For us, Al and I, our trip started at 5.00a.m. on Saturday 20 July 2002. We entered Candyman, which weighed in at 680kg the day before, and our total combined weight, including 115l of fuel was 910kg. At 6.00a.m. we were at the Muchea rendevous where we met with Ralph and Viv in Beancan, Elaine in Candoit and John and Cees in the Pajero. The convoy had formed and we were en route to the Canning Stock Route.

First action was at New Norcia where Beancan blew an oil pipe, which was fixed with the magical 5 minute steel.

When we arrived at Paynes Find Candoit had low pressure in one tyre, attributed to mud in the bead from the mud crab run. We utilised the compressor to re mount the tyre whilst Beancan received another coat of 5 minute steel.

First camp was on the track between Paynes Find and Sandstone about 80km before Sandstone. Everyone experimented with camp setup and worked out the best ways to make camp.

On Sunday we were off to Sandstone, where we arrived about 10.00a.m. After a quick look around one of the last towns with no bitumen roads we met at the pub, where the publican opened for us and provided liquid gold to warm our bellies. We explored the old brewery and the London bridge before heading out towards Wiluna.

We arrived at Wiluna, refueled and entered the Canning Stock Route in the rain. We camped as soon as a suitable site presented itself. We had traveled 623 miles and used 53l of fuel, averaging 52 miles to the gallon. The rain at the second camp was collected and after some star gazing an early night was had by all.

Monday started with a grease up of the cars and a carburetor change for Candoit. After a late start we all had our first taste of rocky outcrops, corrugations, wash-a-ways and spent most of the day changing from second to first.

All were amazed at the continual changes in terrain, flaura and all were waiting to see those camels.

The original Stock Route was closed and we were required to detour through Cunyu Station. As no camping was allowed on this detour we camped early and enjoyed a good clear night of star gazing before retiring.

Water was gathered wherever possible, from both wells and springs.

At the first dunes there was no problem, just some loose sand, then the real issue became evident - clearance. It does not matter how much traction you have if your belly is on the ground and your wheels are in the ruts. Our option was to leave the main track and run along a parralell track. Rather than face the fire risk from the spinafex and ruin the surroundings we elected to turn around and return home. We had traveled 350km of the 1800km Canning Stock Route, stopping just short of well 11.

We returned by the same route to well 9 or weld springs where we relaxed in the grass and freshened up.

We detoured at well 9 and returned home via the Gunbarrel Highway, at one stop some replaced a starter motor and others relaxed.

The last camp was just out of Paynes Find, and in the morning ice was on top of bedding and cars alike.

We said our goodbyes at Muchea and all went our own ways.

Total distance traveled: 1703miles

Total fuel used: 166l

Average consumption: 46 miles per gallon

Digital Photographs courtesy of Ralph.