i should add it took along time to get back to the car the other end,she and here younger sibvling was a bit upset not to find the car at the top when they got to it
i should add it took along time to get back to the car the other end,she and here younger sibvling was a bit upset not to find the car at the top when they got to it
Watch this space, as there maybe a comment added soon
stevemc181 (21st May 2017)
Didn't get chased out, but didn't like the vibe of the place either. We were going to camp near the old mine, but I said to the missus, the people still in town know we will be down here alone, so I'm keen to head out of here, in case they like our possessions more than we do!
2016 GU Legend Edition: 3505Kg GVM Upgrade and Stuff!
Avo (21st May 2017)
What a great write up and photos.
Definitely on my to do list now.
stevemc181 (21st May 2017)
photo taken of how tuff me kids are.same walk towards circular pool
Watch this space, as there maybe a comment added soon
MB (21st May 2017), stevemc181 (21st May 2017)
The second part of this trip report begins with an early departure from the Albert Tognolini (Thanks Cuppa) rest Area where we had camped. This is an awesome little spot for an overnighter, despite the evidence of a few poo tickets around. For christs sake, dig a hole or take a bag for disposal later! We use a Jimmy’s thunderbox with enviro bags, if the grounds too hard to dig, we simply keep the bag in a bucket or the rear bin bag till later in the day when we pass a spot that’s easier to dig and dispose of it.
The old knee’s are too knackered now for the squatting in the bush, I’m in danger of falling backwards into my own crap! 😉 Not to mention, spinifex is damn spikey stuff to squat in!
The view from our camp:
We headed into Newman and restocked on a few supplies before heading off to our intended destinations for the night. This is a place called Running Waters which is off of the Skull Springs road. Basically, hang a right at Nullagine and head up the road for 100k or so. We camped here in July Last year and it was bloody spectacular, but what a difference this year was with a lot more rain. We crossed a few creek crossings on Skull Springs Rd.
Eventually if you keep your eyes peeled, you will see a kangaroo sculpture on a hill, the track entry to Running Waters is opposite this.
I don’t have many pics of in here, but will upload a short video of how wet it was in here. We crossed the springs, which is first gear low range over all the tree roots and river rocks. This is a hard enough drive when you can see the rocks. We couldn’t see anything as it was all still flooded and vastly different to how we remembered it only 9 months ago. We gave up trying to get to the last spot we had camped at and turned around and camped at the only available spot we could find. It wasn’t ideal, but we were out of options.
We made the most of it and heated up some creek water on the fire for a well needed shower. We generally collect our wood well before any popular camping spots. This trip I thought I’d just take my small 10” Ryobi Cordless chainsaw, it worked a treat and easily handled our forewood load on one 4 a/h battery. The 12 volt charger charges the batteries just as quickly as the home charger, so that’s a plus!
After dark, trying to cook dinner in here was near on impossible, I’ve never seen so many damn bugs so beer and bourbon and an early night it was.
The next morning we headed off to Ruddall River via the Telfer Mine Road, this is all good road, but frequent road trains can be expected.
There are plenty of signs telling you the mine does not offer employment or have diesel etc, they really don’t like travellers I think!
Telfer Gold Mine is a massive operation, but when heading to Ruddall river from this way, you will hang a right near the mine security gates and head onto the main North/South Ruddall River road. There are signs every 5km, asking you to call up your position and direction of travel on Channel 39. I assume as there is quite a bit of exploration going on out here, it is a reasonable safety option. We did the right thing and made the call every 5km’s but heard nothing back, so we were surprised to come across two vehicles stopped for lunch along the way and also a bogged landcruiser towing a trailer. The guy in the landcruiser was struggling along with 30psi in the tyres, but in usual fashion was reluctant to drop them to 16psi when I recommended it. So I left them to it and carried on.
I didn’t take any pics of the tracks into here or desert queen baths, but will upload a video when I get a chance that covers it all pretty well.
There is no walking tracking into DQB, but it’s only a brief rock hop into the gorge to get to the first and best waterhole. We had a swim here, bloody freezing but good to get the grime off once again.
The next water hole is a little more difficult to get to, shoes are recommended! It wasn’t one I’d swim in though.
There is some rock art up near the small caves on the left side of the waterhole as you walk in.
We initially thought we would spend a couple of days here, but one was enough to do what we wanted so we packed up and headed off for our next destination.
More to come:
2016 GU Legend Edition: 3505Kg GVM Upgrade and Stuff!
‘LV’ - Light Vehicle??
The colours of the country are just stunning in that part of the world!
2006 4.2TDi ex-Telstra Remote area Camper. Patrol Sold after 11 years of ownership Replaced with 2006 OKA NT Expedition Truck. Cummins, Allison & lots of goodies
A Nomadic Life (Blog)
Yep, you'll hear LV a lot on Channel 40 over here, particularly through the highway roadworks and oversize vehicle convoys of which there are many on the great northern hwy. HV and LV are pretty common terms for them to use for trucks and cars respectively.
I've noticed a lot of the Missus photos are a bit washed out taken on her Samsung Note phone when compared to my iPhone, so maybe I damaged it when I dropped it in the water? We really need to invest in a better camera, but we generally just point and shoot. I love the red of the Pilbara and also the Desert Country, the sun in the morning and afternoon can have some stunning effects.
G`Day Cuppa and Mrs Tea.
I dragged a camper trailer the length of the CSR a few years back only getting stuck once, ran tyres at 15psi, I don`t think you would have any trouble with your set up. I spent nearly 5 months, on my own dragging an 1800Kg off road van all over WA last year, and on some of the tracks you mention. The trick (well not a trick) just commonsense, is to take it slowly and don`t be a hero. I also dragged the van up the Balladonia track with out any issues.
Can`t wait for your trip I bet.