Einträge mit dem Tag ‘Simpson Desert’

In true and typical raging research mode, I went on a quest on the Internet looking for answers to a seemingly simple question, Wheel Spacers - Good or Bad? I posted the question on three different bush whacking, rock smacking, hardcore 4×4 forums, one in South Africa, one in the USA and the other in Oz. The results were rather interesting to say the least and I am now more confused then before. But that’s not the point

Before I take it any further I have to say that I neither mean any disrespect, nor do I intend to mock anybody or sound condescending. I just find it rather fascinating how different perceptions can be. It’s in the eye of the beholder, yes? Pursuant to my concerns and questions posted I received this, no doubt well meant reply:

Having taken a fully loaded and that is at GVM across the Simpson Desert and for an extended off-road and remote area tracks evaluation covering over 3500km I do not agree with your assessment of the potential risks.

Fun in the Namib

Allrighty then, me thought. Through the desert, fully loaded, 3500km at GVM, sounds just like the kinda scenario Wohni was conceptualised for. Strange enough, while the thread was going on and on, participants pointing out who has the mostest experience and the bestest knowledge, it was only two days later when I thought to myself “let’s check out this ominous Simpson Desert”. After all, there are all kinds of desert. Amongst many others the Sahara, largest of them all, the Moab, rock crawlers paradise or the mighty Namib, the oldest one of them all with the highest shifting dunes in the world, towering some 300 metres into the air.

Just to recap, the Namib is quasi right at our door step and my main photographic interest is the desert, especially dunes. Which makes it slightly important to conceptualise and build a rig suitable to traversing these areas and capable of taking the abuse and strain, both terrain and environment will confront it with.

Which brings us to the Simpson Desert and the challenges it presents to man and machine:

Big Red

Let's Go!

Big Red, also known by its aboriginal name as Nappamerri, is a huge sand dune in the Simpson Desert that stands approximately 90 metres above sea level and 35 metres above the plain, although height may vary due to winds and dunal movement. This sand dune which sits 33kms west of Birdsville in Queensland, provides an extremely challenging feat for 4WD enthusiasts although it is not necessary to scale its height to traverse the Simspon Desert as there are alternative routes. Source: Exploroz

No further comment, yet, besides trying to show (with the video footage below) what a dune can be, I’m happy to use this opportunity to introduce iDream Africa. Because I love what these guys are doing and because together with them I had the best fun you can have with your clothes on - with much more of it yet to come.

Keep it straight,

Tommy

iDreamAfrica - “Don’t Try This At Home” (00:15)

iDreamAfrica - “Desert Adventure” (04:31)

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