Hi guys, just got in tonight from another supply run thru to Drysdale.
Well the Gibb opened today from west to east and vice versa. Have been travelling on permit in my truck and the road is pretty good. There are some issues in some
places, but all good with good driving techniques.
The graders are on the job and a large part of the road is now graded and all the sharp rocks are out and waiting.
Spoke to the current manager at Mt Barnet, and they believe the problem has been fixed and they have a large fuel tank sitting in the middle of of the car park. The problem was that the dipping pionts had no seals and thus water was getting in thru the lids? They are out of there in the next couple of weeks so?
All the river crossings are fine, but take slowly and in 4wd to keep them that way. The
Gibb river as you are heading towards Drysdale is a bit rumbly on the north side, but stick to the middle and don't go to far left as there is a hole. Could be a nasty surprise. The hole that is blocking the way up to the
Mitchell Plateau is still not fixed and predictions are 2 weeks. The hole can swallow a 4wd so others can drive over the top and is all marsh both sides. The
King Edward river is crossible, but, expect to fishtale and get dragged by the river so best avoided. It is also still soggy and boggy ( does that rythem), so again about a week. You can not walk across the
Mitchell river to the other side at the falls as the current is still too strong, again, about 2 weeks. (dec info).
All in all, things are happening slowly.
Bell gorge won't open for another two weeks. There have been a number of people drive around
road closed signs which has resulted in
Bell gorge opening delays as they have been bogged to gills and stuffed the road. Thanks guys.
I got into Barrent River
gorge in the truck unloaded, but you have to stay to the right at all times. At the beginning, there is three ways you can go, but stick to the far right track which takes you out around thru what looks like marsh, but walked it first and then drove it and is firm. It brings you back to the track around the black soil and then again always right. Left is still mud and boggy. The truck by the way was about 8 tonne.
That is about all. Sorry didn't reply to any questions, but had no internet and thus wasn't aware.
My guess is if you are going, do the Bungles and the Great Northern Highway first and then head for the Gibb, more chance of seeing stuff and gorges rather then heading straight in to
places that are not open.
There are still lots of fires, in fact more than I have ever seen!!!!!!!! The place is slowly being devoid of grass - thanks FESA- but green pick will brighten the place in a couple of weeks.
Thats all folks.
shane c5
OH, the new
bridge leading into Mt Barnet from the
Derby side has a rather nice lauching ramp both sides to send you into space, so take it real easy.