Simpson Desert - a View!
Submitted: Monday, May 02, 2005 at 15:19
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Ruth from Birdsville Caravan Park
Here are some observations from the latest "unofficial" statistics regarding the
Simpson Desert.
80% of people crossing the SD are NOT carrying flags of any kind.
85% of people crossing the SD are NOT using/or listening to Ch.10 (
the Desert channel) or even scanning Ch. 10.
The highest percentage of vehicles towing trailers are from South Australia.
So far this year 3 large JAYCO Caravans have crossed the SD - please note, that the width of the caravans on the top of the crest of the dunes has caused gouges in the sides of the dunes (as reported by vehicles forced to follow along).
There is no much information available I am astounded that the stats are this high.
The flags and UHF are a HIGH PRIORITY SAFETY FEATURE.
Sadly, this year in 2005 the most amazing statistic is - ATTITUDE. Worse than any other year - and this one of the driest years ever in the SD, when all care should be taken.
Reply By: Member - Dr Jim (Syd) - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 20:33
Monday, May 02, 2005 at 20:33
At a time when 4WD use comes in for a hammering for any blunder, can you believe that people will go to all the trouble to cross the SD without flags and correct radio protocol on Ch. 10. Flags saved us more than once as you may know somebody is coming, via Ch. 10, but you are never quite sure exactly when they are on the other side of that sandhill you are climbing.
Sadly some people use channel ten as a major personal chit-chat line and we have found times in the past when we simply cannot get on the air to let them know we are coming.
Won't see you this year Ruth, as we are going across the
Great Victoria Desert and yes Dexter is coming as
well.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Bob of KAOS - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 12:32
Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 12:32
Jim
which part of the GVD are you seeing?
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Follow Up By: Ruth from Birdsville Caravan Park - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 14:55
Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 14:55
Thanks for your good comments, Dr Jim - sorry we won't be seeing you (and especially Dexter!!). Good travelling.
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Follow Up By: Member - Dr Jim (Syd) - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 19:32
Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 19:32
Bob,
We are doing the Anne Beadell Hwy leaving
Laverton on Sunday the 3rd of July and hope to be in
Coober Pedy around the 10th. Doing side excursion to the Neale Breakaway as
well.
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Follow Up By: Bob of KAOS - Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 06:45
Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 06:45
Jim
have a great trip. I've only been as far west as Vokes Cnr then sth to the Bight, but have turned NW at Annes Cnr and gone to Pip on one occasion. Biggest dunes in Oz.
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