Simpson Desert - French Line

Submitted: Friday, Jun 27, 2003 at 09:41
ThreadID: 5695 Views:1559 Replies:4 FollowUps:5
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Although there hasn't been any changes in the French Line track report on this site, I've been told that recent prevailing winds from the east over the last month or so have made the western faces of the dunes a lot steeper than usual.
I'd appreciate comments from recent "trekkies". I'm travelling west to east in the next few weeks.
Cheers
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Reply By: Ruth - Friday, Jun 27, 2003 at 15:16

Friday, Jun 27, 2003 at 15:16
Don't worry about the prevailing winds causing sand drifts on the dunes Dexter, because you will be busy bumping over the large shelling holes caused by too high a tyre pressure and trailers bumping and gouging. Call in and say hi when you get to Birdsville. Enjoy the trip - lower your tyre pressure and then you will be able to "see" the Desert rather than the steering wheel. Sorry, when you live out here and you see what unthinking and uncaring people do to a place you love - that's probably why I sound disgruntled. The Desert is beautiful and some wildflowers are appearing - camels and a herd of brumbies with foals (they are a bit shy though). Enjoy.
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Follow Up By: desert - Friday, Jun 27, 2003 at 15:20

Friday, Jun 27, 2003 at 15:20
Spot on Ruth, couldn't agree more!
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Follow Up By: Dexter - Friday, Jun 27, 2003 at 15:55

Friday, Jun 27, 2003 at 15:55
Thanks for the advice. We' be driving "low and slow". I want to see the flowers.
Ruth, We expect to be in Birdsville on 12 July (give or take) and would love to call in and say hello (After a shower of course - Don't wish to offend!). Where will we find you?
Cheers
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Reply By: sean - Friday, Jun 27, 2003 at 15:41

Friday, Jun 27, 2003 at 15:41
Dexter

I crossed in April and it was no problem on the French line. I spoke to a german who crossed the Rig road and he said that the crests in places were very hard due to sand being built up across teh tops of dunes, but still ok, just not as easy as he thought it would be.

Enjoy the trip.

Sean
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Follow Up By: Member - Peter [SA] - Sunday, Jun 29, 2003 at 00:00

Sunday, Jun 29, 2003 at 00:00
Hey Sean was that German fella driving a left hand drive troopie? Had a chat with this fellow for quite a while. He crossed west to east and then turned around and headed back east to west.
Cheers Peter
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Follow Up By: sean - Sunday, Jun 29, 2003 at 00:11

Sunday, Jun 29, 2003 at 00:11
Peter
it was a LHD 80 series. I met him about half way along the old Ghan route north of Finke.

When I met him he was the first traveller he has met in 7 days.

Sean
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Reply By: Ruth - Friday, Jun 27, 2003 at 21:26

Friday, Jun 27, 2003 at 21:26
Hey Dexter, you'll find me "loitering" quite near the showers! See you around the 12th
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Follow Up By: Stolzy - Monday, Jun 30, 2003 at 05:36

Monday, Jun 30, 2003 at 05:36
Gday Ruth, I see your from Birdsville. A group of us will be there on the 13th July for a trip across the Simpson. I have 1 question for you. Can a Desert Parks Pass be purchased in Birdsville? If so, from which shop/roadhouse?

Cheers...Stolzy

PS...Perhaps we will catch ya in the pub that night .
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Reply By: Ruth - Monday, Jun 30, 2003 at 11:17

Monday, Jun 30, 2003 at 11:17
Hey Stolzy, look forward to seeing you all. You can purchase DPP from the Mobil whilst fuelling up. Half an inch of rain last night here and nearly an inch at Mt Dare and plenty in the middle of the Simpson - bet those out there with trailers now will be getting plenty of excitement - especially between the dunes in the boggy clay. See you then.
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