Got home 1/2 an hour ago and just finished unpacking my truck. Had to guide Dave down as far as Sanson with my rear light, as his alternator shite itself, and Reese took over from there as I turned off to head to my home.
Right, first things first; A very big thank you to our wonderful hosts Nick & Rachael. We couldn't have been made more welcome or comfortable. Thanks heaps guys, very much appreciated big time!! And the favour will be returned when you's come down for Costa Plenty etc.
Secondly, there are a heap of photos and vids to post in the next day or so.
Thirdly, despite all the bulls#@t that went down just prior to this weekend, and the foreboding weather forcasts that were posted on the last day before, the weather turned on a good day for Saturday, no wind at all and 1 or 2 light drizzle patches late afternoon. The road was in good condition for 97% of it. we did some spade work at a couple of slips and made them both passable and safe to use. Some chainsaw work was also done on a fallen tree. What an awesome trip Whanga Road is. The road is quite scarey in places due to the narrowness of it and the lonnnggggg drop down into the river. The scenery and views are spectacular to say the least, and I am glad I had as big a memory stick in my digital camera as I have. Plus I also took a couple of hours or so of video footage. Taz's truck had some auto locking hub problems, and as such didn't do Whanga Rd, and Tony came as a passenger.
We had a play in a couple of dedicated play areas off the Road, where also a couple of alternators gave up the ghost (one of which was stripped and fixed late last night) and a radiator or 2 got a bit clogged with mud. We had a good crew, including a couple of locals, and 1 from the Bay (Great meeting you Ron & Steven). We all made our way back to the pub just on dark to a heavy but steady drizzle. An hour and a bit in the pub chatting with some of the locals, including the bar staff etc, we quenched our thirsts and paid our fee's. When we came out to head back to Nicks, it was raining quite heavily, and remained that way last night and most of today.
Today saw us all leave Nick's and head out to a secret location where the terrain is challenging to say the least. Everyone got bogged/stuck/bellied out at least once, (and none more than anyone else). We all had some slight grief or another today, with either hubs, winches or alternators. But regardless, we all had a ball in the mud again.
Thanks to all the guys and gals on the trip, all of whom made it more enjoyable. As already mentioned, thanks also again to Nick & Rachael, our hosts and trip leader. There is no doubt stuff I have forgotten to mention, but I am sure that the other's will fill in the rest, and their own versions. Thanks again guys.........awesome!!!

92 swb Pajero ute. 3 litre V6 manual. 33" Mud wranglers, Diff breathers, Snorkle, 9500lbs electric winch, Rear diff lock, CB & PRS radio's.