1. Illaroo Weekend 23^rd to 26^th January

An absolutely fantastic weekend with 72 people attending and quite a few new faces and non-4WDers. The entertainment commenced during the drive to Nowra with a trivia competition (winners Stan & Evlen Kafes) and a spot the difference game for the children (winners Alexis Conomos & Johnny Kepriotis). As soon as we arrived and unpacked the kids headed for the river for the raft building competition. The objective was to build a raft from drums, ropes & wood and be the first team to paddle out to a marker and back. Thank god none of the kids plan to be ship builders, Onasis was turning in his grave. That night the trivial pursuit challenge, men vs women, was on with the ladies coming out victors. This was followed by a member’s bonding exercise called "slaps", where emotions ran high, reputations were shattered and relationships tested. It was so enjoyable that a repeat performance was undertaken the following evening with all adults participating until the early hours of the morning (thank you Peter Tzannes who acted as the master of ceremonies). Other activities included archery, bushcraft, orienteering, fishing, canoeing, swimming and coffee drinking by the river. In archery Michael Kepriotis & Charles Tzannes excelled for the children and Marinos Eurypidou, Stan Kafes, Spiro Tzannes & John Faros (contentious) hitting bulls eyes. The kids built an outstanding bush shelter during the bushcraft events that would still be standing to this day. In fact the camp supervisor claimed it was the bast shelter ever built by any group at the camp (we have some budding property developers & architects amongst us). They also learned how to make fresh damper and Billy tea and basic survival techniques. Fishing also proved successful with several good size bass caught by Spiro Tzannes Marinos Eurypidou, Arthur Conomos & John Andrew. Drifting in a canoe at dawn & dusk on the beautiful Shoalhaven River was certainly getting away from the city rat race. We spent a day at the beautiful Honeymoon Bay with perfect weather and ideal company. This location is worth revisiting and will definitely be in the itinerary of future trips to the South Coast.

This long weekend was so successful and enjoyable we have already booked in for a similar event at Berry in October. Thanks to Irene Cassim for organising this within 1 week of the Illlaroo Trip. Please try and invite non-4WD friends along as we want to expand the club to include other recreational activities apart from only 4WDing. Get in early for this one as we have already been inundated with inquiries.

Menai Day Trip 28^th February 1999

On Sunday, 28th February, a small group of club members went out to Menai to try their skills at the recently rained upon tracks. Nine cars turned up on the day. Some members had new tyres to try out, others new suspension. For all of us, the tracks had completely changed. Obstacles now existed where smooth roads had previously been, due to the recent heavy rains.

The mud was everywhere and all that attended soon decided not to worry about how clean their cars were. (As if they had a choice).

Everyone had a go at the long, deep mud holes and mud flats at Menai. No one got stuck in the mud. This is obviously a testament to driver training within the club. On many of the steep rutted areas, some vehicles needed to be recovered and again this was done with our recently gained and fine tuned recovery techniques, taught to our members recently. The only real drama was Pajero hill, and yes it was Phil who blew a tyre. This time we had to change a tyre on a steep incline in heavily rutted and rocky conditions. This involved use of the electric winch, high lift jack, normal jack, and individual ingenuity.

In the end a fantastic and gratifying day was had by all. Its amazing what these vehicles can get over!!

2. Advanced Driver Training & Basic Training March 13^th & 14^th

In preparation for the central Australia trip and for future club functions, we will be purchasing the following equipment;

Welcome to your club and we know you will enjoy our many experiences together.