The Deadwood Safari, one of the oldest 4WD rallies in the country, was started by a group of enthusiasts from the hill the Cruiser slowly ended up on its side in the middle of the track.  The occupants were unhurt, although Debbie was a little shaken.

Under the experienced guidance of Greg Crayford and with assistance from members of the WCCVC, Gregs old zebra-striped Toyota FJ40, with its trusty winch, soon had the vehicle back on its wheels, with minimal panel damage and just one rear window broken.

From there, it was across the Orongorongo River, past the homestead and then along the coast via a vehicular track on Orongorongo Station (permission was kindly granted for access). 

This coastline has many interesting features amongst the rocks and many a ship has come to grief in Palliser Bay.

The track is mostly rock, crossing several rock screes from the steep slopes, and at times you have to pick your own line in order to avoid the largest of the rocks. 

The trip took us past Barneys Hut, which is the place where Orongorongo Station shepherd and artist Frank Barnes (Barney) lived and painted.

After stopping to fix Greg Crayfords FJ40 that had started crabbing due to the rear spring centre bolt breaking, which allowed the rear axle to move, we turned around and headed back.

Nobody wanted to be late for the 35th dinner or the prize giving in Petone that night. Approximately 150 current and past members attended the celebrations at the Petone Workingmens Club.

A lot of work had gone in to providing old photos and home movies from previous events, including the very first Deadwood Safari. They were saved onto DVDs and were playing in the background during the night. 

It was interesting listening to some of the older members talking about the good old days, when access was never a problem.

Names from the past also came up often including those of Bob Jeffrey, Tony Street, Bruce Mulhare and the first president Ron Oliver.

Current president, Roger Seymour, made special presentations of life memberships to members who have been stalwarts of the Club over the years, some since the early seventies.

New life members are; Ross Perkins, Ron Johnson, Colin Landy, Phil Lewton, John Hughes, Grant Purdie, Peter Osborne, and Owen Fargher.

Life membership was also awarded, albeit posthumously, to Peter Boniface. Peter was made aware of the pending recognition, prior to his passing a couple of months ago, and his wife and family were present to accept the accompanying award, in his absence.

Wellington CCVC is not the oldest Club in New Zealand but it is one of the largest, with membership of around 200 members. It is well structured, with good management and caters for all facets of four-wheel-driving from shiny trips to full-on off-roading.

Operating their own competition days and driver training, they even operate their own vehicle inspection to ensure that all vehicles on club trips meet the minimum standards.

Some members have been there since day one, while many others have been members for 20-30 years, evidenced by the year badges handed out to long term members. 

Phil Lewton put it well, a family based club, where the close friends you make in the Club become extended family. .: