Page 21 - TLCCV-Overland-Cruisering

enthusiasts and nature lovers with a huge diversity track (Victoria Range Fireline) was rocky and chal- MVOs around Lake Wartook: A blanket of grey sky
of rock formations, native vegetation, driving lenging but nothing that couldn’t be handled by both hung over the Grampians as we left camp for the
conditions and ...weather. the more experienced in our trip group and those of Boroka lookout. The views were limited, but the
We soon turned into Rose Creek Road and onto the us who had just completed DA. (This was in sharp blue sky hanging under the grey blanket was quite
Wallaby Rocks track. The track was solid under- contrast to Zebra’s recce a few weeks earlier, when spectacular. After a short break, taking in the views,
neath, clearly bedded down by the weathered their convoy spent quite a few hours clearing this we headed back to Mt Victory Road and continued
basalt, which makes up the roadside outcrops which track of fallen and overhanging branches just so on to Ricky Track (MVO) – well that was the plan!
provide worthy viewing. The vegetation was thinned they could get through). There were some issues with the keys for the MVO
and the soil covered with an ash layer as a result of Late afternoon, we all rolled back into camp. In the gates and although Parks Victoria was supposed to
the devastating bushfires in the Grampians earlier evening we enjoyed the relaxation that comes from have changed the locks, the key that Laurie had
in 2014. However, sparser vegetation made for having had a fun and challenging day and the simple been given would not open the gate.
excellent visibility along the track and towards the pleasures of dinner around the campfire, excellent A spontaneous change to the itinerary was required.
escarpments, so we could see the myriad of tracks company and conversation and a couple of drinks. We continued on the bitumen to the Wartook track
available in the region. As our first club trip, we thought this one was the (MVO), taking the Old Mill Rd and the East Wartook
After morning tea we were ably led along Launders perfect mix of easy and challenging tracks. Even Track, where the key did open the gate. This area
Track, which was a steep descent as well as being some partner drivers were gently encouraged to was very badly affected by the bush fires last year
challenging and tricky. Before lunch we had ‘have a go’ to build confidence – which was very and although the MVO was an unchallenging flat,
experienced a good range of easy – medium tracks, achievable on flatter tracks which were crossed by sandy track, the new growth on the trunks of the
all well signposted: this included a left into Hines tiny streams, sandy patches, rocky, bumpy terrain trees and the persistence of the ‘black boys’ and
Track, then along Syphon Road, left onto Goat Track – everything we had experienced at Yarck a few ferns was an inspiring display of how the Australian
and left again onto the Victoria Range Track. Phew weeks before – but not as steep as Garvey’s Gully! bush survives.
Downtime for lunch at 950m at Mt Thackery (yep, Thanks to Laurie and Heidi for their friendly leader-
the mist rolled in over the valley once more which ship of our group. Clearly it was a well planned trip
gave us a very cool lunch break)....but we discov- which must have required hours of preparation and
ered a mystical beauty in the bush when shrouded reconnaissance. The outcome was a group of very
in cloud. Somehow the green seemed greener and happy club members having had a ‘top’ weekend.
the shades of grey more pronounced. Mother Nature also turned on muted colours to the
After lunch Laurie unlocked the gate to the first MVO delight of everyone.
(Management Vehicles Only) tracks of the trip. This Michael & Megan Bourke (2713)

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