Closure of the Simpson Desert

Hello D, I enjoyed your wildflower story - one of my 'bucket list' things yet to do.

Hi Craig - I thought it was further back than 2006. It was certainly right up in the northern part.

Ruth,

Was lucky enough to fly from Brighton to the Alice, for a Lake Eyre Basin meeting. That would have been 8 or 10 years ago, I'd reckon???

Burnt out sandhills for at least a couple of hours, along the Tropic, so probably about 400 kms, at least. As well the burnt area stretched as far as you could see, north & south. Really scorched earth!

Bob.

Morning Bob,
I remember you flying over for that meeting - so you better be the adjudicator for Stephen and Phil - one says 2004 and one 2002. I think it was 2004 - big fire I am talking about anyway. We've had other fires but this was HUGE.

Sorry I couldn't reply to our last conversation but I got Moderated for being OT! As this is the only Forum I participate in and because I don't have much time and also my 'friends' are all here I knew that I would get the answer I was seeking - and I did, that's why I use it.

Ian is busy with the building project in Birdsville - frustrated with red tape as usual but slowly proceeding - we've only lost one year's income!

Gday Stephen (and Hi Ruth!),
The big fire that burnt out part of the Hay River track and the area east of Camp 16 to the Qld border was around 2002. It was a very hot fire and the Spinifex has taken a long time to regenerate. I think this is the one that Ruth was referring to. I was out there in 2004.

Cheers
Phil

Thank you Boys, it was a long time back. I think it may have been 2004 - I am talking about the NT side not the Queensland side. Phil you didn't go up further on your trip did you. It certainly was a very hot fire.

You will see from a Post further down that Red Rockl is leaving to go next Friday from Victoria. I hope he doesn't think the SD is only going to be closed for a day. I haven't spoken with Mt Dare - too busy sorry.

Did a bit of a Google, and the big fire started in Nov 2001 and burnt through to at least March 2002. Here's a news article on the effects on the animals:
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2002/03/12/501488.htm

Hi Ruth, yes I'm talking about the NT side although the intense fire crossed the border into Qld. We were out there 3 times - twice on Madigan Line trips and once on a Hay River trip. In 2004 it was just bare sand, and not much had changed when we went through again in 2005 and 2006.

Oh Phil - trust you to be right! The more I think about it you are correct - gosh that is a long time ago. Will have a look at that google later on - I shouldn't be on here at the moment either - too many vegies to plant.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings for your Trip Red Rodeo - hope you have plan B and C. It is a shame that you were unable to travel in July - that is just the way Australia is. The Simpson will always be there. Safety first.

The Simpson is most definitely closed from the Birdsville side.

Howdie Ruth,

Was about to head across on this weekend also, plan "B" was up to Old Andado and the Andado Track, now thats on fire also, Plan "C" is Sandy Blight Track, so please lets hope it doesn't start burning out there :-)

Plan "D" is the West Coast of S.A. maybe to Googs LOL. By the time I get to Plan "E" I will be staying home with buckets of water to protect my house :-)

Cheers Ruth

Keep Safe

Hi Blaze

I like your approach.

Whatever happens I wont be putting the family into harms way. But we will be going somewhere thats for sure.

Geoff

Hello BLaze,

Love the fact that you are up to Plan E with more possibilities as well - hope you end up somewhere even if only the Park down the road.

Geoff - you have a good time as well.