<span class="highlight">Mick</span> <span class="highlight">O</span>'s number 1 rule
Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 20:18
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equinox
Gday folks,
Mick O reckons in his blog that this is his number 1 rule:
"When travelling, judge the setting of the sun accordingly and stop at least 45 minutes before sunset. You must have
camp set up, a fire going and be of a relaxed disposition with a refreshing beverage in hand so that the you may pay fitting homage to the best time of the day....sunset".
This sounds great in theory, however is not always so simple in practice.
I mean who really looks at the clock, oh my god it's 4
o'clock; stop engine,
camp here?? No one I bet.
Straight out I will say I'm not mickying
Mick here, however generally speaking agree with him.
There are many temptations to avoid this rule:
4 or 5 vehicles in the the rear vision mirror pushing you along.
The country should get better over the next rise.
This place is OK but I'm sure there is a better
camp just over the next rise.
We're behind schedule and traveling another half an hour will make all the difference.
I love driving into the sunset.
etc
With company I'd lean to 30 minutes rather than 45 however who's counting. There is something good though about having
camp set up and the fire going and beverage in hand before sunset.
I might add, and it may be just me but when I travel alone, I break this rule almost all the time. Alone I will drive and drive (if I am in between features) until I can't see anymore, as there is no one there who will say do otherwise lol...
anyone?
Cheers
Alan
Reply By: Robin Miller - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 20:38
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 20:38
I'm afraid your last lines describes me Alan
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Follow Up By: equinox - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 20:52
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 20:52
Thought I was the only one...:))
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Follow Up By: mikehzz - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 23:12
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 23:12
Me too. That makes 3.....I don't have any friends though. :-)
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Follow Up By: Member - Krakka - Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 21:46
Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 21:46
Ideally I like to have found somewhere to
camp by about 4pm at the latest, set up, fire going to
cook on, and
well relaxed before sunset. Whats the hurry, you're on holiday?
Cheers
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Follow Up By: mikehzz - Friday, Dec 02, 2011 at 08:59
Friday, Dec 02, 2011 at 08:59
Well when else can I drive 12 hours a day for 4-5 days? I only have time to do that on holidays...:-)
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Follow Up By: Robin Miller - Friday, Dec 02, 2011 at 09:27
Friday, Dec 02, 2011 at 09:27
Hi Peter
I think we think about these things differrently.
You are on holidays , but some of us have an obiect to achieve , within a holiday periods time limitations.
I.E. We are on a mission.
This then requires planning and achieving of goals along the way else you loose the end objective.
Successful achievement of the objective is the reward the holiday period may permit.
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Follow Up By: Member - Krakka - Friday, Dec 02, 2011 at 17:01
Friday, Dec 02, 2011 at 17:01
Mmmmmmmm, must see if I can do Madigans in 4 days next year instead of 10.
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Reply By: nowimnumberone - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 20:40
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 20:40
sorry equinox
but your wrong and mickos right
lol
cheers
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Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 20:45
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 20:45
Alan,
I'm in total agreement with
Mick.
I don't travel at night unless absolutely necessary and I like to set up
camp while there is still daylight.
I'm so "paranoid" about this, I have not bothered to invest in Spotlights for my current vehicle.
My clock is quite visible on the vehicle dashboard and another reminder is on the GPS.
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Follow Up By: equinox - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 20:55
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 20:55
Hi Bill - Yes
Mick's rule is a good one.
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Follow Up By: escapesilv - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:12
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:12
Yes Bill
I totally agree, you can get going a bit earlier the next day if you must.
Cheers Rob
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Reply By: Member - Serendipity(WA) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 20:45
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 20:45
You know what Alan
That is the same rule we have when traveling. About an hour before sunset we are looking for a possible site and hope to be set up with about 30 mins before dark.
As trying to rush, or being concerned about running late - when camping too bad.
I have on a few occasions made
camp and next morning we find the perfect
campsite just 500 metres ahead -
well too bad.
Once when I was younger - lets say a fair bit younger - we where heading up to the Kimberleys for a
Gibb River Road trip. Running a bit behind schedule we pushed on into the night a bit. Coming down through one of the many dry river crossings - still on the hwy bitumen - I thought I could see something on the road but not quite make it out in that first darkness. It was a cow standing on the white line with its rear towards me. As we zoomed passed it I could see the whole herd on either side.
It could have been disastrous. We where lucky. Now we stop before dark. It is just not worth it. And we are on our holidays so just kick back and relax.
Cheers
Serendipity
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Follow Up By: equinox - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:06
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:06
I think most people would be of that opinion,
and yes, you never know what you may come across that's for sure...best to play it safe in certain situations.
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Follow Up By: wizzer73 - Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 15:04
Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 15:04
I do the same Serendipity. About an hour before sunset start looking for campsites. Then next day when driving off, don't look at all the better campsites which were within a couple kays of yours. lol
wizzer
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Reply By: Mick O - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 20:46
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 20:46
Call me superstitious Al but bad things always happen in those later hours. It's not necessarily the same if you're just cruising down a road or track but in the type of travelling we tend to do, 8 hours in the saddle is a grinding, wearing thing especially if you've been in and out of the car dealing with the odd issue, digging yourself out or trying to locate a missing Outback Al K.
Whether it's fatigue, pushing it that little harder to get to a certain destination by days end, changing light conditions that make detection of obstacles harder or just plain bad luck (as per my three stakes in 30 minutes in the GSD in 2009), it's been my experience far to many times that in a rugged situation, best to stop that little bit earlier.
I don't wear a watch often so I tend to judge it by where the sun is and then start looking for a place to
camp. Nothing is ever defined but somewhere to
camp usually presents itself and it's also great to be able to set up and have the dinner
well on the way while there's still a bit of light about.
Quite often we'll have a few chores like tyre work to take care of so getting that done in daylight is a much easier thing as
well. A guide I try and travel by.
Here's another one;
"You don't have to know everything, you just have to know someone who does" lol lol.
P.S. Did you notice I've been updating them with a few snippets of video. That one was one of MJ's.
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Follow Up By: equinox - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:02
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:02
Hi
Mick - Sunset is a sort of a deadline really isn't it? I know it's best to have it all done before the deadline, and as you say some days are better than others. I suppose another way of looking at it is to minimise the amount of (repair) work after dark.
Saw the vid, tuck trucks got guts hey?
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Follow Up By: Mick O - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:12
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:12
Yeah it sure does and a whole lot more now with the chip and exhaust. Shit there was some tough country amongst that lot.
Now you also forgot that I have to stop
well before sunset because it usually takes good old "Outback" Al K two bloody hours to find a suitable spot for his tent lol.
(He'll get me for this I know!)
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:13
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:13
"I'm not mickying
Mick"
Now thats a very good line, will find that useful sometime in the future I'm sure!! :))
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Follow Up By: equinox - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:21
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:21
That's a double edge sword there
John - use it at your own peril :)))
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:28
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:28
I'm shaking in my boots Al :))
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Follow Up By: Member - Michael J (SA) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 22:00
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 22:00
Mick O...you are toast when Outback spots that video...rotflmao..
I can just picture him plotting revenge..lol lol
-and, Al Mc you just have to agree it is mucho better to be cooking a nice piece of scotch fillet whilst there is still enough light to determine how 'medium rare' it is;))
MJ
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Follow Up By: equinox - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 22:26
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 22:26
MJ,
When are you going to change that Rig Pic of yours and show us all what a real vehicle looks like? :))
Alan
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 23:14
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 23:14
Mick O, loved the clip, however, I can't help thinking, with friends like you who needs enemies..rotfl.
Cheers
D
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Follow Up By: Member - Michael J (SA) - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 12:40
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 12:40
"When are you going to change that Rig Pic of yours"
G'day Al...
Just waiting for a decent backdrop............just wouldn't look the
same sitting in the drive with the house in the background;)))
MJ
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Follow Up By: Member - Alan K (QLD) - Sunday, Dec 04, 2011 at 16:57
Sunday, Dec 04, 2011 at 16:57
These things happen when you drop your hammer in the sand and it buries itself. However, I can relate a few MickO mishaps which I will drop in from time to time. Just remember MickO, 7 days down the Yukon next year in a canoe AND I CAN SWIM REALLY WELL. Just wait for CANOEING/SWIMMING/WHITEWATERBOBBING WITH MICKO......and the horrible part is that Gaby will have a video of ME rescuing YOU...(perhaps). I'll get Vikki out first and we will work out what you are worth to her at that time before we decide on getting you out. He he he,he,
For those considering collapsible tents. The secret is to folD them down 2/3 of the way not half. Some inconsiderate fellow campers will not tell you that at all...and the directions don't mention it either.
AND DUNWORKIN..don't worry I'll get him back some-how. But I suppose getting MICKO to mend 22 punctures for me on HIS quad which I was riding is quite comical when you think of it. Quite capable of doing it myself but he, it is nice to have the help around.
Now back to Equinox's blog. Al,I can remember a night when we disobeyed that rule around the
Hickey Hills resulting in multiple punctures to multiple vehicle (you got 2 I think) and camping literally in a thicket because we couldn't move any further...and who led us into that thicket late in the day........
Comment: The spellcheck on this blog does not rcognise the word "blog". Very strange.
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Reply By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:06
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:06
Agree with both of you but, and there is always a but, as I tent often the desire for a
good camp site relatively devoid of stones and spinifex may take longer than the desired 1hr-45 min before sunset. Thus a set-up by headlights may be the call on the day. As they say ##it happens.
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Follow Up By: Mick O - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:14
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:14
What are you allowed back into the tent now mate lol. Happy travels sport and regards to K.
Mick
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Follow Up By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:37
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:37
Nah she still gives me what for. Just spent 2 weeks away and I had the worst night's sleep as I was forced to share a bed with her for the entire holiday. Hell if I breath it's too loud. I think when I'm dead and buried she's still be complaining about my snoring. LOL
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Follow Up By: Member - Alan K (QLD) - Sunday, Dec 04, 2011 at 17:13
Sunday, Dec 04, 2011 at 17:13
Duncan W, the reason why it takes me so long to find a campsite with MckO is that he always finds a place for the Tuck Truck first. I wander around looking for a suitable tent site and as soon as I find it, there goes MickO, straight to where I have selected. At Darlsons Pinnacle I ended up 150 metres down the
hill on the only
spot good enough to put a tent...you would understand the need for a
spot devoid of rocks. Worked out well though, the Tuck Truck tent had a mishap in the night in the wind and I couldn't hear his cries for help. Good thing Jdub and Suz helped him out or you might have had another intersting blog about hang gliding with the Tuck Truck.
Al
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Reply By: Member -Pinko (NSW) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:31
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:31
With an out stretched arm and with your palm facing you pull you pinkie back leaving three fingers.
Place the bottom finger on the horizon and when the sun sits on the top finger it is time to stop.
You don't need a watch.
Stan
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Follow Up By: Member - Welldone (WA) - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 01:28
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 01:28
I haven't been able to wear a watch for 25 years, so have used a variation of Pinko's method many times, especially when
beach fishing facing into the sunset [a WA thing] in fact each finger represents fifteen minutes.
Also it's unaffected by the dreaded daylight savings ;)
Cheers
Welldone
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Follow Up By: Members - Bow & Nan - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 07:54
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 07:54
Two hands above the horizon, time to look for a camp.
One hand above the horizon, stop no matter where I am.
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Reply By: Member - Phil B (WA) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:40
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:40
Sorry Alan, I'm with
Mick - not everyone's a tear away without creaking bones!
Maybe if you got a pair of night vision goggles you could drive all night and get double your money's worth out of a trip - lol.
all the best "Creaky"
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Follow Up By: equinox - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:54
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:54
Hi Creaky!!
Hey I wish I was still a tear away lol.....
cheers
Alan
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Reply By: Member - Frank P (NSW) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 22:14
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 22:14
We have a little "house rule".
Be looking for a camp at 3:00pm.
Be camped by 4:00pm
Sometimes a little flexibly applied, but not too much.
Frank
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Follow Up By: equinox - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 10:08
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 10:08
Thanks for your input Frank
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Reply By: Member - MUZBRY(Vic) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 22:17
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 22:17
Gday
Lil Wes and I find it hard to get going again after afternoon tea ...
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Follow Up By: Mick O - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 07:35
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 07:35
I think that maybe because your afternoon "tea" is usually wrapped in a neoprene holder and it's a 6 course banquet ha ha ha.
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Follow Up By: Member - MUZBRY(Vic) - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 20:36
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 20:36
Now come on Micko
What makes you think that we drink . Have you been spying on us . But i do like Mrs Robbo's mull wine . Heaven in a plastic cup , hell on the head next morning.
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Reply By: Drew - Karratha - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 22:52
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 22:52
I used to leave for a trip straight after work and then drive 1600k's straight through the night. Now with 2 kids I leave at about 8pm when they are asleep and drive to about 6 am - have an hrs sleep and drive the rest of the way. There are no caravans doing 60 or 70 in a 100 zone, no-one doing 150 in a 110 zone, no-one turning off or pulling out in front of you without warning, the truckies tell you over the UHF of mobs of roos or cattle, or water over the road.... With 3 x 240 Lightforce Blitz spotties I can see as far and wide as I need, and with the
ARB bull bar I have managed a few roo strikes without damage..... When time is of essence, and night driving is an enjoyable and relaxing experience I will continue to do it and maximise my holiday time at the intended destination - all at a speed I am comfortable to travel safely at.....
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Follow Up By: Mick O - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 22:59
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 22:59
I think we were more focussing on the outback stuff and not the highway driving Drew. I too will leave at 3.00 a.m. and drive in darkness if it's up the Calder or another major highway to minimise the time it takes me to get to Gods country but once on the iconic outback tracks, or out in the rough stuff, time, circumstance and conditions mean a whole different thing.
Here' s the blog Equinox was referring to. No night driving out here lol.
West to Hickey Hills
Cheers
Mick
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Follow Up By: Drew - Karratha - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 01:41
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 01:41
Yep - just a bit different... No caravans there either though...
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Reply By: Motherhen - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 01:51
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 01:51
Hey, we're on holidays. If the lunch stop is too lovely to leave, let's stay. If not, I start looking for somewhere nice soon after lunch. We get less fussy as the day goes on. Not found anything by dusk? Stop NOW - no driving at night - it could be a kangaroo, a cow or a camel out there. Anywhere will do if it is that late - even just off the side of the road.
The beauty of outback camping - getting to see all those lovely sunsets and sunrises that can pass us by when busy at home.
Motherhen
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Follow Up By: Bushranger1 - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 04:42
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 04:42
G'Day Motherhen,
This sums me up exactly.
We do the same & usually don't even make the original intended destination. What the heck it's the trip not the final destination that counts.
Cheers
Stu
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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 07:45
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 07:45
Hi Motherhen,
That works for us too. Also leaves time for a bit of time to explore around or do whatever has to be done. Whats the rush.
Cheers,
Val
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Follow Up By: Member - Heather MG NSW - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 10:30
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 10:30
Hi MH, Stu and Val,
Same for us...however we have been known to pull up somewhere nice by 11am...it all depends on just what is on offer.
We rarely travel much after 2pm, often decide our lunch place will be our overnight stop...but we do like to be
on the road fairly early, and don't stop for morning tea. (chiefly because the other half doesn't drink tea or coffee!)
Our breaks are for walks, photographic opportunities such as lookouts, or maybe the more mundane things such as fuel or groceries!
Regards,
Heather
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Follow Up By: Bushranger1 - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 10:40
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 10:40
G'Day Heather,
Sounds like you enjoy a relaxed drive like us.
My hobby is wildflower photography & my wife is a keen birdwatcher so we have many stops on our holidays. We usually travel alone because our relaxed pace drives people nuts!
Our record for the least amount of travel (besides when we stay put for a few days) is 15km to when we setup camp again.
Cheers
Stu
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Follow Up By: Motherhen - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 12:08
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 12:08
Our shortest drive between camps was 20 kilometres, so you win Stu. We stopped for lunch and i decided to burn photos to DVDs for my 'send home' back ups. The location was pleasant and we left the next morning.
It all depends on the time frame for the trip of course. When we are touring, we are taking our time to soak it all in and relax. If we don't get as far as envisaged before time comes to turn home wards again, at least we have enjoyed ourselves.
Like Heather we start looking soon after lunch, but unlike Heather I am not in a rush to get away on the morning - still in relaxed holiday mode. 300 - 400 kilometres towing with a big rig is enough in a day, and i like lots of time for walks, photos, and writing up all my photos and diary about we have seen and done. Of course sometimes the few hours sightseeing and walking can be in the middle of the day, so we may drive a bit later, but always stop well before dark. If it gets dark, it becomes darn near impossible to
spot the possible campsites anyway.
Our fastest trip was when we purchased the Bushtracker. We set the alarm to wake us about half an hour before sunrise, and were ready to leave at dawn, driving all day in shifts and making lunch on my lap on the run. As soon as it got dark, we pulled off the road first opportunity. No time for walks, photos or diary. We travelled one state per day.
Mh
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Reply By: Member - Bucky - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 03:42
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 03:42
Alan
We start looking for a camp any time after 3:00 pm.
Have been caught only, a handfull of times, since 2003
I hate travelling at night, as things turn to "custard" very easily in the dark
Cheers Bucky
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Follow Up By: equinox - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 10:11
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 10:11
Hi Bucky,
Sounds like a good plan - I certainly know what you mean by custard!!
Cheers
Alan
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Reply By: Member - Richard W (NSW) - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 06:26
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 06:26
Alan,
I usually plan a trip to drive around 400/600km per day and this generally gets me to a camp site about 4pm. Hate setting up in the dark.
From time to time particularly with a decent sized group it's sometimes hard to find a decent camp site and as you say 'there's a better camp just over the next rise'. LOL
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Reply By: vk1dx - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 07:44
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 07:44
Hi Aolan and
Mick.
This does not really sound like you
Mick so I hope you were joking.
Quote from your rules: "4 or 5 vehicles in the the rear vision mirror pushing you along"
Phil
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Follow Up By: equinox - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 10:14
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 10:14
Phil,
Micks the worst offender!!
No, I was only joking, I really put that in to help make my point, it's not as bad as it sounds.
Alan
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Follow Up By: Mick O - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 14:54
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 14:54
Al, mate I can actually provide references as a tail end charlie. Apparently I get too far back. Mind you it wouldn't be the first bloke I've followed that travelled at half the speed of light leaving those following in his dust to miss his tracks all together lol (never you of course Al).
Phil, might pay to polish the glasses a bit old son. That comment about the 4 or 5 vehicles was a tongue in cheek response from Alan. Al was leading the GDEC group through the Gibson last year.
My rule No 1 is simply this (and it's only ever a guide to travel by);
"When travelling, judge the setting of the sun accordingly and stop at least 45 minutes before sunset. You must have camp set up, a fire going and be of a relaxed disposition with a refreshing beverage in hand so that the you may pay fitting homage to the best time of the day....sunset".
Image Could Not Be Found
Cheers
Mick
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Follow Up By: vk1dx - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 15:14
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 15:14
Yeah. I know that
Mick. Thats why I said it did not sound right.
Cop this from our storm last night
Take care.
Phil
PS I hate this center alignment!!!!
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Follow Up By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 15:55
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 15:55
Nice photo Phil.
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Reply By: vk1dx - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 10:36
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 10:36
Thought so.
There is nothing worse than being stuck behind a slow moving inconsiderate vehicle when you still have
miles to cover before setting up camp.
I will never forget one time stuck behind a mobile home somewhere in
the Kimberley on bitumen near road works in 2007. On a section with a single lane concrete bridge. Not positive of where. We were the first car behind the motor home. I think it was a merc.
The old twit behind the wheel is just wandering along at 40K and apparently couldn't give a rats about all the cars and a couple of road trains behind. We passed several spots where he could have pulled over. The road was quite windy and there wasn't a chance to overtake for ages.
Hows this though! The misses was in the back making a cuppa or the like. You could see her. She even looked out when we flashed ALL lights. The radio language was extremely colourful. Even slowed down more so on the one lane bridge. I had great pleasure holding the air horns on when I passed. You could hear the trucks horns behind us as they passed him.
I think this is a bit OT and may be deleted. No complaints from me.
Phil
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Reply By: Member - DAZA (QLD) - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 10:52
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 10:52
Hi All
With us it's no later than 3-00pm.
By the time we put the table and chairs outside the van ect.
It's
Beer O-Clock for me, and Wine
O-Clock for the
Cook.
We never tow the van at Dusk / Night / or Daybreak.
Cheers
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Reply By: Member - Duncs - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 17:58
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 17:58
Well I have done it all.
I have stopped at lunchtime and not moved on. I have simply not moved on after breakfast. That was a nice
spot and we were not in a hurry. I have also stopped as late as midnight. We were in a hurry on a piece of road I was coming back across in just a couple of weeks time.
Some of our best nights
camping have been on the basis of ..."we have to stop now or it will be dark".
First time we did that we camped on a claypan about 150km SW of
Coolgardie, all alone with just the possums and the birds.
The last time we were a couple of k's east of
Cameron Corner. Spent too long at the Corner Store laughing at my youngest daughter.
Both nights were magical. The first we were on our own and the last we were with another family. They were very different nights but both special.
The rule about stopping is great. Like others I do it when I can but sometimes we are forced to travel later. The midnight stop was fantastic because we woke to the genuinely unexpected beauty of an unknown
spot.
Duncs
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Reply By: Triggy - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 21:52
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 21:52
We schedule our trip by hours of travel per day and not klms as some tracks are quicker /slower than others and we plan to stop around the 3:30 mark (non daylight savings) so invariably we make the predetermined area most times, as , like others, we like to have fire, swags and camp set up and be fed and sitting by the fire for sunset. We don't take camp / gas lights, only a torch and cap mounted LEDs, to find the next beverage in the
fridge, so the more we do in the daylight, the better it is for us.
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471392
Follow Up By: equinox - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 21:58
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 21:58
Hi Triggy,
That's quite interesting what you say about hours a day verses kilometers a day, I should try it that way more often.
Cheers
Alan
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Follow Up By: Triggy - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 22:15
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 22:15
Hi Alan,
From our previous trips logs we know approx what speeds we can do comfortably: e.g.
Googs track 30klm/p/hr,
Oodnadatta,
Birdsville, Strezlecki 80-90klm/p/hr etc, etc and we pre-plan each days travels on how far we can get in approx 6hrs, as we usually leave camps by 9am, after the bacon & egg brekky, then pack up and travel for 6hrs, then stop around 3-3:30. We don't stop for lunch as we have had a decent brekky and usually we have tea around the 5pm mark. This system has worked well for the past 7 years, and we are in no rush. We would rather stop an hour earlier than an hour later. The destination each day is as enjoyable as each days journey.
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746034