This is a fantastic tribute to Col, a much loved friend. As a geologist myself I visited Col and camped near his house many times over the years since 1980, with my mate and fellow geologist Sandy Pfeiffer. My last trip with Sandy to see Col was in 22-24th October this year and he was a enthusiastic and busy as ever. We spent 2 nights chatting around the campfire and I was lucky to spend an extra few hours with him before I left for home. No doubt like many others you always felt you had a special bond with Col. I'm sure many will agree that he was an Australian national treasure, and having seen him so recently its hard to believe he's now gone. (Peter Hilleard)
great tribute to him Stefan ,he will be missed by many and I am lucky enough to have met him a few times over the years. the kids loved seeing his planes in his paddock there. he loved a good chat and you always had to add an 1hr or 2 to any trip there. I also hope national parks keep this area open. thanks for sharing mate.
So important that you documented that. I was there yesterday for the first time without any knowledge of the place. Wondered around and saw much of the stuff in the video except unfortunately the collection of machines at the bottom which are no longer there. I regret never having met Col. The leader of our party had had that privilege and conveyed what a character he was. I don't know if they make them like that any more. The fact that he permitted access to such a special place over all that time speaks volumes of his generosity. You captured that so thank you. Yellow truck is still there along with the rusty drums. It makes more sense now and I would love to go back and look for the remains of the flying fox. The hut is still there and a lovely old gentleman, perhaps a relative of Col was staying there. He had tales to tell too and was generous with his time. I think his name was Peter. The top of the mountain needs to be preserved with everything in situ as it currently is. It's a time capsule and a reminder of much that was great about our past. Vale Col.
Thank you Stefan for your video. I fully agree with the sentiments you and others have expressed about Col. I have known and regularly visited Col ever since the early/mid 1970’s. I have seen the mining and equipment Col describes in the video in operation. The Ribaux family ingeniously made most of the equipment from scratch. I am a qualified geologist but recognize that Col’s intelligence, enthusiasm, determination and experience are worth much more than any university degree. No wonder he was employed by DeBeers to find diamonds. More so, Col was a very friendly interesting and helpful guy. We all miss you Col. Sandy Pfeiffer
We certainly lost a wonderful character in Australia's history and I don't mean that lightly. He was a star. I had the pleasure of meeting Col years ago, when I was in my teens, and the only regret I will ever have is not getting back to see him before his sad passing. My kids would've loved chatting to him about his life and his rock collection. He was a beautiful human being indeed. May you RIP young Col and may you soar high above the land you once walked, worked and loved so proudly.
So glad I found this video. Was up there today for the first time, I didn't know if I was trespassing or not. Now I know the story. Congrats on putting this video together. Amazing person. Real definition of Grit. Shame the stories of these Australians aren't better known.
Unique Australian, first meet Col in 1981 on an outing with the Army Cadets while camping on his property, thanks to him I am still chasing gem quality stones all over this country. he will be sadly missed ! REST IN PEACE MATE !
Never knew him, never heard of him, probably because I’m in WA, but thanks for your video. I feel like I wish I did get to meet him. They don’t make them like this bloke anymore. RIP mate.
Great video and what a legend he was.......we called in there on the weekend to pay our respects to this humble man and observed a minutes silence while there. What a wonderful character that had a spectacular spot to call home. He will be sadly missed. Let's just hope NPWS don't get rid of his home there, like they did to River Ron's hut in Turon National Park, and leave it in his memory. Even if that fence his house off to stop idiots wrecking it, if they want a hand to help I'm sure there would be plenty of enthusiasts that would only be too happy to lend a hand to do a day out there pitching in. It's the least that could be done for a bush legend and an icon of the area. Looks like NPWS have already installed some nice shiny new steel bollard posts, a new gate and some chain in what looks like it is the start of the lock out, I could only hope it's not !
Well it’s locked up now. Planned to go up for Easter 2021 and looking online it’s closed due to the recent rain and road damage. The thin end of the wedge I’m afraid.
Beautifully done Stefan. What a life. Best thoughts to all his family and friends. Have put it on my list soon and will think of Col up there. Respect. PP
![4x4 Mt Airly | Genowlan Point - The most scenic technical 4wd track in NSW? [2020]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/oC26jKUqpXk/mqdefault.jpg)
Great tribute to a man who looks like he enjoyed every minute of his life. Nicely done.
thanks mate
This is a fantastic tribute to Col, a much loved friend. As a geologist myself I visited Col and camped near his house many times over the years since 1980, with my mate and fellow geologist Sandy Pfeiffer. My last trip with Sandy to see Col was in 22-24th October this year and he was a enthusiastic and busy as ever. We spent 2 nights chatting around the campfire and I was lucky to spend an extra few hours with him before I left for home. No doubt like many others you always felt you had a special bond with Col. I'm sure many will agree that he was an Australian national treasure, and having seen him so recently its hard to believe he's now gone. (Peter Hilleard)
Thanks for doing this Stefan,
MadMatt 4WD hi mad Matt
@@rcoutlaw8421 Hi there.
great tribute to him Stefan ,he will be missed by many and I am lucky enough to have met him a few times over the years. the kids loved seeing his planes in his paddock there. he loved a good chat and you always had to add an 1hr or 2 to any trip there. I also hope national parks keep this area open. thanks for sharing mate.
great story well presented sad to hear the old fella passing. always good viewing you guys.
So important that you documented that. I was there yesterday for the first time without any knowledge of the place. Wondered around and saw much of the stuff in the video except unfortunately the collection of machines at the bottom which are no longer there. I regret never having met Col. The leader of our party had had that privilege and conveyed what a character he was. I don't know if they make them like that any more. The fact that he permitted access to such a special place over all that time speaks volumes of his generosity. You captured that so thank you.
Yellow truck is still there along with the rusty drums. It makes more sense now and I would love to go back and look for the remains of the flying fox.
The hut is still there and a lovely old gentleman, perhaps a relative of Col was staying there. He had tales to tell too and was generous with his time. I think his name was Peter.
The top of the mountain needs to be preserved with everything in situ as it currently is. It's a time capsule and a reminder of much that was great about our past. Vale Col.
Thank you Stefan for your video. I fully agree with the sentiments you and others have expressed about Col.
I have known and regularly visited Col ever since the early/mid 1970’s. I have seen the mining and equipment Col describes in the video in operation. The Ribaux family ingeniously made most of the equipment from scratch.
I am a qualified geologist but recognize that Col’s intelligence, enthusiasm, determination and experience are worth much more than any university degree. No wonder he was employed by DeBeers to find diamonds.
More so, Col was a very friendly interesting and helpful guy. We all miss you Col.
Sandy Pfeiffer
We certainly lost a wonderful character in Australia's history and I don't mean that lightly. He was a star. I had the pleasure of meeting Col years ago, when I was in my teens, and the only regret I will ever have is not getting back to see him before his sad passing. My kids would've loved chatting to him about his life and his rock collection. He was a beautiful human being indeed. May you RIP young Col and may you soar high above the land you once walked, worked and loved so proudly.
So glad I found this video. Was up there today for the first time, I didn't know if I was trespassing or not. Now I know the story. Congrats on putting this video together. Amazing person. Real definition of Grit. Shame the stories of these Australians aren't better known.
yes unfortunately Australia is not that good in preserving it's settlers histories even now..
Thank you for taking the time to honour Col, a truly unique character the likes of which we won’t see again. Vale Col.
Thank you very much....
Unique Australian, first meet Col in 1981 on an outing with the Army Cadets while camping on his property, thanks to him I am still chasing gem quality stones all over this country. he will be sadly missed ! REST IN PEACE MATE !
Thank you very much....
Not to many really Bushies Like Col left, what a bloody legend. Great tribute to the man.
sadly that is very true
Thank you Stefan 👍👍
Thank you for sharing. A story very well and respectively told.
Thank you very much....
Honoured on meeting him last year
You have made an amazing video, it is sad to see him pass and hope that his land can remain open and his memories will live on.
Never knew him, never heard of him, probably because I’m in WA, but thanks for your video. I feel like I wish I did get to meet him. They don’t make them like this bloke anymore. RIP mate.
thanks mate
Seemed like a really nice guy. What a aussie legend 😉
Beautiful. Thanks.
Great video, thanks for sharing
Very nice tribute. RIP.
RIP so sad but his name and mountain ⛰ will live on.
yes will see if NP honours their promise to Col not to shut down 4wd access to Genowlan Point
Great video and what a legend he was.......we called in there on the weekend to pay our respects to this humble man and observed a minutes silence while there. What a wonderful character that had a spectacular spot to call home. He will be sadly missed. Let's just hope NPWS don't get rid of his home there, like they did to River Ron's hut in Turon National Park, and leave it in his memory. Even if that fence his house off to stop idiots wrecking it, if they want a hand to help I'm sure there would be plenty of enthusiasts that would only be too happy to lend a hand to do a day out there pitching in. It's the least that could be done for a bush legend and an icon of the area. Looks like NPWS have already installed some nice shiny new steel bollard posts, a new gate and some chain in what looks like it is the start of the lock out, I could only hope it's not !
Well it’s locked up now. Planned to go up for Easter 2021 and looking online it’s closed due to the recent rain and road damage. The thin end of the wedge I’m afraid.
Sad news. He was a very interesting chap in an amazing place. RIP
Can you upload all the footage of col and any other raw footage you have of the area. Its absolutely awesome
Beautifully done Stefan. What a life. Best thoughts to all his family and friends. Have put it on my list soon and will think of Col up there. Respect. PP
Thank you very much....
Thanks, good tribute to a well liked bloke.
Thank you very much....
He must have been pretty old because he was quite old looking on a 4wd Action video many years ago.
he was 81 when he passed away.
Good on you stefan... rip col..
Thank you very much....
Last of the true Aussie generation.
What a good bloke
Yes he was quite a character and excellent bloke
Rest in peace
RIP
RIP