Trip Report - Piano Flat - Waikaia Bush Road - Lake Onslow - May 10th / 11th / 12th
Trip Report for Waikaia Bush Road / Lake Onslow Trip - 10th-12th of May
Friday 10th
About nine trucks with excited members met outside Vanessas's cafe in Hampden.
After a quick briefing the convoy set off south towards Dunedin.
A short break at the top of Maori hill we continued towards the Dunedin motorway via Kaikorai Valley and on towards the Tairi plains.
Turning off the main highway we travelled through Henley onto the Waipori Falls road.
We continued alongside the Waipori river through beautiful bush till we reached our next stop at Lawrence.
A short sprint from Lawerence and we where turning onto the Tuapeka West Road which took us to the Tuapeka mouth ferry.
For free we got the opportunity to ferry our trucks across the Clutha.
After the excitement of travelling across the Clyde on the ferry it was time for a quick lunch and we had the tyres turning again.
Crisscrossing further inland we reached Tapanui for a fuel stop. All fuelled up we headed off until we reached Waikaia for a quick beer and for some members to check in.
For the more harder (or mad) it was up to Piano Flat camp site and pitch tents before dark. With a couple of fires going the wet weather was soon forgotten about.
Saturday 11th
After a briefing the next morning at the camp site the decision was made to carry on.
Once through the Waikaia bush we came to the bottom of our first challenge. An ascent that resembled the likes of the famous 'Beer O'Clock hill' in Australia.
With chains been the order of the day Chris took the first run. Once a rough track was decided on the word was given and the excitement started.
Engines roaring, wheels spinning and clay flying the team conquered the hill only to drive onto an Antarctic like snowy top.
We ventured through snow drifts and ice till we made a stop the Top hut.
With everyone taking a turn at getting pulled out and Chris taking the team on another "scenic route" we eventually trundled down hill.
Once off it was down to Roxburgh for a quick beer and sort accomodation.
Back to the Grand Tavern for an awesome dinner and well earned drinks.
Sunday 12th
With a coffee in hand we met by the Roxburgh memorial park for the days briefing.
With formalities done it was across the bridge and then hanging a right then left it was up hill through farmland onto the Lake Onslow Road.
With much better road conditions it was not long and we where at Lake Onslow for a break.
With smoko over we pushed on and got to see the dam, some members even spotting a herd deer.
Next stop was near the old Styx jail house for a photo session.
After some back and forth on the radios, the decision was made to head to Naseby for lunch and mark the end of a fantastic trip.
Congratulations to Chris, Ferne and the Landy on and awesome trip!
Hamish Weatherall
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