Off to the cape!!

[bigrig77]

Just finished packing up the troll for our cape trip, it's taken 3 long years but I'm finally goin can't wait. Head off at 3am tomorrow morn. We have 2 gu zd30's a 76 series ute and a 200 series in the convoy, hopefully I get to rescue the 200 series and catch a couple of barra.

[Foo]

Half your luck, have a good one!

Foo

[Tonka]

Bastard

Lots of pics

[Bizz]

I envy you, had to push my trip back a year

[GPSTI]

Recently came back from a Simpson crossing.

Compared to a Cape trip, the Simpson is pretty lame IMO.

The Simpson is sandy track, sandy hills, flies, and corrugations.

Cape York is sandy track, muddy spots, flies, corrugations, beaut rivers, beaut camping spots, lots of interesting fuel/food stations.

I loved the Cape and am planning another trip in 2013 or 2014, depending on when travelling companions who aren't retired can get their act together

[Tonka]

And lots of crocs

[Ray!]

I've never experienced corrugations like on the Cape York Developmental Road; broke both rear body mount bolts off my MQ on that bastard of a road and had seven flat tyres in one day. I'd do Birdsville etc any day after experiencing the Cape. That said, I'd do the High Country any day over all the other options, but them I'm biased.

Cheers

Ray

[bigrig77]

Yeah will post pics of trip when I get back home. Now off to sleep and off to lions den via the Bloomfield track tomorrow. Happy camper signing out.

[Ray!]

The Lion's Den is a nice little spot and the pub has a great selection of local fauna on display. The campsite many years ago was excellent and shady. The creek at the back is the last place that you can safely swim in on the way to the Cape. Take care on the Cape Tribulation Rd, as there are sections that are 'interesting' and when you get to the Bloomfield, make sure you cross at low tide. Do you plan to go to Cooktown and then cut across to the Developmental Rd through Lakefield National Park, or take the Developmental Rd direct?

Cheers

Ray

[GPSTI]

The Lion's Den is a nice little spot and the pub has a great selection of local fauna on display. The campsite many years ago was excellent and shady. The creek at the back is the last place that you can safely swim in on the way to the Cape. Take care on the Cape Tribulation Rd, as there are sections that are 'interesting' and when you get to the Bloomfield, make sure you cross at low tide. Do you plan to go to Cooktown and then cut across to the Developmental Rd through Lakefield National Park, or take the Developmental Rd direct?

Cheers

Ray

I don't believe that the creek at Lion's Den is the last safe swimming place - Twin Falls, Elliot Falls, and a number of other creeks are safe to swim.

I read a recent report that Lakefield Park was closed, may be open now.

[Ray!]

I meant to say before the cape, there's not much in between, even Cooktown has warning signs on the beach.

Cheers

Ray

[cairnsGU]

Geez, I live in cairns and still haven't done the cape.

[bigrig77]

Well we've made it to the top!! I've stuffed me rear bumper( was expecting this) but drowned the troll at noelns. !! Spewin was my own fault wrong line and in the excitement didn't let my tyres down!!(was at 22 psi) Only water in the cab truck still going well ( air bag light flashing) hopefully will go once it dries out a bit. Stayed at cape Melville for a few nights caught a good feed of salmon !! Staying at loyalty beach now for a few nights , awesome spot ! Will post pics when I get home. Cheers.

[GPSTI]

Nolans Brook has probably caught out more cars than any other on the Cape.

It's deceptively deep, and my theory is if you don't leave at least 10 mins between vehicles for the sand on the northern side to re-pack you'll be owned.

And it's full of snakes, too...

[bigrig77]

Yeah I was first through in our convoy. Was a few other cars that got plenty of water through them that day aswell luckily no serious damage.

[Oldmate]

Hey mate did you see a jackaroo and a patrol together. the jack took on a bit off water a nolans. They are from the motley crew 4wd club. If ya see them say gday to Ian (jack) and Ray(patrol)

[GPSTI]

Who said Jackaroo I loved mine, especially the build quality.

Who said Jackaroo and taking on water in Nolans...... :D

And, because I know it's a Patrol forum........

[bigrig77]

No I don't think I have seen a jackaroo yet but I will keep an eye out.

[bigrig77]

Hey that's exactly the spot I made it to! Before I dug a big hole and got stuck! Luckily a bloke camped on the other side in a blue gq snatched me out.

[Rumcajs]

Geez I can't wait for my trip up there. I've been sussing the whole thing for a while, checking U tube footage and various trip reports, looks like an epic adventure.

Cheers