Satellite Phone for the Canning

Allyn
What happened on the Canning?

Thanks Allyn
That exactly my way of thinking but you have confirmed it. What else can you tell me about what to expect on the Canning? We did the French Line on the Simpson last October, west to east. We had no problems with this whatsoever. I am lead to believe that the Canning does not have dunes as high but its the length of the Canning which makes it more of a challenge.

Absolutely right - assuming that it is not flooded, the Canning is
technically not that difficult. Rather, as you say, the length of
the thing. With a couple of exceptions, most of the Simpson FL
dunes were harder to cross than those on the Canning. There
are some corrugated sections - but nothing particularly fierce
when compared to some of the other tracks (Gunbarrel, Cape,
Simpson).

We had an HF - which perhaps would be the most useful thing due to
the 'community' nature of VKS737 4WD radio network. In fact,
we picked up a straggler who were being "abandoned" by their
tag-along tour (because their broken main spring would have
slowed the group down) and escorted them to Kunawarritju
(where they eventually got a replacement & got out).

In June, on the southern section, we were passing 5 groups a day
going north (far fewer on the northern section).There _may_ be
someone coming your way if you have a problem, but it's also a
good idea and, in the case of an HF, fun, to be able to make contact
with others over longer ranges.

Have fun - this was our favourite trek in Oz!

Rob

CJ, I snapped an axle on Kidson track just near the link up to CSR courtesy of failed wheel bearings that supposedly had been serviced (I do ALL my own maintenance now).

Patsy I have friends heading off to do southern section of CSR in a couple of weeks (I was supposed to be joining them but can't).
Biggest problems from our research is early in the season the southern section is still very boggy (I've heard there's been 2 rescues this past week but one was off Kidson track where the bloke blew 2 tyres I think).
South to North I believe is best for sand dunes but as everyone says it's more the length and isolation of the trek than difficulty. I have heard of one sand dune of considerable height but not that steep.
Others will join in and give you lots of good stuff and I can give you more details when friends return late June if you want to contact me then.
Look for a web site of West Coast 4x4 , there's a fellow called Skip (also a member here so he may be in touch) with them has a website that is linked with some great pics and detail

Thanks Willem & Allyn
I will certainly look up the sites provided by both of you. Would love to hear more when your friends return Allyn.
Cheers
Patsy