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With a convoy of 9 vehicles it was agreed that we would rotate convoy positions each travelling day with Collyn our trip leader holding car 1 position but car 2 moving to car 9 and car 9 moving to car 8 and so on. The worst thing about being tail-end-charlie would be the bulldust and the worst thing about being car 2 would be that it was your responsibility to write the daily trip report and hand it to Michelle (editor) by 10am the next morning. There would be no rest for the wicked on this trip.
(Bill Wright and Neil Adsett)
The following trip report was compiled around the campfire with much hilarity as Bill & Neil dictated to Michelle on her computer after numerous glasses of port had been consumed.
We didn’t make it to the pre-trip meeting in Cairns because Bill was too drunk to drive and didn’t want to be stopped for drink driving – and that’s the truth! We redeemed ourselves however on the morning of the trip when we were the second vehicle to arrive at the meeting place. We waited ¾ hour for the last car to arrive and it was none other than David & Michelle in the Troopy. While we were waiting for this vehicle our wives rang on the mobiles and promises were made that Bill would not sleep with Neil because of his horrendous snore.
After leaving Cairns we arrived at the Daintree Village. The pub was unfortunately closed so we continued on to cross the "roaring torrent of the Daintree River" – at great risk and peril. Our courageous trip leader suggested that since Bill was taller, he should walk the river. This was a terrifying experience. There was no obligation upon him, however being a loyal TLCC member, who respected his leader and was trained in the disciplinary measures, he obeyed and walked the river. The terrifying depth almost reached to his knees but he was determined to reach the other side. He managed to proceeded 7/8ths across and was then called back by our Intrepid Trip Leader (from now on to be referred to as I.T.L.) The convoy then proceeded to travel across the perilous river without incident but it should be noted that the motor traffic regulations were severely breached by our trip leader who had passengers hanging off on the side rails – for this he was fined.
As we proceeded along the CREB Jeff gave the first cry for help, only 1km along the track. A fellow who owned a four runner thought that there was a tremendous buzz in a 4 runner being able to rescue an 80 series. 80 series owners certainly would never go Na-Na-Na-Na-Na (to the Toyota tune) if they rescued a 4 runner. On every trip there seems to be "one of them".
Further along the trail we came to another river crossing …what happened? The Cherokee got stuck in the river and Na-na-na-na-na rushed to the rescue! We all hope that someone will have the opportunity to rescue Na-na-na-na-na soon.
A few minutes later the Jeep was stuck again. His diff was caught in the river. We joke that he must be an inexperienced driver because he is from another club and doesn’t even drive a Toyota. Deeper into the CREB track an oncoming Land Rover temps our ITL to stop and have a chat to whom he later says over the CB was "a possible criminal tending to his plantation". A short time after this encounter he commented on passing yet another vehicle that "this guy must be checking his marijuana" but a closer inspection of the vehicle revealed that it was in fact unregistered, uninsured and had probably been there as an abandoned vehicle for some time.
Finally we arrived at our camp on the South arm of the Bloomfield River otherwise known as Roaring Meg Falls. Being number 2 car in the convoy and having some experience at camp site selection I was shocked that our ITL stopped at a level camping site and then decided to move closer to the river to an area of sites less suitable for Bill & Neil. There may be some justice in that Neil and Bill’s campsite was rather remote from the general camping area owing to the drinking habits of them both.
Although we were just two mates on a camping trip we still managed to have our first "lovers tiff" over the set up of the tent. Neil expressed the view that had he brought his tent it would have taken only 30 secs to erect instead of figuring out how to setup the brand new tent that Bill had brought. Neil had to be reminded that he did not have his tent and in fact his tent was merely an old tent that Bill had rejected and sold some 12 months earlier.
Collyn had suggested that those that wanted to visit the Roaring Meg Falls should assemble at 4.30pm, however more pressing concerns were at hand with a brand new tarp previously un-erected yet to be erected and the bedding to be prepared. When packing the 4WD for this trip great thought was given to the volume of items that needed to be fitted within the cabin. Neil was to accompany Bill for the first 10 days of the trip only and to be replaced by his beloved wife Julie. It was undesirable to sleep on a mattress with Neil so a Thermarest mattress which 20 years ago was the premier Thermarest model was offered to Neil. Neil took one look at his 350mm width bed and felt there had been a serious oversight and miscalculation. Neil’s body width was in fact about 800 mm. Neil, on having being reassured before the trip started that all he would need for the hot climate was one sheet, soon realised that more warmth would be required. Bill offered his sleeping bag which un-zipps to form a double to share. Neil was immediately concerned and suggested it was totally inappropriate to share the warming sleeping bag with Bill and it would be preferable to drink the Engel’s 39 L total capacity of alcohol within as an insulator against the cold rather than share a sleeping bag with Bill.
Were pissed now – good night. We look forward to the next trip report we have to do.
(Iris & Donald)
Today began another day of new adventures on our Cape York trip. We broke camp late at 11am so the morning started off slow. Donald and I went for a walk and found a private beach so he could have a swim. Water was roaring over the rocks but Donald went in. He gave out a big scream saying it was cold, but refreshing.
At 9.30am Jeff and Thelma went for a walk to the falls. All the while we could hear Jeff speeding along and yelling back for Thelma to hurry up. At 9.35am we sighted a strange creature skipping past our camp with paper and shovel in hand – it was only Collyn our leader going for a poo stop and letting the world know he was proud of it. By 10.30 most of the group had their sites cleaned and so went in different directions for either a swim at the beach or last look at the falls. By 11am the group attempted to reassemble into convoy positions to move on to Helensvale and The Lion’s Den. Bill and Neil were to be tail-end-charlie but didn’t show for anoher 5 minutes while Bill topped up his water. Not more than 5 minutes later David Martin called in to say he needed to stop because there was something hitting his gas bottle.
The scenery was ever-changing from rainforest to dry tracks. At 12 noon we turned right onto the main road to Cooktown passing a small Aboriginal community called Wujal Wujal. Although Wayne Back’s trip notes told Collyn to take a left turn we continued on to visit the Bloomfield Falls which was well worth the detour. After a short walk we stopped for lunch by the very peaceful Bloomfield River.
By 1.30pm we were on our way again. The drive was dusty and our truck did not have any air conditioning but the long driveway-like roads made up for it. We pulled in to Lion’s Den at 2.45pm. It is an unbelievable pub and is very busy with almost every passer-by stopping in for a drink or a look about at this historic pub. We all set up camp quite fast so that we could all go and enjoy some cold ones. Donald tried my little 5cm TV so I could watch my Y& R (Young and the Restless) but it didn’t work. So the pub was the next best thing.
I heard along the grapevine that two of our wonderful ladies were in the shower when some men walked in. We could hear the screams down at the camp!
Before tea at the pub most of the group held their own "happy hour" on the pub’s balcony and the barman yelled out that it wasn’t even happy hour yet! Everyone sounded very happy which is great because it showed that everyone is comfortable together.
After tea at the pub everyone sat around the campfire happily telling dirty jokes and the night wasn’t complete until Jeff blew his bottom trumpet with no shame at all!
We did not change convoy order today and traveled only 35km so as no one was assigned the trip report Michelle (trip editor) recorded the day’s events.
We left Lion’s Den at 8.30am prepared for a short 35km trip into Cooktown. For those of us who were interested Collyn suggested a climb up Black Mountain. David and Michelle, Jeff, Collyn, Bonnie, David, Tony and Oliver all started the walk. The walk to the base of the mountain was overgrown with vines and the odd stinging nettle. Once at the mountain you can see why it has earned its name. Black Mountain is composed of enormous boulders that are in fact grey but appear black because of a covering of blue-green algae. The boulders are all piled upon one another in some precarious ways with some dauntingly large caves and cracks between. Michelle attempted the climb wearing a short sundress which made things a little uncomfortable when sliding down the sharp rocks upon descent. Jeff thought my legs were too short to make a particularly wide jump and attempted to buffer the rocks by placing himself in a deep hole. Unfortunately he slipped and suffered a few nasty rock bites. Once the first aid kit was put away the group continued on into Cooktown. But the 5km trip was not without incident. Oliver and Tony called in a message that they had a broken window. So our 1 hour trip to Cooktown was most eventful.
The Pennisula Caravan Park costs only $5 per head and the camping ground is superb. All campers had private rainforest frontage with soft leaf litter underfoot. The highlight here are the tall melalucca trees that give a cool canopy all day long.
(Josephine & Trevor- Bungarribee 4WD Club)
With a good start to the day we awoke to a nice clear morning and by 7.30am we were packed and ready to leave from our meeting place at the bakery. Our convoy proceeded up the Starke Rd passing through the "Ellersley Station" which was passed back to the aborigines some while ago and has now been left to ruin. The track north of here is a little rough and we lost our radio aerial to a bush. We’re also experiencing carburetor problems which is making it difficult to idle along through the creeks and rough patches making it necessary to use the brake and accelerator at the same time. We stopped at Jeanie Creek for lunch at 12.40pm with a planned departure at 1.20pm. In our lunch break Bonnie decided to go for a walk back along the track with only a camera and hat to take a photo of a specific ant hill she had seen along the way. By 1.40pm Bonnie had not returned and so Collyn drove back along the track for 3 ½ km. He returned soon after without Bonnie and a search party consisting of Collyn, Tony and David Martin was initiated. This group of drivers was selected for their UHF radio equipment and a base car was established at the Creek to maintain contact with the search party. The temperature in our trucks was reaching 40° and concerns were raised for her safety amongst complaints that she was ill equipped and ignorant of the harsh Australian bush conditions. By 2.20pm it was decided that we all should go out leaving only Dave (alone) Darke at the Creek in case of her return to base. Just after setting out at 2.25pm we heard over our C.B that Bonnie had been found approximately 10 km down the track. At 2.40pm the convoy was reunited and we were on our way again. To her credit, Bonnie who has been travelling the world consistently for the last 9 years had taken note of the sun’s position, had found fresh water at a creek and had therefore kept still in the hope of being found.
By this point it became apparent that we would not make Bathurst Bay before dark. We pushed on through some very interesting thoroughfare never going over 20km/hr. We stopped at 4.20pm to refresh and set off again at 4.30pm. At 5.50pm our I.T.L informed us he had a flat tyre so the convoy came to a halt. Collyn had a beautiful big slice in his front near-side tyre from a tree trunk over-lying the edge of the track. While putting on the nuts the truck leaned to the left so all the guys had to push to hold the car upright. We got back on our way by 6.00pm and by this time it was getting dark and the bulldust was making the trip even slower.
At 8.15pm a call over the C.B came from Jeff saying he had a flat tyre. At 8.25pm we were on our way again. Only 5 mins down the track we had a flat. The guys were all getting very proficient at changing tyres in the dark now. Finally, at 8.40pm we were on our way again – nearly. A call from Bill over the C.B confirmed he had to stop to fill up his radiator. Some of us thought this was a cryptic way of saying he was stopping for a pee, but his radiator was in fact concerning him. Further on it was Bill who alerted the convoy that someone was trailing a fair amount of water along the track. Again we all stopped and checked under our cars only to find it was Tony and Oliver who had forgotten to turn off their water tap after the last refreshment stop.
Collyn took us right up to the river entrance at Bathurst Bay and decided this was camp. So at 9.30pm with tempers on edge we had finally made it. Dinners were quickly cooked and eaten, some of us had an AP& C (armpit and crutch) wash and then to bed after a long tiring day. At this point Trevor and Josephine Batten would like to thank Collyn Crowhurst and TLCC for giving then the opportunity to do this trip to the Cape and for their hospitality.
Rest day at Bathurst Bay – day’s events covered by Michelle Jacka
Due to a very late arrival at Bathurst Bay last night most camps were erected hurriedly and with little thought to the angle of the relentless sun at this beach camp. Consequently, there were numerous camp shuffles including the banishment of our pair of notorious late night gigglers. The campsite moves were definitely worthwhile with temperatures in the shade topping 38 degrees. The morning started with news of a fish having been caught off the beach by Tony and Donald sighting 3 crocodiles. At 10am Collyn took us to the rock pools to escape the heat of the day. By mid-afternoon the sandflies had begun to attack and home remedies were being shared. The only remedy found successful was metho and is highly recommended for anyone visiting Bathhurst Bay. For others, the day was spent repairing vehicles that had suffered the arduous trip to the Bay. Trevor had the carburetor out of his Jeep and completely stripped and cleaned it using water and a siphon. He and Jeff also had tyres to repair and David Martin and Donald tried to clean the dust out of their air filters. The night was clear and most of us clearly saw a large number of meteorites falling and a crocodile spotting session revealed we were indeed in croc country!
(Oliver & Tony)
Our convoy departed Bathurst Bay at 8.30am after meeting at the garbage tip. After proceeding through a salt lake and creek we came upon a lake to the right which we hadn’t noticed in the darkness of our original arrival. There were 3 creek crossings in the next four kilometres, one reasonably deep but brought us no trouble. We passed the area where we had spoken to a group of quite elderly travelers on our way into Bathurst Bay whose Range Rover was suffering a broken diff. The faulty vehicle had been repaired temporarily and was being driven back out towards Kalpower. We went through a number of muddy bog holes and encountered a fair amount of smoke even though most of the fires traveled up the hills and away from the track. We came across a large number of "McDonalds all-beef patties still on the hoof". We stopped at Wakooka outstation for morning tea at 10.45am and a little further on we found the grave of a 14 year old boy who drowned in the nearby dam in 1961. We then came upon a water crossing which caused a number of vehicles to be recovered including the Jeep, which got water in the clutch. Bill in the 80 series towed the Jeep to the banks of the Barramundi River where we had lunch. We crossed the river without problems even with the Jeep in tow. The Jeep continued to be towed through Kalpower Crossing to the Ranger Office. Although the RACQ man was there to help another vehicle Trevor set about repairs himself. He returned to the convoy at our camping area under his own steam successfully about 3 hrs later. There was yet another fishing excursion at this site but still with no result so the group enjoyed a very warm and early night to bed.
(Thelma and Jeff Webster)
We left Kalpower station on time travelling along Lakefield Road and were able to travel at 80km per hour because the road conditions were good. Due to a navigational error we missed the Musgrave turnoff and went via Laura then joined the Development Road to Musgrave where we had morning tea and refueled. We continued towards Archer River however were delayed whilst David Marsh in the 60 series had to change a punctured tyre. Finally we arrived at the famous Archer River Roadhouse for lunch where the majority ordered hamburgers which apparently were excellent and the usual trip members couldn’t resist a cold beer. After lunch we headed off along a good stretch of open gravel road complete with the mandatory Cape corrugations. We arrived at Weipa without incident and all took advantage of the following lay day to wash clothes and have long hot showers.