Ezookiel
29-09-2011, 1:59pm
Nothing annoys non-photographer drivers much more than stopping every few minutes for someone to grab a photo of some interesting formation, or great view, or twisted tree, etc etc.
But a lot of 4wding trips have massive potential for photography.
I suggested in a 4wding forum that maybe those who love photography, might consider doing a trip where we'd all be like-minded, and so not mind stopping, and may actually learn from and inspire each other - "wow, I wouldn't have thought to take a photo of THAT" or "wow, I wouldn't have thought to use that angle to take THAT photo" etc etc.
It kind of appealed to way more people than I expected, and since it had to be in the ACT area for me, some people are now looking at arranging similar trips in their own States.
So far we appear to have between 4 and 6 vehicles, and possibly more, all coming along. Obviously if the group gets too huge it won't work, but there is probably room for a few more if anyone here is interested - even if you don't have a 4wd, we can possibly find room for people.
The plan at present is to start from Araluen or Moruya area (depending on which way you're coming) and start from Dry Creek Camp site (prettier than it sound), then hit the Mericumbene fire trail which is about 40km long with steep ups and downs, and great pano opportunities, and would take around 4 hours normally, but allowing much more for regular photo stops, and make our way down into Bendethera to camp the night - the Bendethera Valley is spectacular with views, history, wildlife, and even some pretty impressive caves that prior to the discovery of some of the better known ones, were some of Australia's best. Then out via a stop at "The Big Hole" (Scenic 4km walk) and maybe - and this is a very big "maybe" - extend the walk on past the Big Hole on to "Marble Arch," which is truly spectacular, but is 12kms return, so most likely not happen due to time constraints. Then on to Braidwood to have a coffee, say goodbye, and head off in various directions home.
The trip can be done with a very moderate 4wd, but is not suitable for faux-wheel drives (soft-roaders, AWD's, basically anything without true low-range gearing). There are quite a number of river crossings, so whilst a snorkel may not be necessary depending on river depths on the day, and depending on where your vehicle's air intake is located, but a snorkel would be adviseable - or at least a blind you can rig up for during the crossings. Also be aware that if the weather is bad, then some parts of the track could become quite challenging.
This is not being arranged professionally, it is just a bunch of people with similar interests getting together to travel and take photographs together, so there is no cost (maybe contribute to fuel if travelling with someone else), so if you come along, you do so at your own risk, and you will need your own equipment - having said that, you'd probably only need something to sleep in, as with this many vehicles coming there will likely be more than enough cooking facilities etc. November can be quite warm, but parts of this trip are at altitude and deep in shaded valleys, so come prepared for it to be quite cold at times. So if that hasn't scared you all off....
Let me know if anyone is interested.
If this is posted in the wrong place, my apologies, and feel free to move it.
But a lot of 4wding trips have massive potential for photography.
I suggested in a 4wding forum that maybe those who love photography, might consider doing a trip where we'd all be like-minded, and so not mind stopping, and may actually learn from and inspire each other - "wow, I wouldn't have thought to take a photo of THAT" or "wow, I wouldn't have thought to use that angle to take THAT photo" etc etc.
It kind of appealed to way more people than I expected, and since it had to be in the ACT area for me, some people are now looking at arranging similar trips in their own States.
So far we appear to have between 4 and 6 vehicles, and possibly more, all coming along. Obviously if the group gets too huge it won't work, but there is probably room for a few more if anyone here is interested - even if you don't have a 4wd, we can possibly find room for people.
The plan at present is to start from Araluen or Moruya area (depending on which way you're coming) and start from Dry Creek Camp site (prettier than it sound), then hit the Mericumbene fire trail which is about 40km long with steep ups and downs, and great pano opportunities, and would take around 4 hours normally, but allowing much more for regular photo stops, and make our way down into Bendethera to camp the night - the Bendethera Valley is spectacular with views, history, wildlife, and even some pretty impressive caves that prior to the discovery of some of the better known ones, were some of Australia's best. Then out via a stop at "The Big Hole" (Scenic 4km walk) and maybe - and this is a very big "maybe" - extend the walk on past the Big Hole on to "Marble Arch," which is truly spectacular, but is 12kms return, so most likely not happen due to time constraints. Then on to Braidwood to have a coffee, say goodbye, and head off in various directions home.
The trip can be done with a very moderate 4wd, but is not suitable for faux-wheel drives (soft-roaders, AWD's, basically anything without true low-range gearing). There are quite a number of river crossings, so whilst a snorkel may not be necessary depending on river depths on the day, and depending on where your vehicle's air intake is located, but a snorkel would be adviseable - or at least a blind you can rig up for during the crossings. Also be aware that if the weather is bad, then some parts of the track could become quite challenging.
This is not being arranged professionally, it is just a bunch of people with similar interests getting together to travel and take photographs together, so there is no cost (maybe contribute to fuel if travelling with someone else), so if you come along, you do so at your own risk, and you will need your own equipment - having said that, you'd probably only need something to sleep in, as with this many vehicles coming there will likely be more than enough cooking facilities etc. November can be quite warm, but parts of this trip are at altitude and deep in shaded valleys, so come prepared for it to be quite cold at times. So if that hasn't scared you all off....
Let me know if anyone is interested.
If this is posted in the wrong place, my apologies, and feel free to move it.