare tire off to put onto Vanda's rim (did you guess the answer?), but it was decided that Rob and Vanda would stage a breakout to Manjimup in the MightyGQ to get the Vanda's spare rubber and rims mated (his very kind better half ran them down to Manji from Bunbury) - Budds volunteered to stay behind in camp and keep an eye on the effy. Last we heard from our fearless Committee man was a desperate plea for "Smokes, any brand of smokes" over the UHF.
Our escape into the dunes was eventful for some, with TurboJoe firstly having to snatch recover Casper - as I'd managed to completely ground it when reversing to have another run at the last bit of the dune. Casper then successfully zoomed up that dune, with the success being either due to his being affronted at having his new recovery points used, or because his operator had just been reminded about the "Power" button on the auto box. Joe didn't get chance to revel in his snatch success as he got bogged about 10m from the top of the last bit of dune and Casper rushed into place to clear his deficit and haul the ex Telstra Truck up the last few metres.
Dramas over we successfully traversed the top of the dunes, and made out way to the air-up station. Apart from one of my compressors needing some electrical repairs, and the other one seeming to suck instead of blow we aired up and were on our way.
A teaser selection of pics and videos to follow...................
