Orange Recce
5th - 6th February 2005

Report written by Bryce R Messner.

We all met at Clive’s house in Orange and a quick pow wow to update what the weekend would entail. This also followed the obligatory walk around the many Land Rovers dotting Clive’s yard.

We then headed out on the Cargo Road to our first look at State Forest at the back of Mt Canobalas. As we entered the Pine Forest it was starting to sprinkle lightly with the hope off an interesting jaunt through the wonderful tall pines and native hardwood we would encounter.

As with most forests of this type a certain portion of the tracks are moderately easy but of course very nice to drive through this one no exception. We round a corner and find the track closed due to tree felling. Taking the only detour open to us we end up deep into an area we hadn’t wanted to venture. Some of this country proved to be quite steep and rutted as many logging trucks were using this area.

We wind through the forest until we come to the native forest section and way out at the extremities we find some very interesting country and will be even more so when wet in winter when the actual trip will be run and probably snowing if lucky. The track is a very steep ascent, with deep ruts and steps that will challenge all who venture here. In one section with a track named 4x4 Road I find myself in difficulties needing a snatch backwoods to stop my rear sill being crushed, this area surprisingly steep and rocky.

Further on we come across some more fantastic diverse tracks climbing over boulders and ruts. Eventually coming to a fantastic area begging to stay the night on the banks of a dry creek with tons of firewood at hand and hardwood at that. The site could not be more perfect and the balmy night star studded through the tall treetops. Our lights must have drawn insects worthy of an owls company as he was seen swooping through the forests around us just on the edge of our light.

Sunday morning came and after breakfast we broke camp to head off to the other side of Orange on the Northern forests for more interesting country. We head down some extremely rutted tracks with steep downhill sections and tree overhangs that will keep the eyes all on the business at hand.

Down through one large area we come across many long mud sections of track, some that can be driven around and others that could not. One track I couldn’t resist the hard way and to my doom became horribly bogged in very soft mud in 20 inches of brown water. Of course needing a snatch from Chad at least four times to get me clear.

Then we found “Widow Maker” a hill from hell. We thought the extreme rocks steps before it were tough but this was something else very tough ascent.

After lunch we head off to an unknown area that has promise on paper and we look forward to the experience. Well this area was a little treasure of steep descents and ascents, ducking low branches trying to stay on the track. We wound all over this area in large sweeps avoiding close out areas of National Park and the many dead ends we encounter. Very disappointing that sections being sold to private enterprise that have erected fences at our every turn. Still what incredible areas of forest that will make a great night run around August. Of course this trip will not be for beginners to four wheel driving, and those with no recovery points will not be accepted on the trip proper, it will be a long drive to Orange to be turned back if vehicles fail this requirement.