Explorers Group - First recce trip - February 2010 By Greg The Explorers Special Interest Group as recently formed, consisting of experienced members with modified vehicles whose sole purpose is to visit new trails and areas to see what opportunities exist to take a club outing to the area. The last Saturday of the month saw members of the Explorers Special Interest Group venture into some unknown territory near Worcester. The day was great fun and proved the point that to join the group you need a capable vehicle, you need loads of experience and you cannot be worried about getting your vehicle scratched of in this case...wet. We had vehicles getting stuck, flooded in the river and scratched BUT everyone was warned and this is what we expected. On entering the trail the first vehicle got cross axled on a 800mm high drop off but once we were on the river bank the place looked fantastic, big white sand banks, trees reeds and mud/quick sand. I had been warned about the quick sand and Rob found it. We crossed a few minor streams and then followed a river bank and headed north. The track seemed to stop and while Greg took photos Hein found a path through thick bush and soon we arrived at a wider river crossing. The first few vehicles crossed with no problem and on his approach Rod got stuck in quick sand. After many attempts to get Rob out Roger and Andy had him clear and then it was the river crossing. Rob went first, crossing on existing tracks and got stuck. Another major recovery with two winches and a snatch block and finally he was free. I let my tyres down to 0.65 bars and with my Bridgestone mud tyres crossed uneventfully, Andy crossed and so did Steve. we then entered some dry river sand and explored every side track we could find. A while later we found ourselves next to the river again but this time driving on dark brown river stones. We arrived at a point where we could go no further and so turned into THICK Port Jackson bush. We thought this was the only way and some of the vehicles got some superficial scratches. Once through the bush we realised that we could go no further and had to turn around. Steve got himself cross axled and I pulled him off with the Landy. Travelling back down the river bank and soon we were back at the notorius water crossing. A few made it across but two members got seriously stuck and had water in their vehicles. More recoveries. There was lots of snatching and winching going on. Once everyone was through we found a shaded spot and made the braai fire. The sun baked down and soon it was time to depart for home. What an amazing first trip with the Explorers Group. If you are interested in joining the group and comply with the following criteria email me and we will consider your application. Vehicle must have after market bumper and bullbar. (Std old shape Hilux and Std Landy OK) You must have recovery points. You should have offroad insurance. You must have at least one difflock (rear minimum) VHF radio Recovery gear. Preferably two spare wheels (not essential) Minimum of two years experience - going to Etosha is not deemed to be experience. You acknowledge that your vehicle may get damaged and that you may get hurt (unlikely). You are not lazy or a whiner. These are NOT family outings and no kiddies allowed.