Thread: Cape York and snorkel

Originally Posted by roverrescue

That top photo, is that the Alice, is usually the deepest, but if you hang right heading north (left in slunnie photo) its not as deep, with a tarp you should be able to bow wave it? Plenty of stockers go up the OTL every year? Dont get me wrong a snorkel is good insurance. I think this same question was asked on exploroz by a guy in a hilux just a week or so ago, Duncan from Cairns Offroad gave similar advice, take it easy, use a tarp, watch others???? I imagine he has led a bucket load of stockers to the top?
I went a looking for all my old photos of that crossing Slunnie from 03 thru to last year (03 in early may was deepest) but cant seem to track em down?

regards
Steve

Gday Steve,

We did follow a couple of Toys through there who took the same line, though it wasn't until later when chatting to some others that we realised you could stick to the sides and stay shallow. Makes sense though. I'm not sure what the name of the crossing is though. It was not far north of Bramwell station on the OTL though. When heading north as you drop in you then turn left and follow the river up before the hole just before the exit.

Originally Posted by Diff

Slunnie, You were gamer than me with the last photo crossing. We turned around at that point as the depth measured over the door handle and we couldn't gample on soaking everything whith how quickly the water comes into the disco doors

Its a bit like that. That one was an anxious crossing as the main route through was nipple deep - quite literally. That line I took was as shallow as it was going to get.

I went up the Cape last year with some friends.

I wouldn't recommend anyone do it without a snorkel.

Ok, it costs money - but so does a new engine. For the peace of mind in river crossings it is worth every penny.

Doesn't take much of a bow / wash wave to wash into your air-intake either.

Originally Posted by Slunnie

Its a bit like that. That one was an anxious crossing as the main route through was nipple deep - quite literally. That line I took was as shallow as it was going to get.

Sure was we were there about this time last year. The kids loved swimming there the water was so clear.

We had water over the rear vision mirror for a second on Cockatoo creek. Got stuck in the middle of the creek on battle camp.

Can you do the cape without a snorkle, Yes. will you be confident, No. You can push water but if you get stuck or stop that water is going to come in and believe me if your car doesn't start when your at gunshot and you look at the broken axles you quickly realise there is no flatbed around the corner

Mate, fit the snorkel. I unseen pothole in a crossing could cost you alot more than a re-build. It's a long tow to somewhere for ANY significant mechanical repair. You could set aside a day in Cairns and get one fitted. it's really really cheap insurance. Have fun, it's a great place.