Cape York Trip 2003

We have been back for a week after our Cape York and thought that I would report on our experiences.
It is really a fantastic destination, particularly for us coming from Melbourne and enjoying the warmth, sun, rivers etc that are warm (didn't see any Crocs).
We did around 10000 k's in the six weeks and spent about $1600 on diesel.
Had a few vehicle problems. Alternator wire broke off and repaired under warranty in Cairns before Cape trip by Toyota (100s T/D). Shower bracket broke and welded in Cairns before Cape Trip. New rear shocks in Weipa. New front Shocks in Siesa. Drove up the OTL and down the bypass roads.
Enjoyed visiting Vrilya point, Chilli Beach, Mapoon, Twin Falls, Seisa, Bathurst Head. Lots of places were fantastic.
Probably the highlight was visiting Dal Nixon at Shelburne Bay. Wrote to him before our trip and got permission. Arrived a day early and found him in fine form. He suggested that we go out to the Dunes and spend the nights there and he would accompany us there and show us around. He is a unique character and gave us an ear bashing regarding his politics the first night we were there.
Next day we drove out to Shelburne Dunes and he climbed the Dunes with us and showed us around. Is a fantastic sight but he is the one we will remember more than the dunes.
He is a fair dinkum old bushie with a hell of a lot of stories to tell about his life. Our kids were in awe of him as none of them ( or the adults ) had me anyone like Dal. He asked me to get onto the internet and tell everyone what he is like and not to tell them any bullsh*t. He is happy to have visitors but I don't think you should admit to being a greenie or a politician while you are with him.
On the second day with him, down at the Dunes, he was fantastic to have around and it was great to hear about his days on the dozers, putting in roads, working on the property etc. I would recommend going there to anyone who loves meeting characters - the scenery is the icing on the cake.
Andrew