Jurassic Pk

May 2010

Attendees:

Gary & Peter                Jeep

Steve                             Jeep

Colin & Renate             Patrol

Day started off clear & frosty, we left Lithgow on time and keen to check out Mt Airly for the first time for Gary & Steve.

Arriving at Cols place we were astounded to see a 1953 De Havilland aircraft formally from the NZAF (see pix), Col it seems swapped it for "Gussie" the former WWll tank that he converted to a back hoe and bulldozer, as one does.

We were pleased to hear from Col himself that the "Track" will remain open for the foreseeable future.

The campgrounds are not available for camping due to the new mine ownership & Col rents his house site back from the mines for a nominal rent (something silly like $1 PA) for his remaining years. Camping is still possible up near the lookout and mine.

NPWS want the track to remain open for access to Genowlan Point.

We drove up the hill along a quite deteriorated track due to some heavy rains over the last few months, this track in now a bit of a challenge to drive, but in no way too hard. The newbies to Jurassic park were suitably impressed by what they saw and Steve was given a good "baptism under fire" during this drive.

We visited the "Lookout" "the Grotto" & "The Hill", it was decided at this point that we do not go out to the point as the track is in poor condition and a bit too hard for someone so new to this.

We decided that as the day was still young we would go home via the Sunny Corner Track straight after lunch at the Capertee rest stop. This track has also suffered from rain erosion over the last 12 months so it proved a little more challenging than previous trips.

Reaching Sunny Corner at about 4.30 we aired up and called the trip over. I am sure everyone enjoied their day safe and sound and no damage to cars or people.

Thanks guys for a great day. Colin.