We're in Cooktown

[Damo]

Hi guys,

We made it to cooktown & are heading north tomorrow. I'm in 2 minds (well 3 actually) as to which way to go...........across to Lakeland & up the PDR, via Battlecamp to Laura or via Battlecamp & then through Lakefield.

Can you guys in the know please advise what you would recommend considering we are solo (will hopefully hookup with someone along the way).

Thanks
Damo

[geoffjy]

All depends on the weather. Whats it like there at the moment? Blue or grey skies?

[Damo]

Grey skies today & a few spots of rain. Windy as hell but i hear that's normal :rolleyes:

[batesy]

All depends on the weather. Whats it like there at the moment? Blue or grey skies?

Sit down near Cook's monument and wait til a wind bullet fires down Charlotte Street.

You'll hear before you feel it.

No lie.

[geoffjy]

The rain is slowly heading south so i dont think it will be long before its down there.

The PDR will be a good road to travel however not very interesting. There are roadworks between Lakeland and Laura as well so expect short delays. Through Battlecamp to Laura should be ok. If i had the time however, i would be doing Battlecamp then Lakefield but am not sure as to the road conditions for this one.

If it does start to rain before you leave Cooktown, i would be more inclined to do it on the way back and head up the PDR.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[Damo]

Hi guys, we just arrived in Bamaga.

Decided against Lakefield, will do it on the way back.

Stayed the first night at Musgrave, then Moreton, Gunshot, then Sam Creek.

Drove the southen section of the OTL to Cockatoo. Gunshot was easy (not the monster it used to be), track in pretty ordinary condition, crossings have a bit of water in them especially Ducie. Cockatoo was flowing extremely fast & was about windscreen height so we turned around & took the bypass.

Bypass road near Captain Billy's turnoff in extremely bad condition, chopped up in several sections & very slippery.

Did a few crossings on the northrn OTL but were warned off attempting Nolan's due to recent rain so took the track out to the bypass. Bypass in ok condition, few small washouts & holes, few corrugations but generally ok.

Currently at Seisia, will spent a little while around this area before heading south & exploring a bit more.

[geoffjy]

Good to see you made it Damo. Thanks for the OTL report, i have been wondering what its been like after all the rain.