Member Since: 12 Aug 2011
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 1286
Wales trip weekend 13/14 April 2013
My wife and I went off to Wales for the weekend to do some green lanes. We had a fantastic time. There was still some snow around which caused us some issues, but we managed to get through the blocked roads.
This is the first night in camp:
Click image to enlarge
This is entrance to the river crossing. I do like this photo
Click image to enlarge
This was another river crossing, and I did get a little worried at the depth, but we made it through just fine.
Click image to enlarge
This was navigating a tricky section of rocks. The traction control worked great, and I sailed through without any issues.
Click image to enlarge
We were trying to get through a lane which was covered in snow, and the lead vehicle got stuck. I was the first in line with a winch, so I pulled him out. It did take us about 2 hours to get all 8 cars through. The wife did panic, as she was in the car with her foot on the brake, and after winching for some time, the battery voltage dropped, and we started to get all sorts of dreaded errors on the dashboard. The usual suspects were shown, such as HDC fault, suspension fault etc. Then the dashboard went completely blank. We stopped winching for a while, while we allowed the car to charge the battery. No more issues at all.
Click image to enlarge
Successful winch recovery.
Click image to enlarge
Me in action at the beginning of the recovery.
Click image to enlarge
We had to tether two vehicles behind me to stop me from being pulled down the hill on the snow. Also I was at the max of my rope length, so couldn't park on the gravel for more grip.
At the end of the weekend, the D3 performed faultlessly, and we were toasty warm. The other girls in the Defenders had hot water bottles to keep them warm, as they were freezing cold. And after playing off road we cruised home on the motorway at 65/70 mph on speedo cruise. Such a versatile car.
We're off to Yorkshire this weekend for some more fun.
Cheers
John
22nd Apr 2013 3:58 pm
SpiderBaby D3 Decade
Member Since: 21 Sep 2007
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 1412
Looks good and like you had some fun.
Is that one of the Devon 4x4 winch trays you have fitted? What winch have you got in there?
Not sure about camping mind - I'm too old and I get too cold I see no ships........
22nd Apr 2013 4:12 pm
DG Site Moderator
Member Since: 12 Dec 2005
Location: The Gaff
Posts: 50979
Do I recognise a bit of Strata Florida in there ?21 year LR veteran > D2 GS 2003 > D3 S 2006 > D3 HSE 2009 > D4 HSE 2013 > D4 HSE 2015 > D5 HSE 2018 > DS HSE R-Dynamic P300e 2021
Last edited by DG on 22nd Apr 2013 4:22 pm. Edited 2 times in total
22nd Apr 2013 4:19 pm
ije44
Member Since: 08 Mar 2013
Location: Leicester
Posts: 103
Excellent photo's. Your D3 looks 8)
The water crossing worried me too and I am sitting at my desk
22nd Apr 2013 4:19 pm
steve smith
Member Since: 11 Mar 2008
Location: up north towards the hills.
Posts: 2427
Hi, what part of Wales? Steve
22nd Apr 2013 4:30 pm
Fabio
Member Since: 03 Sep 2011
Location: south west
Posts: 259
Very nice photos!!
Strata florida!?
I have done it in a defender not in the disco yet...
22nd Apr 2013 4:31 pm
MHP
Member Since: 31 Dec 2011
Location: lydd
Posts: 2776
Member Since: 12 Aug 2011
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 1286
Yes, a lot of those Photo's are from Strata Florida and some other lanes we did. This is in the area around Rhayader and towards Dolgellau.
I have the Devon 4x4 winch bumper fitted with a Warrior 12,500 lbs winch. Also got the Devon 4x4 under body protection plates fitted as this bolts to the front bumper making it nice and strong.
Cheers
John
22nd Apr 2013 4:53 pm
devonchilliman
Member Since: 03 Nov 2008
Location: Devon
Posts: 5224
Member Since: 23 Feb 2013
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 389
Looks like you had a great time
22nd Apr 2013 5:02 pm
Hairy Dan
Member Since: 19 Jan 2011
Location: Co. Durham
Posts: 12319
Great photos Cheers Ian
--------------------
Club N.E.R.D.S
Kielder 4x4 Safari
Discoless
22nd Apr 2013 5:36 pm
biskit
Member Since: 23 Dec 2009
Location: in my Mancave.
Posts: 1376
Great pics John, I should have been on that trip but it clashed with SWMBO and Amy going to a Pink show in Manchester But Amy and myself will be joining you next weekend. Mantec sump guard.
Prospeed tree slider/steps.
Flack duel battery system.
18"Compomotive/AT3 tyres
Brembo 4pot front brakes
22nd Apr 2013 6:47 pm
vinnie
Member Since: 22 Jul 2011
Location: chesterfield
Posts: 314
Nice set up John. Looks like great fun. SWMBO wouldn't let me take her baby anywhere near.. He doesn't ask for much........But gives a lot.
22nd Apr 2013 6:49 pm
Ent
Member Since: 12 Oct 2007
Location: In the cack
Posts: 6488
Brilliant Club Exped trailer
Club Timed Climate
Club Flappy paddle steering wheel
Club 300bhp
Club Prospeed test pilot/lab rat
Club National Luna Stella conditioner
22nd Apr 2013 6:53 pm
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26779
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
And after playing off road we cruised home on the motorway at 65/70 mph on speedo cruise. Such a versatile car. 
But Amy and myself will be joining you next weekend. 
