Across the Simpson Via French Line

Well we made it in one piece including the camper trailer.
We only got stuck twice. Once when I forgot to select Diff Lock and needed a snatch pull from my traveling mate with his HJ80. The other was when I tried to negotiate Big Red, almost made it 4 feet from the top and again my mate snatched me up and over.

Big Red is accessible from the west now, but the east side is still full of water.

The by pass at Poppels Corner is hard to navigate and several people were lost trying to find the correct route. The GPS mapping system worked a treat and we had no problems.

The by pass takes you north to the top of the lake and then heads south east to rejoin the QAA Line.

Would I take a trailer again across the Simpson. NO. The concentration required to negotiate the sand hills was as intense as I have ever experienced during my 30 or so years as a professional rally driver. It was hard work not to mention the he strain on the poor old HJ80 towing the thing.

The Simpson was a driving adventure that is for sure and Eyre Creek looks fantastic and is not a difficult crossing.

Day of rest in Birdsville then down to Innaminka.

Cheers
Wayne B
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Reply By: Member - Michael and Chris (QL - Saturday, Aug 13, 2011 at 18:53

Saturday, Aug 13, 2011 at 18:53
Wayne B,
Maybe you would have felt more comfortable in your old toyota sprinter. Thanks for the heads up as we hope to cross with a trailer in September, hope you enjoyed the crossing anyhow. Cheers Mick
AnswerID: 462514

Reply By: Robin Miller - Saturday, Aug 13, 2011 at 19:38

Saturday, Aug 13, 2011 at 19:38
Sounds like fun Wayne - I'm sure it was the trailer that made Big Red tricky !
Robin Miller

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AnswerID: 462517

Reply By: Will 76 Series - Saturday, Aug 13, 2011 at 21:36

Saturday, Aug 13, 2011 at 21:36
Wayne,

Sounds like a great trip across the Simpson. Interesting reading your comments about the towing the trailer, as I have been contemplating taking mine, but will probably opt for the swag/roofrack option after your comments.

Regards Will
AnswerID: 462522

Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Saturday, Aug 13, 2011 at 23:56

Saturday, Aug 13, 2011 at 23:56
Hi Wayne

The Simpson dunes are back to normal, compared to what they were like last year, nice and soft.

Great to hear you had a great time.


Cheers


Stephen
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AnswerID: 462530

Follow Up By: Member - Wayne B (NSW) - Monday, Aug 15, 2011 at 21:27

Monday, Aug 15, 2011 at 21:27
Most of the sand hills we were able to negotiate without adding too much to the road damage. The really soft ones were already chopped up and we most likely did little to improve their condition.

I would approach the hill with plenty of momentum where possible this minimized wheel spin. Its the turns and surprise that greats you on the top that is the exciting part. Some are very tricky.

Problem is with the trailer is having to reverse it back down a very soft hill. The trailer has a mind of its own and no matter what you do with the steering on the tow vehicle the trailer will not respond. On one occasion my mate had to hook onto the back of the trailer and drag it straight. while I reversed down the hill.

We are now in Tibooburra on our way home.

Had a great time.

Cheers
Wayne


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