Where did all the water go....

[D4D]

To the outback. It is going to be a good year to see the outback this year, if you can get there that is.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/07/3131891.htm

This is Anna Creek homestead

[Duchess]

If the bloody tide ever goes out it will be! 

We're in the planning stages of a double corner trip, Haddons and Cameron but we're not confident of it being done this year. With the inland sea that is out there and it hasn't stopped raining and continues to do so, we might not be doing this trip till 2012!

[davo69 and the Nurse]

I watched the 4WD Action DVD with Graham in the Simpson Desert, and it was green and sprouting wildflowers then.... and it must look like a tropical oasis now!

So jealous, I can't get there to see it either.

the Nurse

[Hauler]

We made it down to Cameron Corner from Brisbane last September.  We couldn't believe it as the roads had been closed off and on for most of the year leading up to it and they opened up 4 days before we arrived in magnificent weather.  This year is starting off wetter than last year (and that's saying something) but you never know your luck......   I wanted to get back to Corner Country with my young fella but like everyone else I'll play it by ear.....

[Fivid]

We are hoping to see Haddon, Cameron and Poeppel corners in April...  Part of our Simpson Desert trip.  Keeping an eye out on rainfall and forecasts.  If we can't do the drive across the Simpson not sure where we will go instead...

[darren]

Bad news every one..... I am planning to cross the Simpson in April so yes, It will rain, be in flood, and be closed..

[Duchess]

Thanks for that Darren...that's really helpful...  

[Fivid]

When are you going Darren?  We are leaving Albury Sat 9 April and should be leaving Birdsville on 14th, taking 4 days to get to Dalhousie.  From what you are saying, maybe I should take the muds instead of the ATs?

[gronk]

When are you going Darren?  We are leaving Albury Sat 9 April and should be leaving Birdsville on 14th, taking 4 days to get to Dalhousie.  From what you are saying, maybe I should take the muds instead of the ATs?

After what Darren just said, I wouldn't be doing any planning anywhere near the same times.....

Darren, what about a quick trip over to WA this weekend.....they're sick of this dry weather !!!!

[darren]

Up through white cliffs, tipoburra, bore track to inaminka, north to birdsville, across the Simmo, (maybe a diversion in the middle) dalhousie, Mt dare. Then either back across the Qaa or south to Maree then back to birdsville and out through Windora
I have planned this trip so many times lately it feels like ive been

[SteveandViv]

Thanks for that Darren...that's really helpful...  

Yes. Very helpful. Actually it maybe .. We are heading to the Cape so it may not rain across the Gulf as we travel there. well done Darren. Keep those rain gods happy where ever you may be 

[GU_Thomo]

Bad news every one..... I am planning to cross the Simpson in April so yes, It will rain, be in flood, and be closed..

Just the way you like it (except for the closed bit)

Cheers
Parry

[Redback]

Well in 2005 we crossed a very wet Simpson desert, there was so much water and mud around it clings to the underside of the car and because of how slow you travel at, the mud stops air flow to things like your transmission, as soon as the transmission warning light would come on we would pull up have morning tea, or lunch or if it was late afternoon, camp for the night.

To give you an idea of how wet it was, here's a couple of vids.



A couple that we met at Poepel Corner


Car and camper after the crossing at the Blanche Cup


Baz.

[D4D]

A couple that we met at Poepel Corner

A Rangie in the bush, they're living on the edge

[darren]

We had similar in 98, We were alone and had no glass in the landrover. The water in the swails in the eastern side was comming over the bonnet...It was a battle

I'm not going to mention my trip again because it probably wont happen

[Redback]

A Rangie in the bush, they're living on the edge

And it had 20" rims and low profile road tyres, $175,000 worth of RRSport.

Baz.

[Silvo]

And it had 20" rims and low profile road tyres, $175,000 worth of RRSport.

Baz.

good on them..

[D4D]

Mate of mine had one of the first Sports in the country. They are impressive with road tyres at highway pressures...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63nddhvxpSk

[Redback]

Anyway enough of the RRS, the clay pans between the dunes were fairly muddy in places and with the camper on made it a tad worse, a couple of times we thought we might get stuck, but a few extra revs got us through, the depth along the track from Purnie Bore to the Spring Creek Delta bypass road varied from hub height to close to bonnet height, very slippery in places and as the road camber to both sides, it's important to get to the middle of the track, or you risk sliding off into the gutter on either side of the track, which can be hard at times, when you can't see the side of the track

One thing we learnt from this trip, was it wasn't always a good idea to go around the standing water as these were some of the muddiest areas, it was better to actually go straight through the large water holes, as this was were the ground was harder and provided better grip, testing it out was a bit nerve racking at times though

Baz.

[WilSurf]

I hope some water will reach WA.
It is so dry here.

[darren]

Iw you take a whip around and pay for enough fuel and southern comfort i will help you out.