simpson desert right now

littlei posted:

Thanks Jeff for the quick response. We will make sure we have plenty of beer on board!!! See you at Mt Dare for a chat. Kind Regards littlei

Litlbalt posted:

Great to hear we are also heading your way on count down now 4.5wks to go.

Member - Hillel K (VIC) posted:

Hi Jeff I will also be comeing through from Birdsville mid July -I have heard Nissan have a big group mid July .Do you know anything about it and how will it affect accomodation -any info greatly appreciated. Also any idea how the WAA line is at the momenyt?
Thanks
Hillel

Ozrover posted:

Yep, they will be in Birdsville around the third week in July they are expecting quite a large group in Birdsville, so I would book accomodation well in advance to make sure that you get a spot, don't know the exact dates thow.

The WAA line is normally the same as the French line but less travelled, the only place that I would be concerned about would be the lake at the eastern end near the knolls track, I haven't heard from anyone who has been that way yet.

Muddy.au posted:

Nissan are doing a 50 year anniversary reenactment of Spriggs crossing of the Simpson with some original nissan vehicles. The trip is led by Pat Callinan surprise surprise.

http://patrol.nissan.com.au/flyer.pdf

Member - Vern (North Haven SA) posted:

Hi Jeff

We are leaving Birdsville on Sunday the 27th May and heading your way ( a group of 8 4by's) (with plenty of beer on board) but what we have not is a SAT phone. I am interested in your thoughts on a Sat phone with a big group and also the availability of the phones ones we get to Birdsville.

Thanks in advance and will catch up in Mt Dare for a beer around the end of May.

Cheers

Member - Keith C (NSW) posted:

Vern, there is a member here that has satphones for hire at fair rates, look in classified under hire.

PJR (NSW) posted:

I think that with that Nissan group being there it was a good idea to book. I would have preferred not to meet a big group but medical stuff precludes that.

How much do you lot charge for a refill if we run out of beer in the desert?

Phil

Ozrover posted:

Vern,
At this time of year Sat phones are a nice to have if your in a large group but not necessarily essential, if you do want to hire one for your crossing give the Birdsville Information a call & ask for Jeff & he'll fix you up.

Phil,
That could quite possibly be the most expensive beer that you'll ever drink!

PJR (NSW) posted:

Thanks all for the update on the Simpson. We poked our nose in at the other end back last year on a drive up to the Gulf. But just to try out Big Red. Did all three tracks with a complete stop at the bottom. Great cars these days.

Seems that there is more water in the Cooper so I was wondering what Eyre Creek is like. We won't be there until July but it's nice to keep track of things through you lot on exploroz.com.

We already have a sat phone. We had to buy one on doctors orders otherwise he would not okay me for any remote trips. That's why I have to be back by the 28th for treatment and we were hoping to use Walkers crossing to get home. Every four weeks until I cark it. No cure for this one.

So we will cut out a night elsewhere and relax in luxury at your place for two nights. And an ensuite to boot!!! The boss will be pleased. I haven't told her yet. May keep that for when we arrive and you guys, being such good hosts, gave her an upgrade.

Also we have two fridges so there is plenty of room in the big one for beer. You guys charge too much HaHa.

Phil

Ozrover posted:

Oi! You pay extra for the pleasure of our presence! LOL!!!

littlei posted:

Thanks Kam for your information. It is true that east to west is more challenging, we did this a couple of years back but later in the season. Eyre Creek along the way at that time still had water and there was a lovely detour around picturesque, green pasture in the middle of the desert!. This time we are travelling early June and also some of us are using dirt bikes across the simpson. Can't wait!!! Thanks again for the info!!littlei