Only beaten by Ross, I (Kel) was the second to arrive at Caroline Bay. Normally I’m late. Soon there were 10 4wd vehicles, all keen to head off for a day in the Waimate Forest. Our trip leader arrived a little later than he said on the phone but just in time for the start. There was a good mix of vehicles from club winch challenge to standard 4wd’s so that made for an interesting trip.

Off down the main road to Makikihi and right to the Waimate Forest. Then a climb up to the top via a mix of metal roads and tracks. Apart from some greasy patches and the odd problem getting around corners all went well. A short stay at the transmitter station, kick the snow and then down we came. A steep track to keep all on their toes. Stay off the brakes and let the wheels do the work.

At the bottom it was lunch time and a chance to talk about the trip so far. Some even got the frying pan out and gave the valley a sniff of bacon. Made the old sandwiches a bit dull. Well I made them. Then a mention of a hill climb to see if we could get back up sounded like a good idea. After all it was on the last trip that I only managed to make the corner. I did test the traction on the way down and so thought that it would be possible, so off I went. Well no problem. After that I radioed back to find that quite a few were following. So we did the loop, and came down an even steeper track that maybe next trip would be a good challenge to climb.

Lunch all done and a play finished we then headed off down to the river. The crossing was a little deep for some but all navigated it well and the climb back out was concord. Some more gravel road and then we hit the fire breaks. Some clay and steep drops, do we have to come back this way, well yes. No problem all flew up and then we were on our way home after a great day. Thanks to Stuart and Barry our leaders.

A little reminder that you should always keep the vehicle behind you in your mirror. Don’t worry about the one in front, as they are keeping you in view. That way if something happens you will be the first to know. Cheers Kel