With my parents (Gilbert and Coby) having purchased a new camper for their trip to the Kimberley, we had the camper trailer in tow to see how the old 'Cruiser would handle the added weight up Cunningham's gap. Fortunately we made it up the hill unscathed but not without holding up all of the traffic while we crawled up the hill at just over 40km/h. Thank you everybody in the convoy for being patient with us. Having put the range behind us we pushed on to the campground and got ourselves set up.
We set off for a quick drive before lunch and headed toward Fig Tree Lane where we came across a pretty steep descent. In the process of us making our way down the skies opened and it started pouring with rain. Reaching the bottom we got to a tricky section on Spring Hill that had collected a lot of water making it a bit slippery. Overall though, there was enough traction to be found and with a little bit of guidance past a pesky post that threatened to do some damage we made our way through. Thankfully the rain stopped and we continued along Main Street and up to Love Hill. There were great views all around and we stopped to survey the land. Having reached the bottom we arrived at the Playpatch where we had a go at a couple of technical challenges.
Cameron and Mark making their way back down Love Hill
Mark negotiating a tight spot between the trees
And then myself through the same spot
On our way back we decided to take a quick detour up the Rusty Tank. The ground was a bit softer here and with a few rocks thrown in here and there it made things a bit slippery. As Cameron and Kylie made their way up the track we heard they called out on the radio that they were stuck. Unfortunately they weren't just stuck they had managed to get themselves right off the track. As there were no good winching points, Ben decided the best course of action was actually to take them further off the track and to rejoin it past the tree. With all of us safely back on the track we made our way back to the camp without any further incident.
Cameron and Kylie after sliding off the track
Ben leading the way off the track
Back on the track
Having had lunch we decided to take a longer afternoon drive and this time made our way along Main Street toward Kanga Ramp. At this point Ben decided to take on a steep track that lead out of the small creek alongside the road. Despite using both lockers and giving it a few tries, he was only able to get about 5 metres each time before he had all four wheels spinning.
Ben attempting the slippery slope
Having given up on the slippery slope Ben made his way along the creek and we joined him at the entrance of VB Gulch, where he made his way up Toohey's Lane. Toohey's lane being a bit too difficult for those of us without modifications Ben suggested that I try the final part of VB Gulch which had ruts that were just big enough to make things difficult. Unfortunately there just wasn't enough traction along the sides of the ruts and each time I slid back in and got hung up with nowhere to go. Having given it a good try we decided that it wasn't going to happen and I made a slow backward retreat down the hill.
Eyeing up our approach
Giving it one last try
With VB Gulch getting the better of me we continued along Russel Gulley and then on to Loopy31. Having not encountered any more trouble on the way it seemed as if Ben was in the mood to crack out the winch and promptly lead Mark directly into some trouble on one of the muddy sections of the aptly named Mudhole Loop. Ben, still waiting with the winch decided to guide Mark up another track, which I'm sure he thought was going to claim it's victim. Unfortunately for Ben, Mark was definitely not in the mood for the "winch of shame" and drove straight through it without a problem.
Mark retreating out of the mud
Mark at the top of the "second" attempt
With a little bit of back and forth we managed to get Mark back on the track and we were on our way again. A short drive later we were at Bald Nob for another 360 degree view of the area. After a descent down Bald Nob lane we were back on to Main Street and on our way back to camp. On the way back Ben took the opportunity to show the difference coil springs and bigger tyres makes and easily ascended VB Gulch (this is all just adding to the ammunition that I need to do a couple of upgrades).
Stopped at Bald Nob
Ben making VB Gulch look easy
Arriving back at camp we were just in time to watch a couple of people have a go at Beer O'Clock Hill. After the Springs' pink Landcruiser got up a couple of Nissan Patrols attempted it but unfortunately no others were successful. While we were watching the skies once again burst and we rushed to get the fire started. Thankfully the rain passed over us within about 15min and we were free to enjoy the rest of the evening without the weather playing any further part.
Ben and the kids getting the fire going
Sitting around the campfire
Unfortunately, in the morning Cameron and Kylie had to leave us. They had to stop in Toowoomba on their way back to Brisbane so already had a long day even without a morning drive. So the rest of us set off this time to try some tracks on the other side of the park. After a few "warm up exercises" by Ben we were on our way. Heading up along the Bushman Walk we then found ourselves at the bottom of Highway Hill. Ben was able to easily negotiate Highway Hill but it seemed like it was going to be a challenge for the rest of us. Despite both of us having a good look up the track Mark's attempt resulted in a bent side step as he slid in to a small stump to the side of the track. Unfortunately, even with a few more attempts he wasn't able to get past the tricky start of the track. Next was my turn but as I came to the same spot the car began to slide into the same stump that Mark had hit. In the spirit of avoiding any more damage we decided to leave the track and push on.
Ben's warm up
Mark at the bottom of Highway Hill
Our route continued along Bushman Walk and we found ourselves back at the office and so decided to have some fun in The Skids. After a few drives along the articulation course we all had a go at driving through the water hole.
Making a mess
The articulation run
Ben in the water hole
My turn
Mark's turn
And on the way out
Having played enough we set back up Bushman Walk but this time made an ascent up Snorkle before coming back down Guinness Walk and then dropping down in to Boof's Gulley. Boof's Gulley was a nice little challenge where wheel placement was key so as not to lose traction. On the way back to camp Ben was keen to tackle Carona, a track we had seen on our travels the day before. On his first go Ben was stopped just short of the top but being the steep hill it was the car wouldn't start again. After a shaky roll back down and avoiding the tree, the gold Cruiser scrambled it's way over the top. In the meantime Mark had made his way along the creek that ran alongside the track and we were reunited back at the bottom. Unfortunately, it was time to go and after a short lunch and the inevitable pack up, we were on the road back home.
Ben taking on Carona
The view of the storms from the top of Cunningham's Gap
Big thanks to everybody on the trip, it was a fantastic weekend!
