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 Cape York Day 22 - Weipa to Seisa

Submitted: Friday, Aug 14, 1998 at 16:45
Gunshot Day

(Michelle & David)

The day started with light rain just as we lifted camp. We all knew today was "Gunshot Day" and there was some excitement brewing at the prospect of a wet mud slide down the Gunshot. The exit from our camp at Delhunty River was a choice of two extremely rutted and steep inclines. As if to test that the testosterone was in high gear, Tony (Na-na) attempted what we had all thought was impossible. With double diff locks he used his car as a bulldozer to gorge out the side walls of the clay to enable the other cars to get through. Collyn followed in his 80 series and made it look easy so Jeff followed, much to the disgust of Thelma. Bill took up his 80 series without problem but left it to Dave Marsh to make the first snatch of the day.

Throughout the day there were a number of creek crossings, all with decent amounts of water. But none were as impressive as crossing Gunshot. When we first arrived at Gunshot there were a few drivers we had met along the way milling around below the 2 main gunshot drops with looks of terror and trepidation. We all arranged our cars for photographic evidence just teetering over the edge of the worst of the two gunshots and then reversed back to terafirma before contemplating who would actually make an attempt. Na-na, who was willing to give the drop a try, came running from his position in the convoy and was the first to volunteer. It was decided that we lower the cars down the embankments with a winch and have a car at the bottom in the event of a nose-dive. Much to Thelma’s disgust, Jeff was the next to take the plunge. Finally, Bill was lowered down. The girls, who were in charge of the cameras, discussed the reasons why men are so attracted to such perilous adventures and agreed that it was complete insanity.

Once all the excitement had subsided we continued on towards Elliot Falls and set camp at 1.30pm. Again, the priority was to swim and enjoy our surroundings. With another lay day planned for tomorrow most camps set up additional tarps for shade, as it was quite dry and hot. The evening commenced with a decent camp fire and conversation began as to the insanity of us sitting around a hot fire in temperatures reaching high 30s. But there were no complaints when dinners of camp oven roast lamb and dampers were shared and stories were told that lasted well into the night.
Tags: Travel Journal
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 All Entries August 1998

25 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 33 - Seisa to Cairns
12 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 20 - Weipa to Seisa
24 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 32 - Seisa to Cairns
11 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 19 - Weipa to Seisa
23 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 31 - Seisa to Cairns
10 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 18 - Cairns to Weipa
22 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 30 - Seisa to Cairns
09 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 17 - Cairns to Weipa
21 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 29 - Seisa to Cairns
08 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 16 - Cairns to Weipa
20 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 28 - Seisa to Cairns
07 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 15 - Cairns to Weipa
19 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 27 - Seisa to Cairns
06 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day14 - Cairns to Weipa
18 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 26 - Seisa to Cairns
05 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 13 - Cairns to Weipa
17 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 25 - Weipa to Seisa
04 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 12 - Cairns to Weipa
16 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 24 - Weipa to Seisa
04 Aug 1998 - New Life Day 12 - Sydney to Cairns
15 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 23 - Weipa to Seisa
03 Aug 1998 - New Life Day 11 - Sydney to Cairns
14 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 22 - Weipa to Seisa
02 Aug 1998 - New Life Day 10 - Sydney to Cairns
13 Aug 1998 - Cape York Day 21 - Weipa to Seisa
01 Aug 1998 - New Life Day 9 - Sydney to Cairns
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