Back From The Cape
Submitted: Monday, Jul 14, 2003 at 10:45
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Member - dolfn
Hi everyone. We got there and back in one piece.
Got back from the trek yesterday and had an absolute blast. Five weeks were just not nearly enough :(
The road up and back was good with no major problems. The OTL was alot of fun especially the last bit from
Twin Falls to the
Jardine. Towing the trailer through that bit was a bit of a struggle in
places.
We came back via both the bi passes and I don't care what you hear on the road, they are not as bad as everyone makes out. I reakon, the locals are telling everyone that the Bi passes are too bad to drive on to keep the tourists off them. The bit of the bi pass that you have to travel on are by far the worst. If you keep you tyres below 30psi and the speed up around the 60 to 80kph mark you will have no dramas. Pity it's so dry this year, we hit
the tip around June 23 and none of the creeks were tricky. Would hate to do it in Aug/Sep.
Cheers
See you on our travels
H,K & A
Reply By: DARREN - Monday, Jul 14, 2003 at 12:46
Monday, Jul 14, 2003 at 12:46
dolfin, we are heading up in mid august for 5 weeks and i am towing a leaf sprung 7*4 box off road trailer with a 3.85 quitrex v nose on top of it behind my GU patrol. 3 cars in group. I was wondering if you had any tips or advice particularly regarding the following:
- stone guard on trailer vs masking up back window ( I am wanting to avoid chips in paint on the back of the car too)
- not having towed up there before - the difficult parts of the OTL and the development road with the trailer
- your favourite
places
- did you catch any fish?
Regards,
Darren
AnswerID:
24902
Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Monday, Jul 14, 2003 at 15:06
Monday, Jul 14, 2003 at 15:06
Throw the tinny on the Roofrack! Can the trailer. ;)
FollowupID:
16787
Follow Up By: DARREN - Monday, Jul 14, 2003 at 15:18
Monday, Jul 14, 2003 at 15:18
Truckster, I appreciate the comment however due to size of boat, and 25hp motor, fuel tank, spare fuel etc fitting it all into or onto the car would be extremely messy to say the least, I understand that trailers are a somewhat contentious issue however the concensus seems to be they are OK if it is all done correctly hence the pre trip homework.
FollowupID:
16788
Reply By: Member - dolfn - Monday, Jul 14, 2003 at 16:36
Monday, Jul 14, 2003 at 16:36
Darren,
Problably avoid the last section of the OTL with the trailer, its a bit tight and steep in spots. We did it and had to be towed out of
Cannibal creek. Although this is the best off roading on the OTL, its just a pain in the arse with the trailer and if I had my time again, I would have done that section without the trailer and then returned for it. The Bi pass is fine for a trailer, but you are going to get stone damage. We didnt notice it that much as the Ultimate is designed to minimise the effects of stone damage. Saw lots of people towing trailers with the window taped up.
Make sure your trailer
suspension is up for the job. The corrugations are hell on the under carriage. Saw about a half dozen broken trailers on the way up and back.
I was only land based, and the fishing was a bit average. With the boat it will be a lot better. Caught a couple of Barra, one in Lakefield and the other in the Dulhunty river, just up from the crossing. Other than that just some yuky catfish and barracouta off Seisa wharf.
I hope this helps
See you on our travels
H,K & A
AnswerID:
24913
Follow Up By: Patrol22 (Queanbeyan - Tuesday, Jul 15, 2003 at 11:22
Tuesday, Jul 15, 2003 at 11:22
Darren
What was the southern approach to Palm Creek like? This is the only spot that pulled me up in 2001 - heading south the mud and steepness of the exit got me. But as it was the last crossing and any detour meant backtracking through Heathlands - resorted to the tirfor and an hour's sweat.
Is the
bridge over Cypress still intact? It used to present a bit of a problem for those with tailers as
well.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Patrol22 (Queanbeyan - Tuesday, Jul 15, 2003 at 12:40
Tuesday, Jul 15, 2003 at 12:40
Duh........the followup should have been addressed to dolfn - sorry.
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