Well the time is finally here for departure on the Sand and Spinifex Expedition 2008. After much planning and labouring the adventure is about to kick off. Those crazed, Aussie-phile Canadians are here (Int members – Scott & Gaby) and the troopy and patrol loaded. Having spent the entire QB long weekend making two robust
trailers, I think we now have the ultimate remote exploration set-up. The Arctic Cat Quads have a 700cc Diesel motor and will provide plenty of extra options for exploring some of the remote areas around
Rudall River, the Great Sandy, Gibson and
Simpson Deserts. They’re fitted out with extra fuel and water tanks, GPS, UHF, winch, ensuite and bar!
We’ll be knocking over the Mount Davies Road,
Surveyor Generals Corner, The
Hunt Oil Road,
Eagle Hwy – x-country from Warri to
Mount Madley, the Gunbarrel, some of the Canning,
Puntawarri Track, Talawana Track,
Rudall River, The Oakover Country, Callawa Track, Wapet (Kidson) Track,
Gary Junction Road, Jenkins Track, Veevers Crater, some of the
Gary Hwy, Sandy Blight
Junction Track, Old Gunbarrel. A quick wash in Alice and then out the Plenty to
Goyders Pillar and south through the
Simpson from
Hay River onto the K1 and
Warburton Tracks,
Walkers Crossing,
Innamincka and south to
home from there. A gazillion entry and transit permits and some 10, 000 km over the coming couple of months. If I can get near an email, I’ll send track & trip reports but as once we pass the NT border, our next stop with a washing machine will be 80 mile beach on the north WA Coast, chances are fairly slim. Thanks to all those who’ve provided answers to my many questions over the past 8 months of planning (Chris R, Alan Mc @ Equinox, Willem, Stephen L, Sarg, Willie, Jack, The Navigator and anyone else I’ve neglected to mention). Our later than expected departure date means we’ll miss the
Innamincka gathering but will still hope to cross paths with a few of you way out west.
Cheers and “speak” again in August.
“Never Lost & No Desert Uncrossed……hopefully
Mick.
P.S. Those not travelling this year, could you please send all spare cash to the Mick O diesel fund. I’ll remember 2008 as the year it was cheaper to fly around the world TWICE than it was to travel the iconic tracks of the outback!!!! Have fun in
Innamincka all those going. MO (Posted a few more photo's on the profile page for those interested).
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