Todays Trip Report

Well, only four more days to go. Left Flock House 9:05 a.m., arrived at the Rangitikei River - have not done a lot of river work, but excellent time – real cool.

Car wash aka Rangatiki River crossing

Don and Rudy Clover from F Team didn’t make it over, it helps if you are in 4Wdrive, a rather expensive exercise with a cellphone, camera, binoculars and pride being the only damage. It was a wet experience for me too, as I chose to take the towrope to them. A bit cold and I couldn’t find the tow hook, but Willy from J Team assisted me and had a bath for his effort. We managed and out they were towed and much of the river with them.

 

Steve & Marie Dochery on the sand dunes heading towards Foxton

From there we went on to a farm for a bit of track work. Interesting feeling being on the high side, also the low side. Simon from H Team enjoyed one hill so much that he decided he might like to stay there longer (in other words he nearly rolled it down a long hill) but tight schedule meant a couple of our guys had to winch him from the side of the hill.

More track work and then on to playtime. Boys and their toys holds a new meaning these days, the hills were steep. First time for me on these type of hills with several of the drivers making difficult climbs including the 'wonder machine' as I have affectionately named her (a 1977 Toyota Landcruiser) – well done Babe.

The Purdie-mobile on the sand at Foxton

It was a very exciting lunch and back on the road through forestry – not a dusty one. Sandy, lots of bumps and a few tight corners, fun all the same. Then on to a camp at Foxton, set up camp, back down on to the sand dunes with several choices of fun for the afternoon.  We chose the sand dunes down on the beach nearest to the camp. Four Wheel Driving is a skill and a character building sport and I personally recommend it to all who drive – if you dare. As well as the skills acquired you also gain some wonderful friends.

Antony Royal's Patrol in the sand at Foxton Beach

Sand work is much different to hill and track work and in some sense harder. I have yet to encounter bog work but hopefully we will be lucky enough to get some on this trip as for me, that would just cap off this wonderful experience. The best day yet for me.

Until tomorrow – M from J Team.

 

Distance covered: 199 Km

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Route Map

The map below shows the route followed the Challenge vehicles today.

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Hutt Valley Nissan - Williams and Adams - Pudney and Lee Wormalds
Johnson, Lawrence & Elder

The North Island Four Wheel Drive Challenge has been put together by a small dedicated group of 4WD enthusiasts (all experienced club members) on a non-profit cost-recovery basis.

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