In preparation for our trip west in 2017, we did a 4WD training course through ‘Four Wheel Drive Victoria’, an umbrella organisation for all Victorian 4WD clubs. First day was theory, second was all practice. It was amazing, there were about 8 cars, all of us novices, most with bright new shiny 4WDs. The instructors sat in the car with each of us for the hazards. They covered the basics of a simple retrieval so we can help someone out of a bog. We learnt so much, it was fantastic. We drove through sand, mud, along a river, up steep hills doing an emergency stop and reverse. Even me who hates bumpy roads loved it. Looking forward to Gibb River Road and Bungle Bungles next year.