Cape Trip Report

[McGirr]

"You won't get through, the roads are too wet, trucks are bogged" was what we were hearing a week before the MySwag Cape Trip. 

The rain was still falling days before we were due to leave but it was gradually clearing. Members were slowly arriving at the caravan park and come the Friday night before the trip we all met up and enjoyed an abundance of food and beverages at Alessandro's Pizzeria. It was great to catch up with friends and meet some new members all ready for the trip ahead.









Saturday morning arrived, the skies cleared and the sun was shining (Naturally I had arranged this) and we were ready to head off from Smithfield Shopping Centre. Thanks to Duggie and John for seeing us off. A leisurely drive along the coast and we headed up the Julatten Range and continued to the turn off to Maytown. The adventure had begun.

Just to prove that I was the first one there.




















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[McGirr]

The dirt road was good and we arrived at Palmer River that afternoon, set up camp in a large grassed area where we could spread out with the cows and horses. The next day was spent exploring the ruins and old mines that dot the area. Maytown is worth a look where the effort of people, in the 1800's, put into trying to scratch out a living looking for gold makes you wonder how tough it would have been back then.

The start of the road to Maytown



Stopping for lunch





The road into Maytown



Palmer River crossing.





The boys having some fun in the water





The camping area





Enjoying the normal camp fire chats



The Cape Leader talking crap



Solar charging the body, a new design from Japan



Sunsets are always stunning.




Mark



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[McGirr]

Maytown Ruins are scattered around numerous areas. The area at the peak had 20,000 people.









The town itself still has the paved edge still showing.



The plaques show where each building was.






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[McGirr]

The Old Coach Road was the next days challenge and we packed up and hit the track not sure what to expect after numerous reports of the conditions of the road, but we were going to take it on.

Yogi, Renno, Chris, Ray and Symon, our support crew, headed off ahead with the rest of the convoy in tow. The first couple of sections of the track gave us a true indication of what we were to expect. Slow and steady over deep drop offs and with low range locked in we  tackled the very steep rocky hills that seemed to go on forever. As we were traveling at a snails pace, we knew this would take us a fair while. The track lived up to its name as its one hell of a challenge. Nearing the end of the track we noticed David (The Casey's) cars tow sleeve had lost its pin and the only thing stopping the camper from coming away from the car were the chains that would pull the sleeve back in. We quickly put in another pin to secure the sleeve, but it was a close call.

All parked after tackling the first steep down hill track.





Some of the support crew





One of the many downhill tracks













The road really tested the articulation of vehicles







Then came the rocky climbs up hills that seem to vanish into the sky











Adjusting the bash plate with a hammer to attach a shackle





Symon attempting a track that was a little too steep





Then the downhill rocky tracks. The pictures do not show how steep the hills are.





Coming down the hill we noticed the pin holding the sleeve on David and Tina's car had come out.




The last down hill track





A classic






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[McGirr]

We finally finished the Old Coach Road around 5.20pm and reached Laura River which was an easy crossing. The water was low but there were 2 large trees that we had to navigate at the exit. David, unfortunately, missed judged the gap between the trees, took the wrong angle and had his camper wheel hit the tree hard. Unbeknown to him it had bent the stub axle and it was only noticed the following morning. Scott also took the exit off angle and slightly bent a rim. They had survived the Old Coach Road only to do damage right at the end.

That night we enjoyed the camp sites at Jowlbinna after 7 and a half hours of driving. We were all buggered from the days adventure and after only a few drinks we hit the pillows. The next day Martin noticed his car had on oil leak and the sump had to be removed and put back in while David and Tina's camper, with the bent stub axle, was assessed.

The camping area









David and Tina's camper and Martins car in the foreground



The camper being assessed, you can see the wheel is on an angle



Working on Martins car with the sump being taken off and being reattached.









A massive thank you to Yogi, Symon and Geoff for the work they put in to getting Martin back on the road. They left an hour after the main group to make sure that it was good to go. Typical MySwag effort.

Unfortunately the heavy over night dew over the last 2 nights had us leaving around 9.00 to 10.00am each morning where we had to wait till the sun came up to dry some of the canvas. This made us arrive later than expected at some places.


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[McGirr]

After overnighting at Archer River, Dulhunty River was calling. David and Tina were heading to Weipa to get a new stubb axle for the camper,  Symon was also heading there to get a new CV joint and replace a spring that had popped out while doing the Old Coach Road.  (Unfortunately David and Tina headed back to Cairns after arriving at Weipa as the part for their camper was going to take longer than expected, you guys were sorely missed). The rest of us arrived at Bramwell Junction for lunch and fueled up. After inspecting Palm Creek we decided to bypass it and take the Bamaga Road, cut in through Heathlands to get to Dulhunty River from the north.

Entrance to Archer River camp sites. We normally camp in the back section.



Archer River itself is a very short walk from the camp sites.








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[McGirr]

This back up plan worked well in our favor as once we arrived at Dulhunty there was more than enough room for all of us with only 2 other campers there. We had 2 large sites opposite each other with plenty of room. It was hard not to spend most of the time swimming and sitting in the river which we did. That night Yogi put on a show with his disco lights and beverages flowed and flowed and flowed more. A new dance called "The Dulhunty" was derived thanks to Yogi, Scot, Kerry, Olivia, Elisa, Lyn and Shaun. The next mornings recovery session was spent back in the river. Symon arrived the last night at Dulhunty.

Our campsites at Dulhunty





Dulhunty River



After arriving and setting up camp we hit the river





We decided a better spot in the River was needed where we could sit in the cool water







The bar arrived



We were actually sitting where you cross the River



That night our DJ let loose and the dancing started

Featuring the Rapper "Yogi" with his disco light. The album is out soon.





Scot complained the following morning that someone had spiked his drink but when I went to see him the next morning I had to move the empty coronas from his camp.






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Next on the itinerary was Eliot Falls and saying good bye to Dulhunty River we took the rest of the southern OTT crossing Gunshot with a steep but easy drop in after re shaping the crossing. The track out needed some power to get up due to the steep incline and plenty lifted their wheels.

The track in.















The track out.












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We came upon a guy who was with 2 others and he decided to take on a mud hole. He sank to the diffs and could not get out. We bypassed them.





What not to do.


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[McGirr]

The last crossing was Cockatoo Creek. A steep drop in and muddy at the bottom before hitting the water. We tried to reshape it but the campers would drag you into the mud. But being experienced drivers we had no problem. Thanks to Taka for guiding us at the start and Chris, Yogi and Renno for standing in the water and guiding everyone through.





The drop in.



















Crossing the creek.














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After crossing Cockatoo Creek we stopped on the other side for quick lunch break where their are toilets and a large camping area. with the the bypass road  not far away we stopped briefly at Sheldon's Lagoon and after splashing at the waters edge all the turtles come up and came over to the bank. A great surprise for everyone.











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We arrived at Eliots Falls in the early afternoon to our pre booked campsites and set up camp. A great place to relax and enjoy the falls. A special place to swim in pristine clear waters with no crocs.

The water crossing before Eliot Falls



Twin Falls, a tree has fallen into the top section of the falls since my last trip.





Eliot Falls, just around the corner from Twin Falls.











The saucepan which is the closet falls to the campsites



Fruit Bat Falls is the first falls you come to after leaving the bypass roads before continuing on to Eliots. It's day use only but may open up in the future to camping there.














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Canal Creek, which is just down from the turn off to Eliot Falls, is another great spot to swim. This is the place to camp for people who don't book in to any of the sites at Eliot Falls.

















Geoff the mobile Barman, he will go topless for an extra $50




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We had to cross Canal Creek to continue our trek north and some decided to have another quick swim that was so tempting.













Next time Symon let me know your taking a photo so I can hold me stomach in.




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[McGirr]

After Canal Creek we travelled a few more Klms to Sam Creek which was an easy crossing before taking the side track back to the Bypass Road.










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[McGirr]

Our next plan was to camp at Cotterell River. We took the turn off from the bypass road and only a couple of Klms down the track we came to the log bridge crossing at crystal creek. With guidance from Yogi and Symon we continued on the rough corrugated road and arrived on the beach for the 28 Klms drive to the river. The sand was soft in some areas and a number of us got bogged. Yogi had gone ahead and came back with the news that the place is packed out.

We decided that some of us would backtrack and head to the Jardine Ferry and camp there for the night before heading to Seisia a day early while others would camp on the beach for the next 2 nights and try their luck at fishing.

The log bridge















The beach run





Playing in the sand





Camping on the beach





Enjoying the fishing and sunsets














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Unbeknown to us the group camping at the beach decided to do the northern part of the OTT before heading up to Seisia. The sneaky guys. The group included Taka and his dad, Scot, Yogi and Symon. Martin had to head back to Cairns after camping on the beach.

Cannibal Creek











Lagoon Creek





Oops









Nolan's











A wash out just north of Nolan's where the cars with campers needed a snatch out








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The next 3 / 4 days was spent relaxing and enjoying each others company and the fantastic campsites. The other group arrived and set up camp close by. We did the usual drive to the Cape for group and individual photos where I proposed to my partner Penny. No better place than at the very tip of Australia. Thanks to Geoff, Kay, Mark, Kerry and Symon who assisted in the preparation and keeping it a secret. By the way she did say yes. We headed back after taking all the photos at the tip and decided while the tide was low to take some photos with all the cars lined up on the beach.

Our campsite, "Camp MySwag"













Helicopter tours leaving from the beach





A view towards the beach close to the tip.



Proposing to Penny





Lining the cars up on the beach











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Unfortunately our time at Seisia was up and we all started our trek back and Archer River was our stop that afternoon. Luke and family had another night before heading south to Bramwell Station. We arrived early and after setting up for an overnighter we gathered our chairs and set up to relax and reminisce about the trip we experienced while enjoying drinks and nibbles. The Old Coach Rd was the highlight of most people. The next day we said our goodbyes and headed back to Cairns.

A massive thank you to everyone for coming on the trip. From the drivers of the support vehicles, their off siders and to all the members who enjoyed their first trip to the Cape.

The support vehicles without them we would not have had the fun we did.

Symon


Yogi


Chris


GeoffA, Geoff and Kay, it's always an honor to have you both on these trips. Your camper was always party central and Kay's roasts were unbelievable, in fact a winner in the Roast Competition. Its a long drive from Vic and the effort to come on these trips is appreciated by everyone. In fact, Geoff, you were always the first to keep our thirsts quenched, always offering beers. Many thanks to you both for everything especially for the surprise for Penny. Both Penny and I appreciate it.

MarkVS, after doing the Gulf last year, you exceeded all expectations and tackled everything on the trip. It was great to catch up with you, Kerry, Olivia and Elisa. You started with L plates and achieved green P's at the end, in fact I hear by grant you an open off road license. Also many thanks to you both for assisting in the surprise for Penny. Again Penny and I thank you. Mark, also, thanks for your jokes and attempted stirring.

Symon, you are the Cape Expert, assisting in recoveries, compiling all the photos and videos so that they could all be shared and stopping to take some amazing pics of the trip. Your always happy to assist the photographers with advice and knowledge. I am sure many will remember your assistance in this. Mate, your Dampers are award winning and deserved the award for best Damper.

Yogi good to catch up again Yogi and great to see Renno survived the first night of merriment. Also a big thanks to you both in the recoveries. You both should start a 2 man show together.Yogi,  "The Wippen"  is still going strong. Renno it was a pleasure meeting you and thoroughly enjoyed your company on the trip.

Barraboy, Martin and Shaun thanks for coming along on another trip and your sense of humor and Shaun's guitar playing around the fire was great. It is always good to see you both on these trips.

Scoot, Scot did you break the mould on this trip or what. It was fantastic to see you over indulge in the evening festivities on many occasions. You really have the "Dulhunty Dance" down pat. One day William will have dinner on time. Thanks for coming mate.

Mokia and Taka, thanks for attending your third trip to the Cape. It was a pleasure having you both along. Look forward to catching up again in the future.

The Casey's, David and Tina this trip was a non event due to the stub axle but living in Cairns I am sure you guys will get to the top sooner than later. We all enjoyed the short time you were with us. David would have to be the best dressed each evening. Thanks for attending the trip.

Swanny, Luke, you and Leanne, Neve and Sam enjoyed yourselves all the time. Your first trip up and you are spending more time there exploring the area. It's never easy with young kids but you guys nailed it. You all had a great time which was great to see. Your kids will never forget this trip. Thanks for your company.

Mobi, this was your first trip for you and Lyne and you both had a great time. Look forward to catching up with you both on future trips. These trips are never easy but you both came through with flying colors. Thanks for coming and taking on the challenge.

Chris J, thanks again for following me to the Cape. There was no OKA but the BT50 handled well. Your assistance on numerous tracks was appreciated and to your off sider Ray, it's was a pleasure meeting you even though you guys headed back early. Thanks to your both for your company.

To everyone, thank you for making this trip another memorable one. We got the best spots available at every place and everyone enjoyed each others company and the jokes and laughs were always forth coming. To the photographers, WOW, the pics are amazing and I would have loved to add all of them. To everyone who assisted when help was needed also a big thank you. You will all have some Cape dust in your vehicles to remind you of a fantastic trip.



Thank you again to everyone for coming, Mark and Penny.


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[Supersi]

Mark, what a great report, thank you for making the effort to share with us.

[gclan]

Fantastic report and pics!

It looks like a great trip was had by all.

Great job Mark, and congratulations to you and Penny


cheers
Karen

[scoot]

I was smiling all the way through that Mark. Captured the moments perfectly.

[torsion]

Top effort guys. Unreal photo's and report.

[Watty2975]

Fantastic, great challenging trip. Well done guys

Mark, congratulations to you and Penny, what a great place to create the memory.

[Symon]

Nice write up Mark.  As always the people are what makes these trips, everything else is just a bonus

Can't wait until the next one.

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