| From July 28th to August 28th 2001 a group
of people from five different countries travelled as a team from the East
Coast of Australia, right through the centre to the West Coast. With people from such different backgrounds and many with very personal reasons for taking part in such an adventure it would have been unreasonable to expect it to be all plain sailing. We did encounter a few problems along the way, some of them personal, some technical but all were resolved along the way and the experiences made us a stronger and more efficient team. For a profile of our Expedition participants please read my footnote. Members of our team took it in turns to record our daily progress and their experiences. The following is a copy of their journal with only minimal editing by myself where it was too difficult to decipher their words as much of their writing was done while driving along on often very corrugated tracks. I ask the reader to make allowances for the fact that for most of the writers english is not their native tongue. I feel privileged for having been able to show the participants
'my backyard'.
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| EWX 2001. After leaving Sydney we visited the Blue Mountains, got to the River Murray at Robinvale, then visited Mungo Lake Nat. Park and here we struck our first Dirt Roads. Next was Broken Hill and soon we again turned of the sealed road, via rarely travelled dirt roads we came to the Flinders Ranges. Not far now to our first Desert. Along the Birdsville Track to Birdsville ( where else ? :-) ). Magda takes it from here, half way along the Birdsville Track. Birdsville Track, 4/9/2001 This morning we left the Mungeranie Roadhouse to go to Birdsville. The way to Birdsville was about 300 km on dirt road. Along the way we had stops for coffee and for lunch. Some people got their first tuition's and practised their 4Wding on the sand hills along the way. In Birdsville we stayed at the Caravan Park and everybody did some laundry and we had great showers. As we arrived early and had some spare time some of us visited the Working Museum. There you can see a lot of stuff from the old days. It was interesting. There was also an Information Centre in Birdsville with lots of folders full of information. We used the Internet while there, but the connection was very slow and expensive. In the evening we all went to the Birdsville Hotel where we all had very good meals. This Pub is from 1884, so very old by Australian standards but a nice place to have dinner. The night was pretty warm compared with the previous nights. Magda. |
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| Aug. 5th, 2001. Birdsville - Simpson Desert. All awake early and after our warmest night so far and a good rest we left the camp ground before 8:30. 40 km later we were at the easy crossing over Big Red. There everybody got a chance to test their driving skills in sand before we went to the real crossing over Big Red. Big Red is the largest sand Dune in the Simpson Desert and often people have to make a detour around it. With instructions from Mike over our UHF radios everybody made it in the end even if some got stuck at first try and had to have a second go. At the end of the day everybody had given up counting the sand dunes but there was a lot. Then there was Eyre Creek where Mike advised to take a 300m detour to the left as otherwise we would get stuck in the mud. NZ John however attempted the muddy crossing - and got stuck. I had taken the detour and then got him out. First time we used the winch. 
John stuck - wouldn't listen and 'knew better'.
During the day we all saw a lot of Wedgetail Eagles and Kites, yellow
and purple flowers and some lizards. A wonderful day in this very remote part of this amazing country. At 15:30 we stopped in the middle of nowhere and set up our first real bush camp, watched by Kites and eagles that soared above. Drivers tired, co-drivers and passengers also after being shaking around in the cars all day. This was one of the days we came here for and for sure we will all sleep well tonight. Cees. |
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| Aug. 6th 2001, Simpson Desert. All are awake about 7:00, some much earlier. We take off at 8:15 and follow the QAA Line going west. It's Cees's turn to lead the convoy and he and his navigator did a good job. A Stop at Poeppel Corner where 3 states meet ( Qld., SA and NT. At the Surveyor Generals Corner, SA, NT and WA meet, [Mike] ). I counted approx. 200 Sand Hills before we arrive here. Before we reached Poeppel Corner we followed a dry salt lake and saw some Camel tracks, but no Camels as yet. Lunch is at Lindsay Junction from where we head south along Knolls Track. beautiful part of the desert and lots of yellow flowers. You can drive a lot faster now because you are between sand dunes. Almost at the end of Knolls Track we turn west again along the WAA Line. We set up our bush camp along the track, perfect. We have not as much damage in the cars as yesterday, only some broken eggs. Eric and Andy eat some pasta while I get a chance to experience Mike's cooking - It was great. Thanks again. Some statistics: Driven so far 3168 km. Monique, Eric & Andy. |
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| Aug. 7th 2001. I have not much to say. It was my turn today to lead the convoy. Start at 07:30. Along the way we had coffee, lunch and coffee again. Only 166 km of driving with 3 stops. The first part was a bit rough with high sand dunes. Then we drove between sand dunes where it was flat, drove at 70 km/hour. The last part was clay surface and in places a bit rutted. We arrived at Purni Bore at 4:30 and set up camp. Along the way we saw a camel. Had a shower at Purni Bore. During the night we could hear Donkeys in the distance. Elbert. |
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| Aug. 8th 2001. Departing Purni Bore at 07:00. Eileen and Rhonda leading today and targets are Dalhousie Springs, Finke and Chambers Pillar. This could be one of our longest days. We saw many Dingo's, including a pack and also a Camel. Travelled through the infamous 'Gluepot', no problems as it was dry but tracks showed how disastrous it could be. We did come to a large water crossing, got out, assessed the situation and decided to go straight through. The canadians went first while others took photos, expecting the worst & surprised by the best possible result. Everyone made it through. The terrain and vegetation changed from extremely flat to hilly. Yellow flowers changed to purple shrubs. Stopped at a rubbish dump to dispose of our waste that we accumulated through the Simpson Desert. This lightened our load somewhat. At 09:00 we stopped at Dalhousie Springs for a swim in the warm springs. A very refreshing treat after the desert. Upon leaving a brown Snake was spotted crossing the track. Next stop was the Mt. Dare Homestead and with the diesel too expensive we moved on to Finke, an Aboriginal Settlement. We made a few purchases, including great vanilla Ice cream. Also able to purchase real boomerangs, Aborigine carved lizard, seed dishes & beaded necklaces. We fuelled up, left and headed towards Chambers Pillar. On the way out of town we noticed one of the elderly Aborigine woman that had about 8 - 10 dogs following her and food packages. Diesel was $1.29 per litre. Now we travelled on top of the old railway line embankment which was a real washboard for most of the way, giving us no relief. A short comfort stop at the ruins of a railroad gangs huts. Mike decides that we can't reach Chambers Pillar before sunset so we set up another bush camp along the track. Time 16:00. We travelled over 300 km today. Eileen & Rhonda. |
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Camel in the Simpson Desert
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| Aug. 9th, 2001. The full moon hung high over our camp and the air was still and silent, void of the cacophony of birds that had aroused us in the early part of the adventure as we woke for this 13th day. As usual the night had been cold and haste was made in getting into our clothes for the day. Today we were heading for Chambers Pillar, then onto Alice Springs. A hot cup of coffee, a bacon and egg sandwich and Marijke and I were ready to tackle the packing up of the cruiser again. ( After this journey I will find it very difficult to use the term Cruiser again - Bone Jerker is much more fitting). Eric lead the convoy this morning and at about 08:00 we were on our way. The Landscape has changed considerably from the Simpson desert as has the variety of plant life. The country never ceases to astound the eye and imagination. We passed large flat plains of lush bushes that looked like mini forests. Rolling sand dunes became outcrops of rock and then huge hills. But always could be seen the red sand, the blood of the land, a constant reminder that the land lives. Today for the first time the group split up, some heading straight to Alice Springs and the rest travelling on to Chambers Pillar. Our first stop en route to the Pillar was the Maryvale Station store. It is situated in the middle of an Aboriginal Community and seemed to be the centre of activity there. A group of Aborigines had assembled there, some to purchase stable items such as fruits and bread, others to buy a cold ice cream treat to stave off the heat of the day. There were several woman with small children and a group of middle aged men. Their skin was dark, almost black, the hair dark, thick and heavily oiled and dirty. They were all barefoot. The clothes on their backs were ragged and unwashed and it was most apparent that showers and baths were not part of their daily routine. Except for the young children, their eyes were lifeless. Like small children everywhere, their noses were running, they were laughing and chatting and only too eager to pose for the tourists cameras. Those however were not the proud Aborigines we saw on the posters that filled the windows of the downtown shops we had visited. There is a passage in the Bible that says the streets of heaven are
paved with gold. Phyl. |
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| Aug. 11th 2001. Today we left Alice Springs. Unfortunately Sam, John and Sheryl left us here. However the mood was lightened and certainly we are all relaxed and having fun and enjoying the trip. It was hard to leave the comfort of Alice Springs, a motel room, a warm bed and a hot shower. But we are on the road into the outback again. We went through the West MacDonnell Ranges along sealed roads and visited various gorges along the way. We had exited Alice Springs through Honeymoon Gap were the Aborigine's went when they were first married to learn to live together and to care for each other. We visited Simpson Gap and a lovely walk along the creek bed to the gap in the ranges. Beautiful Ghost Gums in the river bed below the sheer red cliffs, a pool at the end, totally spectacular. From there we went to Standley Chasm, a lovely walk up a creek bed, with high cliffs around us, cycads clinging to the rock face. The midday sun set alight the red rock which glared as if on fire. The final stop of the day was at Serpentine gorge. A walk up the creek and then a climb up to the lookout on top of the cliffs. The Aboriginees had a tradition and believed that a serpent lived in the pool and they would only take water from there in an emergency. Finally to Glen Helen and the camp ground. A wonderful spot nestled in under sheer red cliffs with a huge pool and the creek running in front of it. As I sit here the rock is glowing in the evening light. We are sitting, reading, chatting, enjoying a glass of wine as we relax after an energetic day. We are all happy to be on our way again. Debbie. |
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| Aug. 12th 2001. This morning the sun came up at 7 o'clock and was shining on the rocks, what a perfect Kodak Moment! The different colours and the singing of the birds, at a special place on earth, makes a good start for a day of new experiences. Pete was the early swimmer in the Finke River ( very cold 0. He was the hero of the day, don't you think?? After breakfast we left at 08:00 with destination Palm Valley. On the way to Tylers pass we went on a dirt road with Mt. Sonder in front of us, we enjoyed this vista. At Tylers Pass we had a good view of the valley and in front of us, Gosse Bluff at a height of 853m. Mike told us we are lucky that all these places are accessible due to the good weather. We arrived at Gosse Bluff at 10:10 and walked there for about an hour. Impressed by the legend of the Aborigines. On our way back eric spotted a Gecko, which was very difficult to see. After a quick coffee we continue in direction of Larapinta Drive. Along this road we saw a special plant "Grass tree' with it's long black flower stalk. We had not seen them before. Over the hills we saw black smoke from controlled burning. At 11:15 we arrived at the historic Hermannsburg Mission. First we enjoyed the delicious Apfelstrudel, then looked around the Lutheran Mission. Very impressed with the photographs, aboriginal paintings and woodworks. Perfect was the Gallery of Albert Namatjira paintings. He became famous for his water colours and so were his sons and grand children. We now followed to track to Palm Valley along the Finke River. A fantastic trip in this area, arriving at the camping ground, pronounced "N-dup-ah" at 14:20. There was time enough to continue on to Cycad Gorge. We thought to swim there! Ok, the whole group in swimming suits to the gorge. It was all dry, but we walked through a magnificent part of the world. There was a rough and real 4WD track to the gorge with deep water and big rocks to cross. This was a new experience. Back to the camp ground and there was much activity. Mike prepared kangaroo Fillets and the group makes salads, fruit salad and beans... It was a delicious meal by the camp fire. Compliments to our leader Mike !!! Everybody went early to bed, except for the four Dutchmen. They were playing cards and had made a compromise. Those who lost the game had to wash the dishes. LOL, I think ! And me, the writer of this journal for today looks back on a perfect day and I'm thankful for being at this beautiful place on earth. Trudy. |
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| Aug. 13th 2001. After a lovely dinner last night and a warm night for sleeping we got up early. Elbert and Martin had lost the game last night and washed all the dishes. After breakfast we left at 08:30. On the way we have a nice lookout over Palm Valley and a beautiful view over the Ambitheater. We then travelled along the Mereenie Loop to Kings Canyon. I think that's the most beautiful place on earth. We did the Rim Walk and had a swim in the Garden of Eden, and made it back on time. Mike had asked us to get back by 16:45 and we returned at 16:40. We took 3 hours. Elbert who had stayed behind and got bored started out long after us and he did it in 1 hour and 50 minutes, a record ? After a nice meal we sat at the camp fire and then went to bed early. Marja. |
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| Aug. 14th 2001. Sunny, 27C The 18th day of our travels across Australia and 300 km today. That makes it just under 5000 km so far ( 4995 km ). We were on the road at 08:30. A very smooth sealed road. We had camped at Kings Creek Station where around the campfire Pete explained the Stars and constellations above us. After a great sleep there was an ideal opportunity to go bird watching at sunrise, but only Hans and Trudy took advantage of this. We travelled through hilly country ( small to medium ) with lots of yellow flowering shrubs beside the road. First along the Ernest Giles Road, then onto the Luritja Road where the country side changed with more trees, especially the Desert Oak. A beautiful drive with the sun behind us. Driving at around 110 km / hour we finally turned west onto the Lasseter Hwy.. Soon we saw Mt. Connor dooming up and shortly after we stopped for coffee at Curtin Springs. We had our coffee in the "Beer & Bullshit Corner". At lunch time we arrived at Yulara and found our camp site at a Coach Camping area. The facilities were very good but the impression we had was that it was something like a bus station. Many of us then went to Uluru, what an amazing feature in this desert landscape. We did the base walk around the Rock and as far as I know, no one from out team climbed Uluru. We all admired the sunset on Uluru and then returned to our camp site after another beautiful day. Pat. |
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| Aug. 15th 2001. Sunny, 26C. Yulara - Ayers Rock - Olgas - Docker River, 244 km. 95% of our team got up early to watch the sunrise at Uluru. Some did a base walk, some went to Kata Tjuta ( the Olgas ) to do a short walk, while others walked the trail in the Valley of the Winds. At 13:00 we all meet at the Valley of the Winds car park and together we continued on our journey. This time without Debbie who had left us this morning. Back onto the gravel roads !! We went through beautiful country side with many different flowers and shrubs and all kind of colours. On our left were the Peterman Ranges and we visited Lasseter's Cave where Lasseter died in 1931 after his camels had bolted. Despite help from Aborigines he did not survive. We found a wonderful camp site at Docker River and after another great day and a lovely meal we "hit the sack" early. Pat. |
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| Aug. 16th 2001. We left the campsite at Docker River. From there we went to the Warakurna Road House. We seen a lot of burned cars just beside the track. At Warakurna we had coffee and a pie. Very nice. Everyone had to fill up with diesel and that took some time. From there we went on to Warburton Road House. There was a shop with a lot of things and you can get coffee, tea, take Away and so on.... We filled up again and then went onto the Heather Hwy.. The name doesn't say what kind of Highway it is.... It's just a track with a lot of corrugations. After this road we turned west onto the Gunbarrel Hwy., also just a track. We set up camp near Len Beadell's Tree. He was one of Australia's explorers who build this highway. This camp is in the middle of nowhere. Today some of the team saw Sturt Desert Pea's in bloom. Also a camel was seen and a Thorny Devil is killed at a road accident. Fred & Magda |
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| Aug. 17th 2001. Left our campsite at 08:00. Stopped for the last chance to photograph Len Beadell's Tree. There were dingo's near the track by our campsite, probably the ones that we heard through the night. More pictures were taken. Followed the Gunbarrel Hwy., a very rough and corrugated track. It's a cooler day than we been having, yet it remains sunny. Some of us travel a parallel track to hopefully avoid the corrugations and ruts. We stopped at Mt. Beadell for a climb up to the memorial and for photos. Next we pass Mt. Gordon and are now travelling through the Gibson Desert Nature Reserve. Many desert flowers could be seen in yellow, white, purple and maroon. Termite mounts along the way. Then a short stop at a well. After leaving the nature Reserve we stopped at a bore. Here we take off the cap and drop a rock in a tin can at the end of a rope down a pipe 40' to draw up water. A sign nearby asks that you respect the site and leave the equipment as it might save a life. On down the highway the Sturt Desert Pea is spotted in full bloom. A rare sight. As we stopped and photographed a pack of Dingos watched and started to approach Magda, but eventually thought better of it and wandered off. On our way again, a kangaroo is spotted, our first in days. An afternoon stop at a claypan was a welcome relief from the days rough and dusty ride. Here water is held in by clay and it looks like a pond. Walking it's edges many animal tracks can be seen. We are also back in Ghost Gum country here. We continue down the highway following the main track and taking detours, sometimes detours on detours to avoid washouts and very bad corrugations. We pull up for a bush camp at 17:20. Pete |
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Some of our team on Mt. Beadell.
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| Aug. 18th 2002. Yesterday evening was a special one. First Pete's car broke down, then Cees went missing - went the wrong way and ended up standing in bushes about 12 km from our campsite because he wanted to avoid hitting a camel. The other version to this story is that he simply missed a corner. After talking Cees over the radio back to our campsite the men started to play the mechanics. Unfortunately there were no real ones around and they all agreed that Pete should leave earlier next morning and then get it fixed at Carnegie Station. Oh, they did improvise to enable him to drive the 200 km there. At about 20:15 everyone was sitting around our campfire to celebrate Elberts 70th Birthday. We sang "Happy Birthday" and gave him a handmade birthday card ( There isn't much else you can get for someone in the middle of nowhere.) The atmosphere was great and so were the champagne, the wine, the crackers, cheese and sausages that Pat had brought with her. Since it got pretty late Mike promised us we could sleep late next morning. Yeh, right!! Pete took off in his car at 05:45 and Fred & Magda followed him at 06:17. I still wonder what woke me up... Instead of leaving at 08:30 we left at 08:15. I was driving with Eileen and we were very disappointed because the road was very flat compared with yesterday. Although it wasn't that far to Carnegie Station, the landscape changed again. We left dry grass and shrubs behind us and found ourselves looking at lots of bushes and trees, we even saw a Desert Rose. We also saw Falcons and a couple of Kangaroos. Pretty soon we entered Carnegie Station property and did see a number of cattle. At about 10:45 we arrived at Carnegie Station. Everyone wanted to take a shower and we all ended up paying $ 5, not knowing at that stage that we would camp here tonight and then would have showers for free. It took to 16:00 before the spring on Pete's car was fixed and of course too late then to hit the track. While we were waiting Cees took orders for ice cream, which of course was a joke. We killed the rest of the day talking and playing games, which was kind of nice for a change. Right now, I'm sitting in front of our campsite, looking at a bunch of crazy people, thinking to myself: "What will tomorrow bring?". Kiddo. |
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| Aug. 19th 2001. This day we had to drive a lot of k's, so we had to get up very early. I heard from my Mom and Dad that there had been a meeting yesterday evening about the way we had to drive, but I was already asleep by then. But anyway, we left at 07:20 for a long drive. During the first 2 hours we saw a lot of Kangaroos. And I mean A LOT ! There was a good co-operation between Pete and Cees. Pete hit a Emu with his car and while the emu was still alive but badly hurt, Cees finished it off. We stopped at the 'town' of Wiluna for a lunch break and to refuel. The people there are not very concerned about the environment they are living in - What a Mess !! After that we drove on a 'highway' where we saw a lot of dead kangaroos. We also saw a feral cat and eagles feeding on the carcasses. After a stop in Meekatharra we wanted to drive on for another 40 k's to a camping spot, but there was a sign that the road was closed. Therefore we had to stay at the campground in Meekatharra, where I had a very good shower. I hurt myself on a steel cable, but it doesn't hurt anymore. Andy. |
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| Aug. 20th 2001. Today was a Four - Flat day. Fred and Magda had two flats first thing this morning. After repairs the convoy hit the road at 09:05. Later in the day Pat & Elbert and Mike had a flat. Today we are headed for Mt. Augustus, the worlds largest Monocline
and twice the size of Ayers Rock. But first we stop at a windmill operated
water pump and Mike explains how it works and that today it supports the
wildlife. Mid Afternoon we stopped at an isolated Homestead where oranges were purchased at $4 a bag. Peppers were also available. We stopped to collect firewood before arriving at Mt. Augustus Outback
Resort around 15:40. Rhonda. |
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At Mt. Augustus
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| Aug. 21st 2001 It was pretty late last night after some of us were sitting around the fire talking until it burned down to ashes. I took it easy this morning, relaxing and chatting to Eileen and Phyl. After Lunch we all continued on our trip to the Kennedy Ranges Nat. Park. We came through Cobra Hill Homestead and got some fuel and great sandwiches. Fred and Magda left us here, going ahead on their own to arrive in Perth earlier. We arrived at the basic but beautifully situated camping ground about 2 hours before sunset. Cees. |
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Kennedy Ranges - Sunrise
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| Aug. 22nd 2001. Sighted the Indian Ocean at ... We woke to the warmest morning of the tour with the morning sun shining on the cliffs of the Kennedy Ranges. It was a fairly leisurely start for most of us as two vehicles had to go early to get 3 tyres fixed. We saw goats high up on the cliffs. Arrived at Gascoyne Junction at 09:30 but still had a short wait for the last two tyres. After GJ the terrain changed. It seemed all small stones with scrubby bushes, also some claypans but no obvious sign of salt. After Mike, confused by wrong directions over the CB first took the wrong LH turn we came to some more sandy country. Small dunes in fact and it was passing over one of those that we saw, at last, the Indian Ocean. Soon after that we turned south onto the North-West Coastal Highway, Black top, Wow! After a short stop at a lookout and lunch at the Overlander Roadhouse we turned off the Hwy. for Denham and Monkey Mia where we arrived at a very full camping ground at 16:30. I'd hazard a guess, most of us are glad to see the last of the dust after 3 weeks since Robinvale in Victoria. Pete. |
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| Aug. 23rd 2001. After a good nights sleep everybody got up early to see the dolphins. I walked up the beach quite early and saw two dolphins playing around in the water. I talked to a guy who also arranges tours and he offered me a job on his pig farm ( That was fun! ). The dolphins left at about 06:45 and so I went to have breakfast. Rhonda came up before I had a chance to make myself some toast and invited me for pancakes. Exactly at 08:00 the dolphins arrived again to be fed. Very touristy, and I didn't stay long. At the beach I wrote "Monkey Mia" in the sand with the shells that were laying about. Took a picture of it and then I went back to the tents. Mike and I left together with Eileen and Cees to do some shopping and to fuel up. At 13:00 we caught up as arranged with all the others at the start of the Useless Loop, the way to Steep Point, the most westerly point on mainland Australia. The track wasn't as bad as we had expected but it took us quite long anyway. At 16:45 we arrived at Steep Point and took a whole lot of pictures. A bottle of champagne to celebrate and of course we also took photos of the entire team with Bron's flag, the Canadian, the Dutch and the OZ flag. It was simply beautiful ! The ranger had pointed out a spot for us to camp which was right at the beach. Everybody loved it ! Putting up the tents, going for a walk, it was a perfect spot. We all talked to about 22:00 although it was pretty cold. The next morning we went swimming before we left. It was great ! Everybody agreed that this was the most beautiful day and campsite we had so far. Kiddo. |
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| Aug. 24th 2001 After a night dreaming about "the emotional destination Steep Point", we awoke at 06:00 and walked along the shoreline, enjoying a beautiful sunrise. The ranger came just after breakfast to collect the fee for this perfect campsite. We left this area first driving along the beach and then back onto the Useless Loop road. When we stopped to unlock the front hubs there was a problem with Eric's car, there was an electrical fault and it would not start again. Mike who had been leading came back and he and Martin ( the amazing handymen ) fixed it and we continued to the Overlander Roadhouse where the others already had their lunch. We then followed the North West Coastal Hwy.. The first banksia's where in bloom, what a fantastic flower. We had to make about 400 km today and at 16:00 we arrived in Kalbarri. This is a very nice place, right where the Murchison River which we had crossed near Mt. Gould enters the Indian Ocean. We decided to have dinner at Finlays, a unique Australian Fish BBQ. Another new experience - It's BYO and you have to bring your own drinks. So Eric and Hans quickly went to the Bottle shop to get some wine. We were there with the whole group except for Pete, Rhonda and Phylis who had gone their own way. After dinner many of us jumped into Erics car to return to the campground. Today we had driven a long way, but it was a very good day. Trudy. |
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| Aug. 25th 2001. We got up at 06:00 and left the campground just before 08:30. We backtracked a little to visit the Kalbarri Nat. Park. Surrounded by beautiful flowers we drove to Natures Window, a beautiful lookout in the shape of a window. Below us we saw the river and cliffs, what a magnificent sight. Afterwards we went to the Z-Bend. We did the walk to the lookout there and then followed our leader downwards into the gorge. It wasn't really a track and so we had to climb a lot, which was good fun. As we came down we walked along the river bank and after a while crossed it. Pat, Elbert, Marja, Martin and I kept on going until we really couldn't go any further. We talking about skinny dipping but just as Martin was ready to go into the water Mike called us and so we had to go back. Back to the car park, a nice coffee and then back to Kalbarri to do some shopping, make some phone calls and buy a very good Pizza. We were to meet the others on Red Bluff, but as Mike and I arrived, there was nobody there. As we suspected they all went for the Red Bluff beach. We could see them from the top and saw that they were having a great time. Running towards the waves and back and looking at a group of dolphins.. It sure was fun spying on them! After they had finished their lunches and were wondering where we were, they finally came to realize that Mike had said "meet at Red Bluff", not the beach. So they all came rushing up the hill. We left to make our way to Coronation Beach. Along the way we stopped to look at the Mushroom Rock and Natures Bridge. Very interesting, but we didn't really have enough time to take the walks there. Again we found a campsite along the beach. We set up our tables and chairs on a dune, drank some wine, beer, vodka and ate some crackers and cheese while we watched the sunset. Pat and Elbert joined us for dinner which was very nice. It was a rather cold wind and so Pat and I sat at the back of the car to keep each other warm. Most of the group members went to bed early. At about 22:00, after rocking Martin and Marja's car we too went to bed. Kiddo. |
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| Aug. 26th 2001. At about 08:30 we left our campsite. Some of us were up much earlier - Cees for example woke up at 04:45 when his tent collapsed. He was fighting with it until about 06:00 and nobody noticed. Besides that we had a great morning. We made pancakes and had it with Maple Syrup and really enjoyed that. Then after doing the dishes we left and had no problems whatsoever. After driving through Geraldton and Dongara we stopped at Cliff Head. We had a coffee there, but it wasn't a very interesting place. At Leeman we bought fresh fish from a fisherman near the sea. Through Cervantes where we made a lunch stop and then to the Pinnacles. A magnificent and beautiful place. Desert with weird rocks all over it. Driving out of the pinnacles the track became rougher and we were doing the famous 'Kangaroo Hop' again. We went past Grey, but not much further. We found another beautiful campsite at the beach and started cooking the fish. It tasted very good ( compliments to the cook!). The men had to do the dishes this time while the woman gathered around the campfire. A nice hot cuppa and a few stories to make it our perfect final bushcamp. Kiddo. |
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| Aug. 27th 2001. Again a good nights sleep and this time no collapsing tents. Trudy made us scrambled eggs with bacon and then we all did the dishes together. The end of our last bushcamp. Driving through sand dunes and along bad tracks we started off for our final destination - Perth. Along the way we stopped for coffee and fruitcake. Eric, Monique, Andy, Hans and Trudy went ahead then because they were going to arrange a surprise for a certain person and because they were the first to leave Australia tomorrow. The rest of us went to Yanchep and the Stables to check out the place where I'll be working. ( My next Adventure.....). Eventually we all ended up at the same campground. A very interesting one too! While the others were busy cleaning out their cars, Trudy and I went with the owner of the campground to pick out a restaurant for the evening. We chose 'Jimmy Deans'. Everyone got a chance to clean up and shower before we left. At about 19:00 we arrived at the restaurant where we all had a great dinner. After this the waitress came with a cake because we had just heard that Mike had become Grandfather to Madeline Marie. In every way a perfect ending to a trip that was a good experience for all of us ! Kiddo. |
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| All rights reserved. Copyright © Mike
Hofmann, 2001, 2002, 2003 |
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| It is now a few years since this adventure.
I'm still in contact with most of the participants. A couple of them came back in 2002 to take part in a Canning Stock Route Expedition. Four others even came back for the 2004 EWE. ( the route was a little different ) The CSR Journal as written by one of our participants is completed and now also on line, here: http://www.redcentre.com.au/4x4/brons_csr_journal.htm Please contact me if you wish to read about our CSR trip. ( The next CSR Trip will be in 2006 ) A few of the participants from the East-West Expeditions and from the 2002 CSR trip are coming back in 2006 for our Cape York Tag Along Tour. 2007 Cape Yourk 4WD Tag Along Tour. Departing from Cairns on May 30th 2007. No places available as of Nov. 2006 33 Day Kimberley Tour from Darwin to Perth. Departing from Darwin on July 3rd 2007. http://www.redcentre.com.au/2005/33daysperth2darwin.htm or
25 day Canning Stock Route Tag Along
Tour.
Departing from Darwin on August 7th or from Alice Springs on August 9th. Cancelled due to insufficient interest by closing date. 2008 Tag Along Tours under consideration:
Cape York, Cairns to Cairns, CSR, Alice Springs to Alice Springs. Join also at Wiluna or Halls Creek. East-West or West-East Crossing. Start in Sydney or Perth. Expressions of Interest for 2008 Tag Along Tours without delay please. As I'm scheduling many custom and private tours I need to prepare for such expeditions very far in advance. Expressions of Interest less than 8 months in advance also makes it extreley difficult for us to secure well prepared 4WD cars for you from our preferred supplier. tours@redcentre.com.au |
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| 4WD Tag Along Tours and Expeditions are different
to my normal tours. With all those tours you drive yourself, either in your own or a hired 4WD vehicle and you visit and travel in areas that are more remote, much less travelled and mostly unspoilt. However, they must not be confused with Tag Along Tours that are run by different 4WD Clubs. On Tag Along Tours to remote areas you forego some of the comforts but you will be greatly rewarded by your experiences. There is not just the enjoyment that comes from driving yourself and the satisfaction from mastering tracks and terrain where not many have been before you, but also the great friendships that develop along the way with other like-minded travellers. Participants come from all walks of life but they are outgoing, help each other, enjoy nature and are willing to become a TEAM. Tag Along Tours are also a great way to learn about the safe use of 4WD vehicles and about travelling in remote areas. For every one of those Expeditions I run a Private Forum with a Members Album were we all get to know each other for up to 18 months prior to when we actually meet face to face. There we discuss not only the logistics and the technicalities for our expeditions but also some more personal issues ( that's why it's a Private Forum, not accessible to Non members). People not suited for such tours: Must have a shower every night ( the occasional sponge bath isn't good enough ). Can't go to toilet with just a shovel and a roll of toilet paper ( must have a WC ). Can't forget about looking at their watches ( meals must be ready on the dot ). Panics about every little critter - 'It's out to get him / her'. Those who 'know everything better' ( see John above at Eyre Creek). Hi, I don't condemn them - It's "live and let live" with me. |
| For some general Information about 4WD Tag
Along Tours please
read this page.
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