TRACK RECONNAISANCE TO TERRA BORA, COLO HEIGHTS

After a successful trip the previous month to Pierces Valley with a PC and private vehicles, and lots of "we'd love to come", a larger crew was anticipated, but after a quick ring around the night before, numbers for the trip fell to three. Well at least there were a few extra people available for the emergency crew to stay behind!

We piled into our Cat 7 tanker and headed north up the Putty Road to the start of the Womerah track. Entering the co-ordinates into the GPS was part of our ongoing attempt to mark the start position of every fire trail in the area, especially as the majority of the trails are unmarked and even many members of our local brigade are not aware of the names and location of every trail.

After a quick look at Elim Heights Youth Camp to show the new member with us one of the larger assets in the area that may require defending during a bushfire, we made our way to a nearby dam. After clearing a couple of fallen trees from the access track, we shared the peaceful spot with a mob of kangaroos for a cup of tea. A quick demonstration of the pump and fixed reel had the campfire well and truly extinguished, and again we marked the position in the GPS as a known and tested watering point.

Proceeding along the track, a number of small trees blown over from the recent strong winds were removed and sidetracks overgrown since issue of the map we were using were noted.

Reaching the turn off to Terra Bora, we travelled along a ridge affording magnificent views to the west, the wildflowers in full bloom on either side of the track. The track as shown on the map began its descent into the valley, but a quick reccy on foot showed it to be too eroded for vehicular travel. Investigating a sidetrack, we soon realised a new access track was in use and descended into the peaceful, well grassed valley, disturbing a wombat from its solitude. A quick bite to eat was followed by a look around, disturbing a trio of goannas obviously with spring on their minds.

The owners of the small holding within the valley had obviously not been there for some time, but a look at the open sheds and barn from a respectable distance showed tractors and machinery and other assets which may require defending during bushfire. The permanent creek would provide a suitable water source.

A test of the new Grassy Hill tower showed radio communication to be vastly improved in the area, with a little static in reception, but at least possible.

Time was slipping away, so we headed back, leaving a quick note to the owners at the "gate" at the top of the hill (Three strands of rope across a couple of rotting fence posts). All the crew agreed it had been another successful and enjoyable day, and that familiarisation with tracks, current conditions and brigade equipment was a legitimate and worthwhile activity.

Anthony Shorten
Training Officer
Colo Heights Rural Fire Brigade