Blinman 1997

The location was Blinman, in the northern part of the Flinders ranges, north of Wilpena and east of Parachilna South Australia. Most of the participants arrived late Friday night, or into the wee hours of Saturday morning (17 May). Camping areas were set aside near the trials track for those who wanted to enjoy nature, while others stayed at the Blinman Hotel, Blinman Police house, Angorichina Tourist Village, Angorichina Shearers quarters, Oratunga Station and other local places.

The trials took place on Saturday on the land leased by the Land Rover Register of SA. We had two tracks running during the morning, and in the afternoon these were joined into one longer track and reversed. Some 16 vehicles took part, which was down on last year, however the spectators were way up on last year and there were some 45 to 50 Land Rovers parked in the parking area to watch. Numbers were increased by members of the Range Rover club of SA, as well as a couple from Queensland, a couple of Series I's and a 101 FC from Victoria, and 2 Land Rovers from Alice Springs.

The trials tracks were a little less demanding than last year, but none the less, it took some skill to complete both rounds without incurring any penalty points. No damage was done to any vehicles in the trial, except for one Discovery rear bumper bar which was moved up slightly on its mounts. Results will be available in the next day or so, the delay being caused by the trials co-ordinator going on holidays straight after the weekend! Saturday night was spent in and around the Blinman Hotel, enjoying a great meal, and some good music. The weather was excellent, and unlike last year there was no rain at all.

A walk down the main street found 60 Land Rovers parked in various spots. Sunday morning dawned, and at 10AM, some 50 Land Rovers departed on any of the 4 available day trips to areas around Blinman. One of these was classified very difficult, and suitable for experienced drivers only, while the other three were not as demanding, and drivers could decide which one they wanted to go on. Trips were to Donkey Gully, Artimore Ruins, Nucallena, and the Bullock Track. Most drivers arrived home around 5pm, with one group being a little later than the rest after become a little geographically embarrassed! Sunday night was the presentation of trophies, and the raffle draw, and afterwards, some of the guests stayed at the Hotel, while others went out to a couple of the shearers quarters and watched the moon rise (some also saw it set!)

Monday was another clear day, and some of the drivers headed out on a short 3 hour drive to Careys Hill to enjoy a fantastic view, and some great four wheel driving up and down the hill. It was back home for most on Monday afternoon, and back to work on Tuesday. All in all, it was a very successful weekend, with around 70 Land Rovers in total.

	Results
Best Placed Team:	Rob and Damien Elliott driving a V8 Coil sprung Series 3 Hybrid
Best Placed Female:	Glenys Elliott driving the same Hybrid
Best Placed Female runner up:	Bec Lee driving a SWB Series 2
Best Placed Track 1:	T. McIntyre
Best Placed Track 2:	M. Ford
Best Placed Track 3:	T. Davis
Overall Winner:	Trevor Davis - Tdi Auto Discovery
Overall 2nd:	Rob Elliott - Series 3 V8 Coil Sprung Hybrid
Overall 3rd:	A. Logue - V8 Discovery

Planning is already underway for the 1998 Jamboree, details will be available shortly.

Blinman 1997.