Introductory Members Trip - Ben Bullen to Zig Zag

Whilst the actual trip was on the Sunday, approximately half the participants decided to stay in Lithgow on the Saturday night and consequently a group dinner was arranged. A great start to the trip with time for old and new members to get acquainted in a convivial setting. Following heavy rain during the night, Sunday morning dawned with light drizzle as we set off from the motel for the meeting point at Ben BullenThe group now consisted of fifteen vehicles, seven of which were driven by new members, a fabulous turn out for the first Introductory Members Trip.

After leaving Ben Bullen (on time) at 9.30am we drove through the Gardens of Stone NP and into the Ben Bullen State Forest where we encountered a large tree across the track that proved too big to move even for the RRC, so a small detour was taken. At our morning tea spot, near Baal Bone Gap, fruit trees from the time when a old house once stood there can still be found. It was a settlement of some description apparently. Moving off after morning tea we drove through some amazing rock formations (almost a canyon) as we made our way up the hill to the escarpment overlooking the Wolgan Valley. Unfortunately the view of the valley from the lookout at the top was completely hidden by the mist and drizzle so off down the other side of the escarpment we went and made our way to Blackfellows Hand Rock (in the NP) for lunch and a climb up to the rock to see the Aboriginal artwork.

It’s now 1.30pm, time tomove on into the Newnes State Forest and make our way down to the Lost City. The scent from the eucalypts was heavenly, the numerous water holes were muddy and quite deep and the descent to the Lost City was challenging but with a spectacular view to compensate. On climbing back up the hill from the Lost City we met a convoy of 10 cars from the Blue Mountains 4WD Club coming down. As there was only room for one car at a time on the track they very kindly moved off to the side here and there along the track so that our convoy could continue the climb.Further along the track the intrepid duo of Kyle (RR) and John Deans (D3) gave us a demonstration (assisted by Jim on foot) on how to traverse a washed out section whilst the rest of us took the easier alternate path but dashed across to watch and learn. During the ascent and descent of the escarpment, and en route to the Lost City our leader provided advice on when to change into low range (& vice versa) what gear to use and the best pathway to take etc. Extremely helpful for those of us with some experience let alone the newer members.

Back onto the main track now as we make our way to the Zig Zag Railway and the culmination of our trip. Ice creams all round, farewells and in time to see the steam train arrive at the station after its last journey of the day Spirits on the day were not dampened by the weather, we did get a couple of bursts of sunshine, we got our vehicles very dirty, some managed to spot a few kangaroos and the photographers amongst us seemed to be snapping away so looking forward to some good shots (Nikka) for the Marque. A successful day with great company.