Rain at Mt Dare

Submitted: Sunday, Nov 12, 2006 at 21:52
ThreadID: 39377 Views:2162 Replies:3 FollowUps:2
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Hi Folks,

I beautiful thunder storm preceeded by a sand storm came through before dusk. Nice to have a a brief 10 minutes of serious rain, even if all it did was to settle down the dust. Most of the storm cloud was north of us so hopefully the cattle stations of New Crown and Andado will get more of the much needed rain.

This week I was out doing 2 rescues in the desert because of the blown sand conditions. Ironically yesterday we were warning Germans of the real and present danger in the desert at the moment and they may end up being bogged in the rain!!

Incidently the last 4 Km of Rig Road before the junction with K1 is still a major hazard and is NOT a easy way around for trailers.

The WAA track was in good condition and would be the best track across the desert at present. It will be interesting to see the desert condition at Easter. We have another 5 days in the desert this year before calling it quits till next season. Last Thursday 45-50 Celsius.

Cheers from Mt Dare
Ian
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Reply By: Ozrover - Sunday, Nov 12, 2006 at 23:07

Sunday, Nov 12, 2006 at 23:07
Hi Ian,
What sort of time span & conditions are we looking at for the northerly crossing in May?

Regards
Jeff (Ozrover)
AnswerID: 204549

Follow Up By: Member - Ian S (NT) - Monday, Nov 13, 2006 at 20:08

Monday, Nov 13, 2006 at 20:08
Hi Jeff,

Commonly the desert is very trafficable by May. The desert is very conditional on wind and previous rain. Increased traffic with the start of the season knocks down the toughest dunes and makes them drivable in both directions.

Usual transit times vary from 2 to 6 days with the average 3 nights in the desert. Enjoy the desert and plan for a leisurely trip. Facilities at Birdsville and Mungarannie on the east and Mt Dare and Oodnadatta on the west.

You need a desert pass, but do yourself a favor, read it. Lots of good stuff including desert trek notes.

Cheers
Ian@Mt Dare
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Follow Up By: Ozrover - Monday, Nov 13, 2006 at 23:43

Monday, Nov 13, 2006 at 23:43
Ian, Thanks for that. We'll be there on or about the 3rd of May.

See you then.

Jeff
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Reply By: Member - 'Lucy' - Sunday, Nov 12, 2006 at 23:51

Sunday, Nov 12, 2006 at 23:51
Ian

Thanks also for the update and that bit about the east end of the rig road.

Ken Robinson
AnswerID: 204562

Reply By: Member - Duncs - Monday, Nov 13, 2006 at 16:41

Monday, Nov 13, 2006 at 16:41
We too were blessed with a heavy but short downpour courtesy of a thunder storm here in the hill.

It fell in the wee small hours but the ground was still wet this morning when I got up and I managed to get the tyres wet by hunting down puddles on the road.

First rain, as opposed to light drizzle and the odd spit, we have had in Broken Hill since about June I think.

We'll take more.

Duncs
AnswerID: 204677

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