Cape Trip - almost

[Brissieboy]

Just got back from a trip Brisbane to Cape York.
A convoy of 3: me in a Patrol, my daughter and son-in-law in a Pajero and my Grandson and his partner in a HiLux.
We did a lot of stuff on the way: CREB, Bloomfield, Frenchmans, etc all without incident.
Old Tele Track was a tad more challenging. It is now quite difficult with many of the crossings badly chewed up with the recent flood damage and heavy traffic. Palm Creek in particular is quite 'interesting' - worse than Gunshot. We chose to winch out of this one rather than risk serious panel damage - not uncommon here.
I ended up with a little damage to the plastic flares on the passenger side after sliding into a bank on a descent, but did more damage when I reversed into a stump hitting the spare tyre and damaging the big barn door. Too much stuff in the back obstructing my view, but a stupid mistake! I was not amused!
More serious was the Pajero. For unknown reasons a tyre came off the bead when crossing Nolans Brook which caused them to loose traction and swamped the vehicle. Despite our efforts and those of a very helpful mechanic, we were unable to restore life to the Pajero. I towed it back to Bramwell Roadhouse and from there it was carted to Weipa on a tilt-tray. Beyond economic repair! Written off!
They had an MDC XT12 van parked at Bramwell and I brought them and their van back home.
My Grandson made it to the cape (their first time) but we did not - we have been there before a couple years ago.
I won't be doing the Tele Track again - I now consider it extreme and a lot worse that previous years. According to the towie, there is usually 2 vehicles carted from Bramwell Roadhouse to Weipa each day, which does not include those carted for other areas, or by other towies!

[Cuppa]

Video footage I've seen of the OTT this year does make it look a fair bit harder than last year when we did it.