Date and time: Thursday, November 17, 2022 8:00 AM to Friday, November 18, 2022. NB This is a mid-week trip running in the same area and immediately before the weekend track clearing trip.
Description:
This is the Pre-track clearing trip before the main Far East Gippsland track clearing.
The local National Park Ranger has requested some additional help prior to the main weekend’s track clearing. This is to deal with a number of large fallen trees in the Errinundra National Park and also some walking tracks that are not open to vehicles.
You will need to be up in the region around Bendoc on the evening of 19th October night to commence the briefing at 8:00 AM at the Bendoc Parks/DELWP office. There is bush camping available at Wilsons Hut which is in the area.
As usual, we are seeking both chain saw operators and helpers. We are normally short on helpers so please come along and assist.
Depending on how we go for the Thursday, we may camp in the National Park or an alternate site. We will make our way to McKillops Bridge campsite on Friday evening if you are registered for this event.
The Ranger, Gary Bellesini or an alternate will be leading this small group. It will be a small group that will be focused on quickly clearing the tracks and moving on to the next area.
There are pre-requisites which we have to adhere to. Volunteers must
(A) Have been triple vaccinated
(B) Have a WWCC (Working With Children Check).
(C) Chainsaw operators to have the appropriate proficiency qualification.
Further details about the campsites and meeting places will be known closer to the date.
If you do not have a WWCC card, it is free (for volunteers) to apply for one and only takes 10 minutes online and a visit to the Post Office for those without a Service Victoria account. Last fuel and food stop is at Orbost. Fuel and limited food are also at available at Delegate (reduced hours) over the border in NSW. Bendoc has no fuel or food available. Showers are available in Bendoc.
Your 4WD is to be well maintained and have high clearance. Be prepared for cold and wet conditions and bring all your food, water, camping and cooking gear for these 2 days. It has snowed in previous years.
Proficiency level driver training is required.
Please contact Prue on 0439 890 688 or p.thwait@bigpond.net.au if you have any questions
Weather: Alpine environment, potentially cold and wet. Review the Alpine weather forecast leading up to the trip and bring appropriate clothing, footwear and camping gear.
Equipment: Below are the recommended vehicle requirements. If you are not sure if your vehicle is suitable for a trip, please have a chat with the trip leader.
Good off-road tyres (All Terrain, 60 profile recommended as a minimum), UHF radio (or one borrowed from the club), a well-maintained vehicle with low range (or equivalent), good ground clearance (200mm recommended as a minimum), recovery points, standard recovery gear including dampener, rated snatch strap and shackles, shovel. Drivers must have completed the RRCV club training or equivalent.
Additional Equipment required: Camping gear food and drinking water for 2 days / 1 night in the bush. Clothing for wet and cold conditions. Morning tea and lunches will be in the bush each day – byo simple, “on the move” lunches and morning teas (byo thermos).
Strong work boots, leather work gloves, chainsaw plus fuel and PPE if you have the chainsaw qualification, drag chain and hand saw if you have them, first aid kit, satellite phone of you have one. RACV Totalcare cover or equivalent
No camper trailers, pets or firearms
Trip Standard: Medium - some steep, low-range hill climbs!
Fuel: a full tank ex Orbost
Distance: Melbourne to Bendoc 475kms. Trip distance approximately 200kms from Bendoc.
Duration: 2 days
Convoy limit: 6 vehicles
Passengers & non-member participation: If you wish to bring a passenger that is not a partner or your child visit they must register as Temporary Members to join in. See our website for details.
Temporary (Guest) Membership
Temporary Members are NOT allowed to drive with out speaking to the Trip Leader first. This is to ensure that the driver and vehicle are sufficiently prepared for the trip.
Meeting arrangements: Further details about the campsites and meeting places will be known closer to the date.
Trip Leaders: John and Prue Hasler 0439 890 688 or p.thwait@bigpond.net.au
