Post by strop2 on Jun 4, 2015 12:28:03 GMT 8
This situation occurred in early Jan-Mar 2015, Australia.
About the Car:
A 2006 Holden Barina with a 1.6lt motor, automatic transmission. Purchased originally for driving around Darwin, when I flew in to do my Taxes and somewhere to sleep when accommodation was scarce in Darwin. It was bought for a good price from a person who was being posted overseas.
Photo 1: The actual car I used.
Aim of the Scenario:
Get out of comfort zone and do it hard in a small car not designed for the purpose I was using it. Change sleep patterns, drive and rest periods constantly changing, and always departing overnight locations when it was still dark. Maintain situational awareness, to remain accident free with night time driving. Speak to Towns people regarding houses and properties in the areas I passed through.
Locations:
Northern Territory (NT) and Queensland (QLD) of Australia; specifically - Stuart Highway from Darwin to Tennant Creek, Threeways through QLD to the gemfields vicinity Emerald and on to greater Brisbane area north.
Equipment Taken:
Camping equipment, various survival aids, tools to help with car breakdown/repair, protection/security gear, hunting gear (55lb Chinese Horsebow), 20lt of fuel, 3 day bag, first aid kit, maps, food and water for two weeks, fossicking/prospecting pans and detectors, and spare clothing (including hiking boots).
My Initial Plan:
To arrive at Tennant Creek and obtain a Miners Right, head to the nearby goldfields, do some digging/detecting, then drive south to Gem Tree (north of Alice Springs) to fossick for Zircons, then drive to QLD and fossick for sapphires, visit my best mate in Brisbane, do a Boating activity (boating activity is Bug Out By Boat 2), sort out Aussie tax, and return to Darwin.
Issues:
1. Unexpected flooding rains from the south of Australia caused major flooding on numerous northern sections of the Stuart Highway - no gold detecting, no Gem tree and I was lucky not to be cut off vicinity Tennant Creek.
2. Entered QLD earlier than anticipated, with threats of more floods occurring in QLD. On the return journey from Brisbane to Camooweal, only one Highway was open due to severe flooding with some debris on the road.
3. I stayed in my small car for long periods of time and this caused (for the first time ever) severe swelling of my feet and lower legs (I was lucky not to get full on Deep Vein Thrombosis).
4. No fossicking/prospecting equipment was used. I did manage to drive around and recce the Towns of Sapphire and Rubyvale.
Lessons Learnt:
1. Nature will always have the final say. I was prepared for rains in the north of Australia but not coming from the south or east, as these were unexpected, it was difficult to pre-plan when major road systems are cut.
2. I have never had swollen feet before, when riding motorbikes I was always bouncing on the seat, when driving long distance I would have a 15kg drive shaft that I would stop and exercise with or a dog to walk and run. For this trip, I did have 1kg dumb bells and foot weights that I used but needed cardio leg movement to make the blood flow. This was the most important lesson, since it was a totally new experience for me.
3. If I had a 4x4 for Bugging Out, it would not have changed what I did during my trip, except maybe visit a deserted farm near Mt Isa, because I didn't want to chance crossing a creek in the small Barina. Driving off road in the NT leads to bogging which has been proven with numerous Army exercises in the NT.
4. Need to rest more out of the car. You can get used to the security and confinement which can lead to 'narrow vision'.
5. INTEL - info from maps and internet were very useful when determining routes due to floods. GPS could be useful if satellites are operating and the GPS remains serviceable.
Summary:
I always like an experience and this was nothing different. A 4x4 with recovery gear would be great next trip and really go off road by myself. I have previously travelled extensively throughout the north and middle of Australia in 4x4/6x6 cars and 4x4 trucks . Travelling in Winter months offers better results but when will that SHTF event occur?
Traveling around, playing with load lists to get 'must haves',' like to haves' sorted is great.
All of my gear must have duel purpose use, which is sometimes difficult. But I can justify carrying pans/sieves and detectors for the variety it gives when camping but not during SHTF.
it was also great speaking with Town people from various locations.
Photo 2: Signs - Americans got lost in France when the Germans swapped or removed signs during WW2. This also happened to the Americans at Shoalwater Bay, QLD when Australian Army Engineers changed on the road and facility signs when a Marine Task Force landed there. The Americans got lost for 3 days and they had GPS. Signs can be used or misused. Always use trip meters or GPS if working, to confirm your location. Double checking is good.
Photo 3: Road Condition signs. Will only be accurate if authorities are coping with conditions in their area. Play it safe and drive safe.
