Our Cape York and Gulf Country Adventure

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

The 200 couldn't make it up and had to be winched by Brett in the GU. He kindly pointed out that the Nissan was recovering a Toyota. Little did he realize the role would be reversed the next day!



We headed back to Bramwell Junction for a chat and plan for our assault on the OTT.

Would one of our vehicles be remembered here?




Arthur and Vicki decided not to take the camper trailer on the OTT so we arranged to meet them at Loyalty Beach in few days.

Back to Bramwell Station for a drink at the bar, where the camping area manager gave a talk about the area. He suggested that we might find the corrugations south of the Jardine River a little more challenging!!

We went to bed that night thinking of the challenges that the OTT would provide.

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

Righto lets go and see what the OTT is all about. We bade Arthur and Vicki farewell and headed off. Tyres down to 22 on the front and 24 on the back.



Going down into and then out of Palm Creek was the first time I used low range on the trip and the Prado did it up easily. Chris was becoming more relaxed and I was having fun.
Ducie Creek wasn't a problem with the water level so low, but we took our time and made sure to avoid the holes, North Alice was barely a trickle. The Dulhunty River was a beautiful spot so we stopped for a cuppa.



I've always thought Bertie Creek looked great on the videos I've watched and it didn't disappoint, but once again the water level was low so there was plenty of room to drive along the edge before crossing. Those holes could be nasty if you dropped into one.

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

On past the Gunshot Bypass track and across Cholmondeley Creek all was going well. Brett our adventurous leader just couldn't resist trying out the GU on every little obstacle we encountered.



The exit was too slippery and despite winching (a snapped rope!!) and the maxtrax Brett had to accept Russell's generous offer of a tow out!!


With bragging rights between Nissan and Toyota at one all we moved on to Gunshot.
It was as amazing as all the videos I have seen. There were three descents and I reckon you would be brave to attempt them. Chris reckons you would be insane.

No Brett, don't even think about it!

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

After a good look around Gunshot we wisely decided on the chicken track. It wasn't exactly a doddle but with great teamwork we made it down and through okay.


Always a good feeling when you get through an obstacle.



We enjoyed a well earned lunch break and then headed off as some of the locals were having a bad influence on our stubby mate!

[Johno Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Johno]

great pictures and report

Thanks

Aaron

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

Chris had noticed some dampness under the floor mat on the passenger side, I thought the door seals were the blame, big mistake.
Onward to Cockatoo Creek with the thought of our camping spot tonight at Eliot Falls in mind.

Cockatoo Creek proved to be a little tricky with some track building needed on the downhill approach.


The current was the strongest of all the creek crossings so far and there were plenty of deep holes but our trusty spotters ensured we got through okay.



Sailor Creek was an easy crossing and we soon found ourselves on the Bamaga Road for the short run up to the start of the northern section of the OTT. The corrugations that we had been waiting for had arrived and it was such a shock to be bouncing around after the relatively smooth OTT. The turnoff was a welcome relief and we headed up to Eliot Falls to set up camp. We planned to return to Fruit Bat Falls the next day.
The HEMA mentions a ford just past Fruit Bat Falls, with no other comments. I can make a few! It was a long stretch (about 50m) of dirty brown water. It was late in the day and no one was too keen to walk it.

Not knowing what to expect I put the water blind on and hoped. The other vehicles went through okay but I was a little apprehensive.

[gumboot Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close gumboot]

The 200 couldn't make it up and had to be winched by Brett in the GU. He kindly pointed out that the Nissan was recovering a Toyota. Little did he realize the role would be reversed the next day!

Fantastic report and pictures Jim.
As a matter of interest, has the 200 a set of lockers?
Why did it strugle to climb out the hole compared to the Patrol , weight, tyres, etc?

Cheers
Robert

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

No lockers on the 200 Robert. I think it was a combination of weight and the track being made slippery.
Brett has a set of aggressive 35" muddies which also helped.
Cheers

Jim

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

This water crossing was different to all the earlier ones because the water was very murky. Brett and Alan went through okay before me but this one made me nervous. It turned out okay but we were getting water in somewhere as the carpet in front of the passenger seat was damp.

Eliot Falls was terrific, it was just a good as the you tube footage shows. We spent two nights there, enjoying all the different places to swim. It was good to be out of the car for a while. Can you see me?

On the second day our curiosity got the better of us and we drove down to Canal Creek for a look. It was there that we caught up with Damian and Jess, fellow members of the Toyota Land Cruiser Club (Qld). They and their travelling companions were also due to head north the next day also so our group gained two extra vehicles.
We headed off the next morning wondering what the day would bring, if only we knew!!
First crossing was Canal Creek.

[outback7 Banned Find all posts View Profile Close outback7]

Loving the pics and and the report.

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

Next crossing was Sam Creek. We took our time here to work out the best entry. There is a nasty hole on one entry which caused a troopy to roll over last year, the footage is on facebook. With Brett giving directions it was an easy crossing.

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

Next up was Cannibal Creek.

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

This section of the OTT was more challenging to drive. My thoughts before the trip were focused on the creek crossings but you have to be careful as you travel along.



The big 200 series is great to watch when all the electronics kick in.


There aren't many of the Telegraph Poles that haven't been damaged.



Our next crossing was the log bridge as Cypress Creek. I have seen so many pictures and videos of this crossing and it didn't disappoint.

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

By this time a couple of other vehicles had joined us, taking advantage of Brett's expertise and generosity in guiding them across the creek crossings. Firstly a bit of maintenance.



First up was Brett in his GU.



Then Russ in the 200 series.


Then Alan in the D4D. Notice the hilux scoop on the bonnet.

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

I was next and felt confident with Brett giving directions.


The log on the driver's side was solid, there was a bit of movement and noise on the passenger's side.


It was good to be across.