b'Dec 2022 Trackwatch.qxp_Trackwatch Layout 17/12/202210:21 pmPage 25Madigan Camp 2 Colson Track IntersectionCamp 7 was very exposed to the wind, and with rain appropriately photographed.spitting we moved on hoping Camp 8 would be better. The With the sand warming, the tailenders had to have alast dune before Camp 8 was a real test with all but the couple of tries to get over dunes. Jo was an absolute200 series getting over. The 200 was buried soooo deep standout, with a very appropriate vehicle, 3L Nissan andwe thought anytime soon it would be in artesian water. With her great driving skills.vehicles in front and behind, the track was well blocked. Robin encouraged us with information or comments afterJo and Leo decided they were up for chicken track he had traversed dunes. Today was a day to tighten yourcreation to get past as it was getting dark; both went in jock straps, boys. opposite directions but managed to get over. Finally, after Leo was on a steep learning curve on this trip, having towhat seemed like 2 hours, the sand let go and the 200 learn the abilities and disabilities (safety features) of thesullenly snuck into camp. (Good old Maxtraxs, shovels and Mazda BT 50. His past dune driving experience was in oura snatch strap) beloved old Nissan. But with expert advice on hand, heStories and jokes around the fire that night, tucked behind learnt the intricacies of modern technology and used itour wind break, was hilarious and at times ???!!! What efficiently. In particular, a flashing 4L meant 4 Low hadgoes on. stays on the bus but a tease or two; Old Farts NOT been selected. wagons, same sex Ranger and the substitution of clippers At Camp 11 there was a notebook in which to makeand razors with control burn using naked flame!!What comment. There we learnt there was a group or two a daycould go wrong? Really there wasnt that much grog or so ahead of us, but we never did see them. We passedconsumed. A great day, thanks everyone. Camps 12 and 13 in the afternoon under blue skies, all in Tshirts now.May 20th, 2022. Trip notes by MaureenThe high dunes were left behind by this time, with moreAfter yesterdays drama on top of a sand dune, and a small bushes among the spinifex. However, the trade-off forpleasant evening in the swales between the dunes, we dunes was a wretchedly rough track over both the long lowwere off again at 8:30am. dunes and the swales, with no let up at all. This was proba-First thoughts - Im mad!!As Robin announces - a few bly due to past traffic hiking along when they could, thusmoguls over the top, then back to crap. creating more corrugations - self-inflicted, you might say!This is the second or third day on the Madigan Line. The So, by Camp 14, all drivers were complaining of soretrack is well formed so we do not have to resort to using shoulders and passengers were also tired of the thumping!GPS. Its a one way track, West to East, so probably no We had intended to camp at 14, but the area was notneed for flags either, although we do have them flying high. conducive to a camp, so we moved on the last 20 kms orThe track is quite firm through the flat areas or swales, but so to Camp 15 on the Hay River, where we shared a campon top of dunes the sand is loose and tracks are covered oven dinner. Robin and Di had done the bulk of theby loose sand as soon as a vehicle moves across.preparation, for which we thanked them by devouring theThe grey box we, (Leo & Maureen), have on the pack scrumptious pork, roast veggies, greens, and red winerack is apparently sliding side to side as we wobble soaked pears and cream. Spoilt rotten were we!through holes up the dunes. If we have to thump up the We were now in beautiful treed, but dry river country. Wedune through the moguls, contents thump inside the box. also met fellow travellers coming up the Hay River TrackI grit my teeth and try to ignore what I know is happening but congratulated ourselves on having crossed theinside the grey box! Madigan Line on the Simpson Desert, joining a growing We had two tries at one dune but had to resort to lettingmore air out - now down to 18 PSI. This, and maybe morespeed, enabled us to meet the crew on the other side.Here and there we are seeing burnt areas, some small,just a bush, others larger areas. Theories abound as to thepurpose and persons or nature responsible. Theconsensus arrived at, I think, was locals igniting areas asthey drove through maybe promoting new, fresh grassgrowth. A big burnt patch provoked a comment - got theirmoneys worth out of that match.A soft dune top provoked the warning from Robin a pig-root there. As a horse rider, I knew what to expect fromthat dune!Fresh camel poo was noted on tracks, but wedidnt see the culprit.Morning tea was had at Camp 9 and the plaqueTRACKWATCHDECEMBER 2022 23'