Date and time: 9:00am to 4:00pm Sunday 20 November 2022
Description: Please contact your trip leader if you are unsure of any of the following requirements for this trip.
We all make extensive use of GPS in 4WD trip navigation, but there is still a critical role for understanding how to use a paper map and compass.
Some Club Members have expressed a desire to learn about maps and navigation by compass. Therefore, I have created a short introductory course for learning the basics of map reading and using a compass to navigate in the real world. This is based on my 30+ years as an Infantry Sergeant where getting to the right place regardless of season, weather or terrain is a critical skill.
The course is broken into two parts; namely a Theory night and a Practical day. You are welcome to attend the theory, but under no obligation to attend the practical training. Equally, some Members may feel confident with the theory basics, but just want to try out some of the skills in a practical environment. For these reasons you will see these listed as separate ‘trips’ to sign up to. Priority for the Practical day will go to Members who attend the Theory night.
The Theory is aimed at Members who have had little to no previous map training (i.e. absolute beginners). The Practical section is to build on the theory for beginners or to refresh more experienced navigators out ‘in the field’.
This registration is for the Practical Day only.
In the Practical day we will cover:
- Revision from the Theory session
- Relating the map to ground
- Taking bearings
- Using a resection to determine location
- Vehicle navigation and route cards
I would encourage members to attend with a partner or co-driver.
Further specific details will be sent upon registration.
Reference: Vicmap Eildon Special 1:50,000 Topographic map.
Weather: The weather forecasts closer to the day will suggest appropriate clothing. The activity will be postponed if weather and local conditions are deemed unsuitable (e.g. ongoing flood damage) .
Equipment: Below are the recommended vehicle requirements. If you are not sure if you 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: Air compressor and tyre gauge, MaxTrax or similar recovery equipment.
Morning tea and lunches will be in the bush each day – byo simple, “on the move” lunches and morning teas (byo thermos).
No camper trailers, pets or firearms
Trip Standard: Medium – There is a driving component to the Navigation Practical Day. Most tracks are Easy, but some are of a Medium standard.
Fuel: Available in Eildon. Approx. 70km of fuel required for driving component.
Distance: Melbourne to Eildon is approx. 130km. Driving component around Eildon is approx. 70km. Eildon to Melbourne is 130km.
Duration: 1 days
Convoy limit: 10 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: We plan to meet at the Eildon Village shops, in Main Street, Eildon (opposite the War Memorial), at 9.00am for our trip briefing. (What3Words reference https://w3w.co/forefinger.predictive.coasters). We aim to finish about 4:00pm in the vicinity of Eildon.
Trip Leaders: James Lawson, Phone - 0429265550, Email – lawsonj71au@gmail.com
