(HELP) Traveling mate pulled out of trip

July would be peak season for Simpson crossings, so even if something was to happen I don't think help would be too far away. (You will be outside school holidays so you may have to wait a few hours, instead of minutes - well maybe I exaggerate slightly).

We were in a similar situation in 2000, when friends baled out part way into our trip (Ni$$an broke). When we rolled into Dalhousie it had been 42 that day (late sept), we decided that if the forecast cooler weather didn't arrive we woudn't do the crossing solo. Next morning was MUCH cooler, so we spent a great 3 days meandering across the desert.

We had hired a HF set for peace of mind, kids were between 8 and 11.

Go for it.
(Comments for the Simpson section - no experience with Gunbarrel bit)



Martyn

Ex wife & I did the Simpson, Gunbarrel, Canning, Gibb River etc solo in 1997 in a Series III. We did have an HF radio and reasonable tools & spares, but nothing fancy.

If you are well prepared and have good experience, there's no reason not to go.

I concur with 'Bushie' re the Simpson crossing - very popular trip (French Line / WAA and Rig Rd) and therefore help is never too far away. Also, you seem to be well set up with comms gear etc and after all, when driven sensibily, the Simpson is not really hard on vehicles.

The Gunbarrell on the other hand is somewhat more remote by way of being less travelled. It is heavily corrugated and therefore IMHO harder on vehicles, however once again you seem to be well equipped and prepared and driven sensibily you should be OK.

I would therefore suggest that you don't put it off, life is too short, just go, take it easy and enjoy the trip.

Just make shure you have all your ---- in one sock and go, just go easy. The harder you push it the more likely their will be a vehical failure. We had the Gunbarrel to our selves 18 months ago and it was great.:D

I reckon that if you enjoy your own company and are well prepared, go for it. It would be a magnificent trip. But I would take a sat phone. There would be nothing worse than sitting out there with a broken vehicle not being able to contact anyone, knowing there are things such as sat phones ...

Willem

Quote:

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Originally Posted by willem

I reckon that if you enjoy your own company and are well prepared, go for it. It would be a magnificent trip. But I would take a sat phone. There would be nothing worse than sitting out there with a broken vehicle not being able to contact anyone, knowing there are things such as sat phones ...

Willem

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I think that's the second recommendation "to take a sat phone" but IMHO he is already well equipped with HF Radio & Epirb.

I realise sat phones have their uses but with the HF radio you are able to contact a whole network of help from poeple experienced in remote area travel and more than likely know the nature of the area being travelled. Much nore useful than contacting one person via phone who is likely to ask "where the nearest cross street is".
And you can still use the HF Radio to phone someone direct if that need arises.

x2 above

Having sat phone would also give the option of internet access wouldnt it???
A godsend if you are stuck.
Yes the HF radios are great,but going solo I would like both technologies to call upon.
One of those Honda inverter gen sets would also be handy,just in case!!!
Andrew