2013 cape york trip!
This trip does not have to be a Navara Asia sanctioned trip! As one member as already stated;
“We don’t have to go as a club, we don’t need insurance all we need is a few likeminded people who want to do the cape trip in a relaxed /family friendly environment and enough time for people to get organised and prepared”
As previously stated, there are a number of alternative tracks on the developmental Rd and the Telegraph-track, so that is not a problem. However, not all the crossings have by-pass tracks. But that is not an issue. The real issue is the number of people on the track during June/July period. After coming back this time and striking friendships with several locals up there. I would personally recommend going up there in August for the following reasons;
1. June/July is the busiest time because of the School holidays around Australia. Good camp spots are hard to find during the school holiday period. That’s why we are pulling our kids out of school in August 2013.
2. August means less tourists which = better camping options at the prime camping areas; ie Lion’s den hotel, Chili beach, Elliot and Fruit bat falls, etc
3. Less traffic on the Bloomfield track, Developmental Road and the Telegraph track etc
4. Less people at the Tip.
5. Most importantly, for those members who just want to travel the Peninsula Developmental Road to Bamaga/the Cape. The water levels across the various creeks and rivers will be minimal. Two wheel drive vehicles drive to the Cape all the time. It’s all about timing!
6. The weather is at its best in August.
Also as previously stated; for those of you, who are concerned about the Navara’s off road capabilities on the Old Telegraph track, don’t be too concerned. I did it this July towing a Jayco Hawk off-road camper trailer.
The worst crossing for us was the very first one Palm Creek. It was chewed up pretty bad so we end up bypassing that crossing and headed 60 ks up the Northern bypass road until we reached the turn to Heathlands Ranger Station. We then back tracked through Gunshot, Dulhunty River, Alice creek and we finally camped at Ducie River.
The worst crossing was on the Northern section of the Telegraph track at Nolan’s Brook. The lessons hear is quite simple, no snorkel or car bra do not attempt crossing due to the deep nature of this crossing.
We witnessed two vehicles which sunk and hydraulic their engines. When we arrived at Bamaga BP service station, we were advised that 28 vehicles so far this season failed to make it across Nolan’s. When we left a week later, the figure was 30.
So many dick-brains with very little grey matter between their eyes, F—kem they deserve there outcomes.
All I did was walk all the crossing's and watch the line the previous vehicles had taken. I then duck-tape the D40s doors and the camper trailer doors and vents, fitted a car-bra and with my snorkel fully sealed gently crossed in 2nd low creating a bow wave and when I was nearing the other side, give it a few more revs to pull out the camper trailer. I also had my winch cable and snatch strap at the ready.
If you are interested in heading up to the cape in 2013 let us know! Remember we all do not have to travel as a group. We all have different needs; some of us travel slower than others, some of us might want to spend an extra- night at a certain location. Some of us might want to walk various tracts or even try some gold prospecting. We can always organise to set up to meeting points at various locations. The aim is having life-time experience and all meeting one another at tip for that famous group photo.
PS, I will be heading up in August 2013 with my father and father-in-law who will be driving a fully kitted out GU Nissan Patrol wagon. My family and will kitted out in our GU Nissan Patrol wagon and our Jayco off road camper trailer.
Regards,
RLI
