9 weeks 13000km

Submitted: Wednesday, Jun 15, 2005 at 21:42
ThreadID: 23906 Views:2734 Replies:19 FollowUps:35
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We are back in the Alice after visiting a host of places in beautiful Western Australia. The GQ is running smoothly but needs a number of small repairs done. We did around 2000km in one or other 4x4 mode and both vehicles received a severe bush massage with deep scratches and paint missing.(ripped off all mudflaps and flares in the process)

Places we visited were Gary Junction Road, Gary Highway, Veevers Crater, Kunawaritji, CSR, Talawana Track, Cotton Creek Community, Rudall River NP, The Pilbara, Tom Price to Kalgoorlie via Meekatharra, Holland Track, Perth, Margaret River and the South West down to Albany and Esperance. Then on to Israelite Bay, Nuytsland Nature Park and the Beach Run, Baxter Cliffs, Perpendicular Cliffs, Caiguna, Cocklebiddy and then the Connie Sue to Warburton, Giles, Yulara and back to Alice.

Most beautiful place in the world is Cape le Grande National Park near Esperance. The tree top walk at Nornalup was a hi-lite as well.

Cheapest diesel was in Perth at $1.09lt
Most expensive diesel at Kunawarritji at $2.20lt

A good time was had by all and we experienced fantastic weather 95% of our trek.

Now I have to clean everything up and make repairs before taking off to Birdsville for the EO meet in July
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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Jun 15, 2005 at 21:56

Wednesday, Jun 15, 2005 at 21:56
good to see ya back Mr.

wheres the damage photos
AnswerID: 115950

Follow Up By: Nudenut - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 07:46

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 07:46
yeah I want to see em too....just love looking at others scratch's
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Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:34

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:34
I'll see if there are any scratches left after I have taken the GQ through the car wash today.

Damages

1 dead Rotronics battery isolator
1 dead temperature sender
1 dead oil sender
Main rear engine oil seal leaking again!
4 Mudflaps torn off
Rear radius bushes on front suspension stuffed and knocking loudly
Both rear brake backing plates loose(tied on with Ockey straps)
Broken front side light
Bent right side Thrust bearing still growling
Flywjeel still warped
Rear brake caliper seal weep
1 Dead water pump(replaced that and alternator belt at Margaret River)
2 Broken tail light lenses
Stuffed UHF radio(wiring shook loose on corrugations)

Motor is running sweetly and we used no oil. Service is now overdue.
No other ailments

ARB suspension performed very well under very trying conditions
Cooper STT's severely scuffed on sidewalls. One tyre has separated sidewall inside(now had sidewall bubble) Had no punctures and minimal tread wear. Ran all the right tyres pressures though.

On the whole the GQ ran brilliantly and never missed a beat. Could do with an auto and a turbo though :o)
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FollowupID: 371554

Follow Up By: Nudenut - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:39

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:39
bloody hell , You told us you were going on a trip....not a demolition derby
cheaper to trade it in than fix it?
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FollowupID: 371556

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 22:41

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 22:41
"On the whole the GQ ran brilliantly and never missed a beat."
Told you so

"Could do with an auto and a turbo though :o)"
Told you so

:P
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FollowupID: 371651

Follow Up By: Nudenut - Friday, Jun 17, 2005 at 07:54

Friday, Jun 17, 2005 at 07:54
he just doesnt listen does he
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Friday, Jun 17, 2005 at 09:23

Friday, Jun 17, 2005 at 09:23
Probably that rocketchit he drinks..
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Reply By: Member - JohnR (Vic)&Moses - Wednesday, Jun 15, 2005 at 22:04

Wednesday, Jun 15, 2005 at 22:04
Glad you aren't doing thinks by halves Bro. You better have plenty of good pictures ready for the National and have Ruby all shiny again, with her flared skirts. Hope that you and Judith are both travelling well and feeling younger for your travelling.
AnswerID: 115952

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:38

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:38
Moses? for a moment I though you had taken up religion, Bro....hahahahaha Yep will have the photos handy ....about 1000 of them. Love to Heather and the family. Catch up in Birdsville.
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Follow Up By: Member - JohnR (Vic)&Moses - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 12:39

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 12:39
I think Moses is pre-Chriatianity for the middle-eastern name but legend has it he pated the ocean for followers to cross. The ute was Christened Moses by Kir, the better half of Crazie for clearing the puddles for those following in the High Country.

Love to Judith and keep a bit of the Wit Lit for the National. I am sure Ruth would enjoy some too.
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Reply By: Des Lexic - Wednesday, Jun 15, 2005 at 22:16

Wednesday, Jun 15, 2005 at 22:16
G'day young fella, Look forward to hearing all the stories of the trip. I hope you will be home on Sat July30 as will be calling in for coffee and donuts. Keep well and travel safe.
AnswerID: 115955

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:40

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:40
Uncle Des.....Gidday

Yep should be home by then. Will let you know and will have the donuts ready!!!
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Reply By: Member Eric - Wednesday, Jun 15, 2005 at 22:33

Wednesday, Jun 15, 2005 at 22:33
Gday bud . I will be off in 10 days

leave home 24th

dailhousie meeting with Jianna around the 27th

around the 30th in Birdsville . hope to see ya there
AnswerID: 115961

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:43

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:43
G'day Mate

We will probably miss each other as we will only be in Birdsville by 7th July. Hope you have a good trip through the outback.
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Reply By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Wednesday, Jun 15, 2005 at 23:35

Wednesday, Jun 15, 2005 at 23:35
Wowzers! Good on you mate, must have been a total blast!
AnswerID: 115975

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 10:10

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 10:10
Hi Jeff

Yes it was a blast. Still there is much more to see in WA and we will be coming your way again in 2007. Gotta see as much of it afore I fall off the perch :o)
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Reply By: Member - John (Vic) - Wednesday, Jun 15, 2005 at 23:45

Wednesday, Jun 15, 2005 at 23:45
Hiya Willem
Where did the last 9 weeks go, seems like you only left last week.

Sound like a great trip and good to see you all safe and well.

Look forward to catching up with you in the near future.

Cheers
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AnswerID: 115978

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:45

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:45
Hello John

Watch out for those water pics. You know Toyotas dont like their wheel bearings in water...hahahahaha

Coming up to Birdsville?

Take care.
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Reply By: Member - bushfix - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 07:29

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 07:29
G'day Willem,

did you purchase any music or books along the way? And you did well with the weather.
AnswerID: 115985

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:48

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:48
G'day bushfix

Filled the truck up with books, wines, cheeses and art, not to mention rocks and other memorabilia
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Reply By: Member - Luxoluk - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 07:45

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 07:45
Hi Willem
Good to see you back!! Not sure if there are any other places left to see but no doubt you will have some ideas at hand. You are an amazing couple!! You have confirmed my intention to do Cape le Grande National Park....the second to say as much in recent weeks. Cheers to you both.

Lux
AnswerID: 115988

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:55

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:55
G'day Lux

Still have some of Aus to explore. Tasmania in 2006 and then another big deserts trip in 2007 taking in the Anne Beadell, Eagle, Hunt, Callawa and some other tracks.

Although WA National Parks is very much User Pay orientated I am very impressed with their approach to the diversification of their tourism needs. I bought a Month long Parks Entry Pass and paid when camping in National Parks. Their facilities are very good. You will enjoy Cape le Grande and the other parks in the south west
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Reply By: Nudenut - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 07:47

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 07:47
howdy willem and judith
good to see your safe and well and back in civilisation
take care and have more fun
AnswerID: 115990

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:56

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:56
Never a dull moment here, Richard
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Reply By: Ruth from Birdsville Caravan Park - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 08:00

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 08:00
Hard to believe 9 weeks has gone past. So looking forward to seeing you - should be some flowers for Judith. Can't wait. See you soon.
Ruth and Ian
AnswerID: 115992

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:59

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 09:59
Hello Ruth

Good to hear from you. We should be in Birdsvill by the 7th July. Not sure which way we are coming yet as we have the dog with us now. Was thinking of sneaking down the Rig Road if Warburton Crossing is open.
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Follow Up By: Ruth from Birdsville Caravan Park - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 18:25

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 18:25
Good idea - after all, she's a 'hearing' dog isn't she! And, now they have 'comfort' dogs also. That shouldn't be a problem.
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Reply By: Lone Wolf - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 08:08

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 08:08
Another new member!!!

Welcome aboard Willem. If my memory serves me right, there used to be another chap here on the forum with the same handle, but that was years and years ago..........

Nice rig pic...

Cheers

Wolfie
AnswerID: 115995

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 10:01

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 10:01
Hahahahahahaha..........I like your style Wolfie.

I looked for your name in the visitors book at Neale Junction but couldnt find it..........
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Reply By: Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 08:21

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 08:21
Hi Willie

glad you're back in Alice safe and sound. By the sounds of things you've had a wonderful adventure so far, lucky you.

I'm sure Jedda smothered you in kisses on your return, or did she ignore you for leaving her behind?

Love to Jude, and your companions, hope to chat soon.

Lyn xxxx
AnswerID: 115996

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 10:06

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 10:06
Jeddah is very happy that her mum is home but today she is fretting at all the stuff packed up to go to the laundry. Very worried we may take off without her again

Was good to sleep in a proper bed again last night.

Plenty of ice around in the mornings though.

Didn't lose any weight on the trip. Good food and good wines all the way. Bugga!
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Reply By: Redback - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 08:28

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 08:28
Great to see you back safe and no major damage to the beast, good that the weather was good most of the time.

If i get to half of these places in my travels i'll be happy, see ya in Birdsville.

Baz.
AnswerID: 115998

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 10:08

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 10:08
Hey Baz

Managed to find a fancy White Port at Maragaret River and you and I only will be sampling the contents. Looking forward to catching up
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Follow Up By: Redback - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 10:16

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 10:16
Oooh yeah!!!
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Follow Up By: Ruth from Birdsville Caravan Park - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 18:28

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 18:28
Hey Baz, can't find your post about the spit - but, I think it's a good idea to have a camp over cook off - that way EVERYONE can cook. Haha - and you don't have to stand there turning the handle. Haha. Weather's nice - cold as in the am and pm.
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Reply By: Wombat - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 10:34

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 10:34
Welcome back Willem. Great to hear that you had such a good time. It sounds like you've got your work cut out getting the GQ back to Concourse d'Elegance condition before Birdsville. Did the flares and mudflaps do any panel damage when they departed the vehicle?
AnswerID: 116008

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 17:31

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 17:31
G'day Paul

No I managed to steer clear of panel damage. It seems though, after I took the truck to the car wash today, that I will be able to repair the mudflaps and flares.

Say Hi to Helen and Kirrily
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Reply By: Brew69(SA) - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 11:13

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 11:13
Hi Willem, sounds like u have had a ball. Aren't those mudflaps a pain. i just replaced 2 of mine after corner trip but luckily they all survived the oodnadatta track on the weekend.(jiarna's bash was good) have fun at Birdsville....wish we could make it. Brew
AnswerID: 116012

Follow Up By: Member - JohnR (Vic)&Moses - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 12:42

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 12:42
Mr Nissan likes us to lose them too I have found............ Trying to get them more securely fixed now.
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Follow Up By: Brew69(SA) - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 13:12

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 13:12
I purchased 7 mudflaps thru the trader on EO for $50 total. So still have lots of spares lol.
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Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 17:45

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 17:45
Hi Brew

Yep I will be spending some time on repairs for the next two weeks. Truck is still running well though. Go the Nissans!!! Bloke at Wreckers Yard here in Alice said he had 4 GQ gearboxes which can't sell as there is no demand for them. Lots of demand for Toyota parts though!!!
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Reply By: Mad Dog (Australia) - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 13:33

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 13:33
Go well and take care Khemosabi
AnswerID: 116021

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 17:37

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 17:37
Ta Mate
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Reply By: Member - Captain (WA) - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 15:14

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 15:14
Great to hear you had a fantastic trip. Been a while since I was at Cape Le Grande, Israelite Bay, Baxter cliffs etc..., glad to hear all is still unspoilt. Did you try salmon fishing off the coast near Israelite Bay?

Cheers

Captain
AnswerID: 116027

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 17:36

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 17:36
Hi Captain

We teetered on the edge of Toolinna Cove thinking that those who abseil down there to fish must be mad!! No we didnt do any fishing. Maybe next time. It was quite a rugged run from Israelite Bay to Point Culver through some very dense scrub and an extremely soft beach. Kept the old veins pumping hard on the adrenalin lol
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Follow Up By: Member - Davoe (Widgiemooltha) - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 18:34

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 18:34
Good trip!!! I got some recent info that calm had ripped down the ropes and ladders that go to the bottom of Toolina can you confirm or deny this? I also heard recently they had cut off access at the Eastern end of Poion creek that leads around all the Bays to Bellingers beach that I gave you in the trip notes Did you go that way?
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Follow Up By: Willem - Friday, Jun 17, 2005 at 09:28

Friday, Jun 17, 2005 at 09:28
Davoe

Thanks for your notes. They came in very handy. I am about to post a trek detail on the forum.

The ropes are still there though the ladders are now in the camping area. The Flying Fox windlass is still there with cable attached.

I did not see a Track Closed sign to the entrance to Bellingers Beach. We camped at Jorndee and it was belting down rain so we did not go to Bellingers

Sorry I missed you in Kal. We had a good time with Coops and even went for a drive with the Eastern Goldfields 4x4 Club.
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Reply By: Bob of KAOS - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 16:25

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 16:25
Willem
I am looking forward to reading the detailed account.
AnswerID: 116031

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 17:41

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 17:41
Hi Bob

I intend to put this trip up in a series of treks to my website...hopefully before the end of this year. Will let you know when it happens.
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Reply By: Richard Kovac - Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 20:59

Thursday, Jun 16, 2005 at 20:59
Hi Willem
good to hear you are having a good trip

This is from a post i posted before

I would like your opinion

Thanks early Regards

Richard

Just a simple question
We've looking at traveling down the Kidson track, Gary Hwy, Gunbarrel Hwy, Connie Sue Hwy this August,
The problem is do we take the CT on this trip?
It was fully rebuilt before the 2002 Trip and has been on many trips.
Has anyone traveled any of these tracks lately and would the camper make it !MPG:5!
AnswerID: 116058

Follow Up By: Willem - Friday, Jun 17, 2005 at 09:39

Friday, Jun 17, 2005 at 09:39
Hi Richard

Having travelled some of these tracks in the past I can tell you that the Gunbarrel from Carnegie Stn to the East, has the Mother of all Corrugations on it. The top half of the Gary Highway is in good condition with some washouts. The southern end of the Connie Sue is very stony and you are travelling at 20/30kmh. Further up it becomes very corrugated and if you do not work up a speed of 70/80kmh it is pure hell. Trouble is that you just get to the required speed when there is a sharp bend, a stony ridge or a washout to contend with. I am glad to have travelled the Connie Sue and to witness the scenic Great Victoria Desert but once is enough for me. Then again, I said that of the Canning and did part of it again this trip.

You will be giving your trailer a hard time on the tracks. Dropping tyre pressures down to 8psi on the trailer and maybe 20psi on the truck may help minimise any damage which could occur.

As an example of the corrugations I had to re tighten the wheelnuts every 100km on the GQ. My UHF and HF aerials kept on unwinding.
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Follow Up By: Squizzy - Friday, Jun 17, 2005 at 13:50

Friday, Jun 17, 2005 at 13:50
Richard,

We travelled the Anne Beadell, Connie Sue and Old Gunbarrell (abandoned section) last June towing the CT, we had no troubles. Our trailer is a H/D offroader though.

Hi Willem,

Glad to see you made it back safely. We had a trouble free trip after seeing you at Tom Price, and also arrived home last week aftet 9 weeks on the wallaby.

Geoff.
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Follow Up By: Willem - Friday, Jun 17, 2005 at 19:58

Friday, Jun 17, 2005 at 19:58
G'day Geoff

Glad to hear that you made it back safely to the gulf. Will try and catch up with you next time we come to town
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FollowupID: 371731

Follow Up By: Squizzy - Saturday, Jun 18, 2005 at 09:24

Saturday, Jun 18, 2005 at 09:24
Willem,

Give me a call on 0402119072 before coming to town to make sure we are home, and I'll put the coffee pot on.

Geoff.
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