23 - 24 - 25th August - VICTORIAN MEMBERS MEETUP at Licola/Dargo

[liftlid]

WooHoo! I'm a definite yes now, providing my gearbox doesn't spit the dummy between now and then. Looking forward to this trip.
So. What does each car need to bring? I said car instead of people as some cars will have more than one person....Also I think many of us may need some tips on whats needed for a snow trip.

• Food? We just taking care of ourselves I take it?
• Booze? Nuff said. I'll bring a bottle of grappa as I think we'll need it.
• Firewood? Winnie suggested a bag each. This gonna be enough? I will bring my bow saw aswell, not carrying a smelly chainsaw in my car.
• Snow chains? This definitely needed?
• Preparation for sleeping in the snow? Tips?
• Will my three burner gas cooktop be sufficient in the cold temps?

I think on a serious note some things need to be discussed, as we don't want someone getting hypothermia because of no experience in freezing temps. I could ruin a whole weekend for one and maybe for all if something were to happen.

Like a scout, or cub or whatever it is. I wanna "be prepared"...

This is what I have used before.
Food- best if everybody looks after themselves with WARM simple meals that are easy to cook- I use the disposable butane stove but in cold damp weather it will freeze up so I use a couple of bottles and rotate them as they freeze, you can also poor some of the warm water on them as you boil the billy, don't forget the fire for cooking.
Fire wood- if everybody takes a BIG bag of wood, I will take my chain saw but wood might be wet anyway.
Also take some tin to put the fire on.
snow chains- if you have them bring them work great to break up ice, if possible you want to be on top of the snow not dig in, aggressive tyres can in some cases be a dis advantage, but being bigger is size helps with clearance, snow driving style is similar to sand.
Sleeping- I put my swag in a cheap tent to give an extra air barrier, under my swag I have one of those foam sleeping mats with the foil on them and a aldi thermorest. I also have a thermorest in my swag. sleep in thermals and polatec's I was hot in minus 13 deg. you could also throw an extra sleeping bag over you swag this way.
also take some waterproof tarps for under swag, car engine, etc.

This may sound silly but take enough clothes to keep warm and dry, you might get wet also, and make sure your bedding stays dry. with a good fire, food and a warm bed you will enjoy the trip.