Hi fellow adventurers,
I am considering going to
Cape York Sept 14 and as I have an injured spine (herniated and bulging disk which gives me major pain if sit too long or endure jarring) I need to know how badly corrugated are the roads up there as of very recently (August/September)?? Would like replies from ppl who have been up there RECENTLY please. As the conditions seem to vary year to year as I understand it. Obviously given my condition it would be necessary for me to exit the vechicle regularly for a break from sitting.
I would love to go but am very hesitant as don't want the trip to be ruined with pain nor do I want to make my back even worse. I cannot find any RECENT info on **HOW corrugated the roads are***. IE: Bone-jarring? For how many kms? Is it a bit bumpy? Very bumpy? Bearable or horrible? For how long??? Especially interested in hearing from anyone else with chronic pain/back problems.
Even the govt road reports do not mention corrugations, only if the roads are open or closed, & if they have ruts/bogs.
I have read many old posts but they are so vague...only 1 did say "bone-jarring" corrugations from a trip they took in June or July...but I don't know for how many kms it is that bad and wouldn't the roads be worse now than in June/July as many hundreds more vechicles have travelled on the roads since then? My definition of a good road is one that is NOT corrugated!
I need to make up my mind by the 8th or 9th at the latest so please someone advise me asap, thank you! :)
*Also how busy is it now/last week or two? / How busy are campsites before school holidays coming up, ie are they all crowded or can one still find out of the way peaceful
places to
camp?
During school holidays is it correct to assume peace and quiet at any campsites will be just about impossible to find? We both definitely want to try and avoid crowds &
camp in as secluded areas as possible if possible!
Also due to several reasons I would have to bring my dog although I realise how restrictive it is ... naturally we would want to see
Fruit Bat Falls & Elliot? Falls but I think they are located in a Ntl Park ? so if that's the case where can we leave her? Surely ppl who bring a dog aren't expected to miss the most recommended
places in all CY ...my view is you should be able to bring your dog to the falls and tie them up nearby while you have a swim. (Yes I can hear it already...some dog owners would ruin it for everyone/cause the ban in the first place by not picking up after their dog if he/she did a crap... I certainly would and always do pick up after my dog as I appreciate the few areas I can take her...but not everybody is responsible unfortunately).
Last question- if I decide to chance trip and find the pain too bad part way up is there anywhere dog friendly I could stay until my friend gets to the top and back to pick me up? It wont be ideal but I'm thinking I should at least have a
Plan B.
Hope to hear from some of you as soon as possible.
Cheers.