Puppy Springs Sand Driving Weekend



Saturday (first time ever)
This is the day we’ve waited for. Our first trip with the Wanderers. Puppy Springs. Hey Bonnie, we’re going to meet some more dogs (Bonnie is our Maltese x).

The trip to Tailem Bend was fairly normal with mild traffic, sunshine and the excitement of trying out our new (to us) Forerunner and my yet to be tested ability. Around 9 am I stopped for fuel and some breakfast at the Bend. Believe me, a sausage roll is not a good brekky, so I gave the last bit to Bonnie. Several K’s down the road I looked at Shelley, she looked at me, we both looked at Bonnie. It’s amazing how fast you can wind down a couple of windows. Hint, DO NOT FEED DOGS SAUSAGE ROLLS.

We arrived at Puppy springs around 10.30 and were met by the early birds who arrived the day before. Geoff, Jean, Ian (Snoopy), Ruth, Damien and Audrey. No other puppies in sight. Maybe they’re out playing. After quickly setting up our tent, our first lesson began. Let down you’re tyres and lock in the front hubs and figure out what the 2’nd gear stick is for.

The excitement was building up. We lined up in the vehicles and headed for the dunes across the road making sure to close the gates behind us. Our first hill, Geoff and Jean made it up as did Ian and Ruth. Eric and Shelley used up 4 life lines only to cease movement metres from the top. So began another lesson ... rescue. 2 snatch straps and a hook up to Geoff’s machine. The 3’rd attempt at getting us mobile worked after advice from Geoff ... take your foot off the brake and use the rev pedal. Once over the top I’m told the front of our machine got this high off the ground so as stories go I reckon it was about 1 metre, which might explain the dent in the roof above my head and my neck feeling 25mm shorter. Damien and Audrey showed us how it’s done. The next 2 hills were both succeeded on the 2’nd attempt.

With the nasties out of the way it’s onto the easy stuff (yippee). The flatter but bumpy bush tracks. The going is steady and relaxing but sometimes hampered by over hanging branches which can scratch the paint work so care is needed in relocating the position of said branches. This is where the smaller sized Forerunner made life easy (I’m to lazy to get out and shift branches and Shelley just said no)

At some stage we headed back for lunch. Back at the camp site we noticed 2 things. First thing - still no puppies
Second thing - flies - millions of them.
I also found out that I’m good at making excuses.
The question was asked if the Hope Central Church were still coming.

At around 4 pm a white Suzuki rolled up and the driver introduced himself as Brett. He thought the other members of the Hope Central Church group might already be here. Maybe they’re still on the way.

Shortly after, we decide to go out for another play but it wasn’t long before we heard on the radio that our other guests had arrived (10 other 4wd’s) and directed to the first hill, so we cheated and took the easy way around to the top of the hill (don’t tell anyone) as help may be needed.

Only one managed to crack it, and after several others had tried the track had become too chewed up so Damien led them around the hill to the next site. After several vehicles made it up it was time for the second Delica to give it a go. Unfortunately it hit an object on the way up damaging the sump guard in turn the oil filter. Result oil loss at a quick rate. This must be a common problem as another filter was produced from the Delica and installed. Oil was then sourced from a couple of other places. As it was now getting late and a call came over the radio regarding tea we called it a day.

At the camp site there must have been about 30 people and a total of 14 4wd’s. The bonfire was stoked up, bbq’s sizzled, and well deserved alcohol, soft drink, etc. flowed. Stories were in the air as was smoke. Around the fire there were several youngsters trying their hand at the old marshmallow blob on a stick thing. How many got eaten nobody knows but they had fun.

On the far side of the fire, my eyes focused onto a wheelchair. Now there’s nothing unusual about wheelchairs in any part of Aus. What made it stand out was the gentleman using it. He was the pilot of a Surf. An absence of legs was not slowing this fellow down one bit. If only able bodied people had the same frame of mind. All I can say about that now is CONGRATULATIONS.

Sunday morning started with someone coughing, someone else snoring, me getting my ears cleaned out by Bonnie (not very nice) at least I can now hear so don’t yell. Geoff received a radio invite for us to go to Dorado Downs but instead of us all going Geoff did the smart thing and went on his own first to confirm the invite. Invite confirmed, we all slowly played follow the leader. Dorado Downs is also dunes and trails, although I think the dunes may be bigger and require a heavier foot and more care fun can still be had by ANYONE.

Several of us tried a certain hill but no one claimed victory. Maybe it was the 2 foreigners up top watching us. Getting tired of watching they came down the hill just to show us how to go up. The first to go was a Landcruiser traytop complete with noise and ego. 3 or 4 attempts later he made it. The other vehicle was a Landrover v8. He had more noise and humongous tyres with tread blocks the size of Cadbury chocolate bars. I think he did it in 2 runs. The next hill on the menu only saw 4 vehicles make it over. A Jeep, a Pajero, a blue Hilux and a v8 Landrover, all I believe from the Hope Central Church. Maybe I better change my Sunday activities as I need all the help I can get.

Time was getting on so a lunch break was called for. I don’t know how it happened but we ended up in 2 groups but we still made it back for food. After lunch Shelley and I informed the other Wanderers that we had to call it quits. Damien and Audrey also had to make a move for home. As everyone else headed back to the fun fields we were left to pack up It’s been a great weekend, fun was had by all and I found out what the second gear stick is for.

Warning: several years ago a fire went thru’ this area leaving sharp paint scratching branches along the tracks. Please be warned as paint jobs are expensive. It may also be an idea to wind up windows to save yourself injury.

Have fun and take care
Eric and Shelley Williams



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