Simpson at Easter?

Hi Willem,
Thanks for your reply.

I didn't realise that summer winds could raise the sand levels that much.
I haven't done a lot of sand driving, so it may be wise to postpone this trip to September / October.

Once again thanks for advice.
cheers
Alex

Willem
Your right about the gearing too, I just got a bit slack for a while, the tops were not too bad,and had added about 6psi to the tyres and probably dreaming about some city peak hour traffic as it was around 7:45am and this was the result and cause of the below photo's ,

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Hi Doug & Dusty: that 'last dune' is the one we named the 'great wall of china'. It has been a doozie (sp) for the last few years.
Alex: the only comment I would add is that it would be pretty 'courageous' to do the trip solo, given the likely track conditions, and given the likely weather. Its big and lonely out there, and a mate with a snatch strap can be quite an asset!
Given that there's no refuelling short of either Mt Dare or Oodnadatta when travelling Westwards, you'll need a fair bit of fuel as well as water to do the round trip, and don't expect a ready supply of drinkable water when you get to the Western end of your Rig Road section. Pink Roadhouse make it clear that they aren't in the business of supplying water to travellers (they don't have much to spare!).
But have fun, whatever you decide.
Kind regards

Remember the song "It Ain't Necessarily So" , that applies to Snatch Straps , if you have a winch , Extention Straps and maybe a spare tyre of two and a shovel, it works when like me one travels alone. although I think an exhaust Jack would be easier.

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Hi Doug & Dusty. I wouldn't disagree at all, as long as you are OK with digging holes big enough to bury your spare, as well as digging out the vehicle, all in 40 plus temperatures. I guess I was thinking more of the isolation if something like mechanical failure strikes, as well as the sheer hard slog in that heat if 'simple' things happen!!
But yes, there's a lot a resourceful person can do 'solo'.

Hi Guy's, Thanks for the heads up.

Was planning to take in Dallhousie Springs to refuel etc.
However it would seem that there are 'better times' to do it :-)

Digging my way across the Simpson doesn't look like a lot of fun.

Thanks again for your reply's and the great picks!
Cheers
Alex

Yes, Alex, it is a common misconception that there are facilities like fuel and drinkable water at Dalhousie. The round trip to fill up at Oodnadatta or Mount Dare adds quite a few k's to a round trip!
Dalhousie is renowned for its swimming in the Springs, and it is famous for its mozzies. It's also a great camping spot (apart from the mozzies!). But that's all.

Hi Alex,

No fuel in Dalhousie, Mt Dare or Oodna' only.

I have travelled the Desert at that time of year & it was pretty good (very few other people out there!) I prefer to travel earlier in the season than later, the tracks aren't chopped up as much & it's still warm at night.

All comments on this post are relevant, so please take note & don't forget the sat phone!

Hi Alex
Another point that I should have mentioned, is Easter this Year, is still very early April. Daytime temperatures will still be very high, very high thirties and low forties. We are about to start another heat wave here in SA at the moment, but add 10 degrees to that out in the Simpson. I have travelled the desert from April through to September and found the best times for travelling and track conditions are from June to August, but then, each to their own.

Cheers

Hi Stephen,
thanks you very much for your insight and advice.

Looks like it will be prudent to postpone this trip to later in the year.

Once again, thank you for your reply.
Cheers
Alex

The fuel problem can be overstated.Birdsville to Mount Dare is no big deal if you are in a diesel and have twin tanks. I easily made it from Birdsville to Kulgera before refuelling. Reverse crossing topped up at Mount Dare and refuelled at Windorah.

A twin tank diesel cruiser or patrol would not need to carry extra fuel.

Flynnie