So, I skived off work for a couple of days and headed down to the New England Tableland area to escape the heat. After a civilised 10am departure we hit the road south to Bangalow and went through Lismore and Casino heading to the Clarence River area. We passed a couple of our favourite areas on the Clarence before setting our sights on the Mann River. Just after the Clarence Gorge area the skies started to darken and it was obvious that we were in for a wet ride. The weather report was like the perfect poker hand as the five towns they mentioned that were going to be hit with severe storms were the five towns we would be going through. Oh well, a bit of water never hurt anyone…….

We got off the dirt and hit the bitumen near Jackadgery after some stunning river scenery when the skies opened up. It was pouring, then the winds came followed by hail. Branches were dropping from the trees and we slowly inched our way up the road to a safe spot to pull over and sit it out. Half an hour later we were on our way after trying to decide between heading for the safety and comfort of Grafton or stick to the plan and continue to our chosen site in the Nymboida NP. As the rain was clearing we took the punt and turned of the bitumen and back onto the forest trails.

http://forums.overlander.com.au/viewtopic.php?t=64630

Tip:

Diff Locks<br> There are two types of 4x4 diff locks- manual and full time. Manual Diff Lock<br> A number of different manufacturers make this type of lock which is actuated manually by switch whenever extra traction is required. The beauty of the manual system is that it can be switched off when slippery side slopes want to send the back of the 4x4 sliding off the track. Full Time Diff Lock<br> Again a number of manufacturers make full time difflocks. With these there is absolutely no driver intervention required to lock them, as these units are engaged and working all the time. However, to unlock a full time unit to turn corners a slight change in driving technique is required. Simply back off the accelerator when first entering a corner and the locker will start to ratchet and allow differential action around the corner. As the vehicle straightens up the locker once again resumes its locked position. One problem with the full time unit is when a 4x4 is on a slippery side slope. It cannot be unlocked and could force the rear of the 4x4 to slide off the track because both wheels are driving.