Best Wishes and thanks

Wishing everyone who has visited the block the very best . The year had highlights of moving forward after so long of inactivity. The new year brings activities of new clubs booking in, a Navigation Run to hopefully be set up and an invitational weekend to those who have helped so much and been a pleasure to have visit.
Much relieved news was received this year that a very dear friend Peter Linahans battle with illness had been won. Always a gentleman, a character around a campfire and on the tracks in his beloved Range Rover. Mark and Ruths continued support and ideas for improvements is much valued, one day we hope to even see "Turbo" at the block.
Talks are ongoing with other improvements and developments to cater to the needs of normal 4wders, a few more modifieds, Driver Trainer facilities and even moutain bike riders and caravaners.
A number of customer days are in the pipeline for several notable 4x4 shops and accessory shops throughout Sydney and Newcastle areas. So look after your local businesses and they will look after you.
Many thanks to the boys from Superior Off Road 4x4 (previously Mr Spares) at Smithfield, look for numerous articles in 4WD Action done in their workshop and to Mark and the guys at Powerful 4x4 at Lansvale.
Look us up on FaceBook at Bylong Creek 4x4
See you on the trails.
Bruce

NewHilux, NewTriton, Ultimate Weekend

Another enjoyable weekend with two internet clubs up driving the block. Thanks to Brendan for organising the group, a pleasure to have. Trying out the tracks, "The Playground" and the ever popular "Wombat Holes" it apprears everyone had fun. Stories are gradually filtering back about the "Night Run" and tales around the campfire. The Overland 4x4 Mag boys Mal and Matt were great company with Matt the photographer winning the prize for furthest distance ran up and down the convoy. Hope to have some photos to post up soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57a_ANSdFK0

Thank you all, even Josh (Princess) for an uplifting fun weekend.
Bruce

www.ultimatesuspension.com.au

www.newhilux.net
www.newtriton.net

Thanks to special friends

A very heart felt thank you to a group of people in recent time for assisting around the block. From pottering around, mowing camp areas, changing tractor tyres to erecting a shed. Mark and Ruth the guardians of Hilux Heights, Steve and Danial for erecting the top campsites shed and also to Steve and his son for tractor tyre maintance.
Everyone who has visited the block would know John, "Yatesie", "Sottie", He has been a support and mate through the whole saga of initally getting the block and through the years after the accident.
My appreciation and thanks could never begin to show enough for these people especially John who I still can't understand why he conferscated a pair of wire cutters and a 3/4 empty bottle of Sambucca one night I was under the dash of the Cruiser cutting out the car alarm, electric brakes and "something else" that I didn't think worked so shouldn't be there.
Reports of unauthorised fire works displays "inside" Toyota Cruisers will be destined to history.

Triple Diamond 4WD Club Visit

Hello all,
After a 2 year interval from meeting Andrew at a 4x4 event, he visited the block last weekend with 4 vehicles. Meeting in Kandos I was introduced to Neil (Prado), Dave (Discovery), Richard (Pajero) and of cause Andrew (Pajero), we ventured to Bylong where we called in to the shop for the esential coffees.
Getting to block I showed the group Hilux Heights camp ground then drove to the botttom site where they settled in under two Mitsubishi flags flying from the flagpole.
A guided tour as passenger in Dave's Discovery followed to Chickees Hill, back around camp ground to the well and the creek run then to the "Wombat Run".
Richards aerobatics were entertaining to the group with the traction control systems on the Discovery, Neils Prado and Andrews Pajero on display.
A loop up to the top camp and into the timber reveiled track blocked by a fallen tree so it was back into main valley and along creek south to "Dutchies Hill" again looping back to be guided over "Kellys Rock". All vehicles negotiated it with ease though it has stopped highly modified Nissans dead.
Picking our way back over "Ant Hill" everyone was encouraged to keep well left then back to the camp ground.
Rumours of smoke drifting through the valley were mentioned, again the illusive source was unknown.....stop pointing people, don't you know it's rude ...
In all an eagerly anticipated trip, I hope they enjoyed the block as much as I did their company.

Things learnt over weekend:

That white cows produce Vanilla milk shakes
Cream cows Caramel
Brown cows Chocolate
and Strawberry from feeding strawberrys to white cows.
And I was told story that if bull calves aren't careful, when visiting city people help around the yards they may be "Circumcised" instead of "Castrated"

Visits by Jeep NSW & Off the Black

The last month has seen another two "New" clubs visit the block. Firstly Ken and son Kelis lead the Jeep NSW convoy in a well presented GU,Ray and John in another GU(will they never stop coming)and finally my dream to see a CJ7 on the block was finally realised,thank you Daveand son Damien, what a beautiful purr from the V8 motor that could be head from anywhere in the valley.

Last weekend had the members of Off the Black, a western Sydney based club visit, with Danny being trip leader in a nice Red Hilux Duel Cab. An old school mate I hadn't seen in 25 odd years tagged along in a Patrol GU, Shane in an unstoppable Pajaro, Dave in a Gu and not a bad Kiwi bloke Jim in a very unique GQ.
Very wet conditions had everyone sliding around with Diff locks and very agressive mud tyres being the choice to get anywhere, poor old 80 Series spent quite a bit of time at camp site.
Comment must be made of a very industrious young man droving his TONKA Truck with precision to help move firewood to an awaiting trailer.

To both clubs thank you for a very enjoyable weekend, pity the choice of music once again deteriates around the camp fire as the night grows old, but no Kum by Yah at least.

Over the years several clubs have visited the block. Initial contact to Range Rover Club soon after my accident had them visiting regurally under the leadership of Peter Linahan. Others over the years have been Penrith Valley, Rare Breed, Sydney Jeep, Nepean District, Jackaroo, Off Road 4x4 and recently Aussie Tracks bringing a couple of members from Port Macquarie and Tamworth.

Invitations have been extended to many clubs within the Four Wheel Drive Association of NSW & ACT. www.4wdnsw-act.asn.au

Contact Details

After a major computer glitch could any club or person showing interest please send e-mail or contact me at bwkerney@bigpond.net.au or on home contact of 02 63794489. Thanking you for your support.
Bruce

June Long Weekend

Big weekend with vehicles starting to turn up on Friday. A very big thank you to Matt McPherson and Brett Quodling for bringing a rock buggy along with caps and coolers up for a lot of budding mechanics to droul over, how true the comment, "Like putting a brewry in front of a group of alcoholics", .
Great to see Bob Woolley leading Aussie Tracks, back after a break, bringing along Port Macquarie and Tamworth. Reg lead the Sydney Jeep Club to their usual spot clearly decorated with Jeep flags and banners.
Col lead the Rare Breed group with his informous "TONI". Bob,Daniel and Steve lead the Bong Bong convey with Mark and Alex representing Zone.
The previous weeks damp conditions made the playgrounds holes almost impossible, Bobs 47 provided some interesting photo shots, with Andrew(Snoik) and Bob both needing the excavator to get out of another bog hole.
Thanks can't be said enough for John assisting Chris after his Automatic's sump was caved in on one of the creek runs. Rumour has it an "Arm" was damaged on Rupe's imaccuately presented black TJ.
Cols continual assistance in providing a tow vehicle for firewood for me with help from Rupe,Gary, Peter and Bob, just a shame Peters tree was towed with Peter hitch and chain but he got bragging rights for towing a monster off the hill.
Daniel and Steves weeks of voluntry work leading up to with a full day the weekend before to clad and finish off the new shed can not be appreciated enough, again guys thanks.
In all a fun weekend had by all I hope, please forward any photos to my e-mail.

More Nepean Photos

Nepean Districts Trip Photos

Hilux Heights and another Obstacle Track

Working Bee 22nd New Camp Area

The new camp area was worked upon and opened up, John on tractor filling in old unused wombat holes and pushing old fallen trees out of the way,Ruth on push mower, Michael on the Toro Ride On, Mark pulling out stumps and on Whipper Snipper and Juke doing a bit of everything.
Regret not taking before and after photos as dramatic difference to new site was unbelievable. Mick got stranded on humps in playground at end of day and bottomed the Surf out to be recovered by Mark, He started the "Bylong Bounce" as a way of straighting bent side steps.

October Long Weekend Interest

Nepean District have expressed an interest in the warming weather of the October Long Weekend for a return visit, as is those early risers from Off Road 4x4, just as long as Keith brings his iPod. Any other clubs interested please let me know so we can organise things.Coal Fields 4x4 Club looks like they are going to venture up the gully from the Hunter to have a look with Jeep Club NSW venturing up in August. Looking forward to seeing you then, hopefully with new CV Joints in the poor old Cruiser

Supporters

Kind support has been shown from:

WAECO Portable Fridges and Freezers www.waeco.com.au

Brent from Don Kyatt Group www.donkyatt.com.au for all yout Terrain Tamer Gear

Peter and Brett from National Tyre Wholesalers (Mickey Thompson & Cooper Tyres) www.coopertires.com.au

Matt McPherson Mudgee Tyre Service 02 63721188 For your local Tyre and battery needs
Wayne from West Orange Motors (Jeep,Toyota,Mitsubishi) www.wom.net.au

Steve from Sainsbury Motors Dubbo (Jeep) www.sainsburyautomotive.com.au
Ashley and TJ from Peter Warren Jeep Warwick Farm

Geoff Dray Town & Country Mowers STIHL Mudgee 63722402

And keen interest shown from
Mannell Motors www.mannellmotors.com.au
Powerful 4x4 www.powerful4x4.com.au/
The Ultimate Suspension Ingleburn www.ultimatesuspension.com.au
Perry from Pennant Hills Mitsubishi www.alto.com.au/alto-mitsubishi

If you need anything please support these guys

June Long Weekend

Waiting confirmations at this stage but at the moment the following have expressed interest in camping in the cold...

Aussie Tracks are coming and have invited Tamworth and Port Macquarie 6 or 7 vehicles
A few from Nepean District tagging along
Sydney Jeep Club led by Bear Looking like 7 vehicles
Bong Bong ???
The Zone Possibly 3 vehicles
Rare Breeds Pryors with Col and Stefan
Please let me know firm numbers within the next fortnight

Working Bee 8-9th May

Working Bee at the new camp area to pour foundations for new shed started with Steve being the designated grounds keeper slashing the area on the tractor. Daniels measuring and laying out of post hole positions with Mark and Juke helping,sand, cement mixer and water were brought up site. Steve on tractor driving the post hole digger with Daniel and Mark digging of the post holes. An easy job using Daniels fitted out truck and generator had the concrete in the hole and perfectly leveled using laser level, sure beats dumpy levels. Mark had some time to use excavator to make another "Bump Run' while a resident pyro continiued lighting fires. Another great weekend not being much help with my crook arm or the fact that the Landcruisers hand brake had failed that morning and took out a concrete/brick fence before leaving home. Thanks to all again

Catch Up Posts from Previous Trips

Just a bit of a posting to thank a few very special people and clubs who have helped at the block and myself. A lot of this wouldn't really have started without the help of a very good mate John, he's been here from the initial purchase of the block running cattle through the accident in 2001, till now. Peter Linahan from Range Rover has been a great friend and mentor and I miss his visits bringing along Gibbo,Sarah,Ross,Randy,Matt and others. Birdy and Micheal from Rare Breed, Robyn,Col and Ken from Jackaroo. These three clubs participated in one of the best multi club weekends to date.
One corner wouldn't be the same without Reg and Maggie from Sydney Jeep Club, bringing along Steve,Scott,Kay,Chris,Sideways Dave and of cause Wyanda and her little red JK. Zone with Mark Ruth & Lyfe, Bong Bong with Bob with his "Locked up Toyota' and Daniel,but the place wouldn't be interesting without the tireless work,planning and patience of Mark, Ruth, Steve and Juke.
It's Mark,Ruth and Steves experience in attending competitions,clubkanas and events, then designing and building tracks & obstacles and then numerous weekends of working bees that is transforming the block.
Steve and Donna Kuchtas loan of a 20 Tonne Komatsu Excavator to build the "Playground" and "The Wombat Run" for drivers wanting to test their vehicles that little bit more is greatly appreciated.

Off Road 4x4 NSW Visit 1-2 May

After meeting Fay and Keith at last years Willowglen Funkana, they finally came up for a visit. Expecting most clubs mid morning they said they were leaving Lithgow at 6am, turning on the two way I found they were already in town at 7.15.
Meeting Fay and Keith, Keith and Jerry and Charlie and Julie we went up to find the local bakery shut for coffee so we headed down to Bylong and yes we were that early even the Bylong store was shut.
Getting onto block a race started between the two caravans and Charlie to see who can get settled first, yes solar powered light and balloons appeared.
A bit of a drive around with Keith and Fays 80 Series, Keith and Jerrys 100 Series and Charlie and Julies Troopy showed the blocks layout, nice to have a Nissan free zone for the weekend.
Julie and Charlie had a play at the Log and Tyre Runs and the other tracks from the camp ground. Hopely all had a bit of fun and experienced a fun new area.
Some comments heard over weekend:
"What do you mean you're in town already"
"All this could have been avoided by a cut lunch"
"Bruce , would you like a cuppa......what how many sugars"
"I think I can smell burning rubber"
"I'm not going in there" ..30 seconds later..."Can I do that again"
"It's 5 o'clock ..is it too early for shots"
"Does that look like a giant chicken leg to you"
"I think the chicken leg just moved"
"Keith is that Matt Monroe playing"...."Keith is that Acker Bilk playing"
" The alians are coming"
"You guys are so not coming back"

Thank you all for a very funny weekend, pity the 100 Series-80 Series Swap didn't occur.

My Toyota Landcruiser

My poor old Cruiser what started as a temporary purchase after the accident is still here showing signs of wear, but can still drive tracks and hold her own....

Nepean District Visit ANZAC Weekend

Had the pleasure of Nepean District 4x4 Club over the ANZAC Weekend. Grahame, Danni and Paige lead a small convoy of vehicles to Kandos then proceeded to the block. A tour of the block showing Nepean District around whilst Mark, Ruth and Juke in the original "Blue Thunda, worked in the "Playground" on the "Tyre Pit" and "Log Run". A late visitor Edwin and Ingrid in a very nice Prado RV6, turned up later Saturady night, bringing about an inch of rain with them.

Sunday with clearing weather and a decent camp fire, brought back the Kellys with Steve in his play toy Hilux, their dropping of trees and with Algie and Graham pulling trees away helped for further improvements. The over night rain made tracks very slippery to drive, but water in the main creek gave entertainment to an ex Telstra Mazda and the Triton.

Monday brought a slow pack up and drive back into town with a hot shower awaiting me at home.