The Tip Top Trailer Trip - Cape York or Bust
After 18 months of planning, in Sept 2004,we finally set off from Adelaide for Cape York, via Birdsville, Hughenden and The Lynd. 2 identical NM 2001 petrol Pajero Exceeds and 2 Cruisers, 2 vans, 2 trailers. They said it couldn't be done, but we all succeeded in traversing the Telegraph Track as far as Eliot falls (yes, discretion is the better part of valor, we detoured around Gunshot Creek, but all others fell victim to our enthusiasm and experience). Both Pajeros (standard apart from upgraded suspension) performed faultlessly, and my "tough as nails" Supreme Getaway" van came through without any issues. Good tyres (Mickey Thompson and Cooper ST) and running tyre pressures at 25 to 30 meant no punctures...although the eggs and beer didn't always survive those horrendous corrugations! It really was something to stand at the very tip of Australia, and to have enjoyed an exciting but trouble free adventure to get there in style. Illness and trailer failures (not the Cavalier Camper, it survived unscathed) meant the group split up after Vrilya Point, which left me on my own to navigate Frenchmans Track ( you must have made a mapping mistake mate, you can't get a van thru there) to Chili Beach, then back to Musgrave and on to Wakooka and Cape Melville finishing via Starcke's Track at Hope Vale (how'd you get that van thru there mate?)
After 12,00Klms towing in six weeks (3 of them on the Cape) the only damage to the Paj was a broken battery holder, a leaking (non functioning) aftermarket shock absorber and two cracked driving lights... all corrugation damage. Otherwise we experienced natures best while our Paj looked after our every need.
If you have the right gear there's no where you can't go!!!!
Gorms2@hotmail.com
