We set off at precisely 9:00a.m. and enjoyed a pleasant run to Waiuku Forest.
When we reached our destination, the drivers leapt into action, letting air out of their tyres. Apparently 25 psi is the optimum pressure for travelling well up and down sand dunes. Doug had no desire to let air out of his tyres - he was running at 28 psi and felt that would be fine. (How do you get all that air back in again before you travel home???)
The letting out of the air.
Then the briefing........I began to get a tad anxious. 'The Black Forest' was mentioned; 'Killer Hill' 'The Rifle Range' 'Paper Road' and worst of all the track where they would be at the top of the hill to make sure that our wheels were in the correct tracks because we wouldn't be able to see where we would be going. "Try and catch a glimpse of the sea, as you go over the top!"(Reminded me of Blackadder and Famous Five!)
I hopped out and took photos of Doug as he disappeared. Unfortunately by the time the last rover drove past me, I realized that I would have to hitch a ride or be left behind.
Once again on board, we approached our next challenge - I'm not sure whether this was the famous 'Killer Hill' or not. We thought that we would never get up. Three attempts and we were forced to call for help. Our rescuer wasn't keen on getting too close. He remained at the top and let down two tow ropes which he then joined to our long snatch strap. After a couple of attempts with much flinging of mud, we slowly made it to the top.
This is not girl stuff!
At various places along the way, we stopped while the drivers 'played'. One man was determined to get up this bank. He tried and kept trying, until he achieved it. Note the black smoke! There were mud puddles to 'play in' for those so inclined. We'd parked up to watch by this time - actually we were getting a bit hungry - it was long past lunch time. Time to move on.
A welcome stop to admire the view toward Waikato Heads. 'Coffee Time', they announced. We were so pleased that we had taken along coffee and a snack. We were not finished yet! Time to move on. I recalled that we hadn't yet done 'the brow of the hill where you can not see what is coming, don't forget to look at the sea' that was promised earlier.
Ha ha they kept the best for last! We lined up and watched each Rover make a sharp turn right, then attempt to climb a very steep hill. Most took more than one go, sliding back, then taking a flying run at it. After our previous experience I was dreading 'our turn'.
We did our usual 3-4 points to do the sharp right hand turn at which point I hopped out and walked up. Doug gave it 'lots of wellie' and up he went. It stuck at one point but eventually got there, and I hopped in for the dreaded descent. The guys at the top helped us to get the wheels lined up and down we went. The photo doesn't really do justice to the gradient - note the tiny people at the bottom.
At last everybody's tummies were rumbling and it was time to find our way back to the main road.
We ended up at Murray's Tractor Museum, Waiuku for a barbeque. (3.30 p.m. by now!)
The final 'event' for the drivers was to get the air back in those tyres, while the women and children enjoyed talking to the llamas.
Quite a day!
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