Monday
Due to the time and weather when we arrived last night we hadn't yet seen Eliot or Twin Falls so we were up early,breakfasted and packed up by 8am. We drove over to the day area to have a look at the falls. The Ducks were dressed ready for a swim but as it was still raining Martin and I decided just to have a look. We walked down along the boardwalk firstly to Eliot Falls where we all walked in the shallow water to take a few photos, then on to Twin Falls. This was my favourite of all three falls - the water was crystal clear, large enough to swim in but small enough that you could see there were no crocs. You never know, some of those deeper ones may have one lurking around somewhere.

Mud Duck and Karen had a swim and assured us it was lovely. We went back to the cars and set out on day two of the OTT. There are four crossings in quick succession - Canal Creek, Sam Creek, Mistake Creek and Cannibal Creek followed by a log bridge over Cyprus Creek. It's then quite a drive to the final crossing Nolan's Brook on Bridge River.

Canal Creek
This was quite a straightforward crossing although there were a few twists and turns to get through.

Sam Creek
This crossing was by far the hairiest so far. A very steep descent into the creek was hard enough without the added impact of the rain. Karen was standing in the creek to guide us down getting absolutely drenched in the meantime. Halfway down the track we slipped a bit to the side putting the van in a very angled position.

Karen did an excellent job guiding us and Martin managed to get both the Patrol and camper through without an incident.

A family in a Hilux followed us through and we let him pass as he was trying to catch up to the rest of his group.

Mistake Creek
This one had a long winding steep descent although the crossing itself was quite straightforward.

A family in a Hilux followed us through and we let him pass as he was trying to catch up to the rest of his group.

Cannibal Creek
Mud Duck describes this crossing as a mini gunshot - a vertical drop of about 2.5 to 3m. After coming down a big S bend where the side walls were higher than the Patrol we had to turn around basically doing a U-turn in the creek and then went up the bank back onto the track.

After we went through this crossing a group of 4 trucks were behind us so we again let them pass. We had a chat for a while as they weren't in any hurry as they were waiting for their friend Bruce to catch up to them. On talking to them we found that they were from Lake Macquarie as well - Gwandalan. Then they mentioned that Bruce was in a Hilux so we told them he'd already passed. So apparently he is trying to chase to catch them thinking they are in front and they are taking their time waiting for him to catch them but their behind him.

Cyprus Creek
Next was Cyprus Creek but this crossing had a log bridge. The bridge does not look strong enough to carry a person let alone a 4WD and camper but we went ahead anyway. Karen and I got out and walked across ready for photos. Mud Duck got across the very narrow bridge and then it was Martin's turn. The wheel base only just fitted on the bridge and the camper wheels are slightly wider so it was going to be tight. He made it across but just as you get across there is a tight banking corner to the right. Mud Duck had already found that the left side of his 4WD slid slightly down as he was going through so warned Martin. As Martin's tyres hit the top of the turn the right tyre went to the ground leaving the left in the air in a precarious position. Karen jumped on the side step to help keep the car from rolling as it slide down onto the track. All looked good so camera's were turned off and Karen went back to her car. As Martin continued the camper did the same this but this time did not want to slide down and it looked like it would defiantly roll. Martin took his time and coaxed the camper onto the track in one piece but it was as close as I ever want to see it.

A long drive then to our next crossing which did not seem to appear on the maps as anything other than "deep ford". It was quite deep and the car bras came out for the first time. Both cars successfully across.

Nolan's Brook
Our final crossing was the infamous Nolan's Brook which to date this season has claimed 35 cars. This crossing looks quite harmless but the soft sandy bottom means that there is little to no steering one you are in and if the momentum gets too slow you virtually dig yourself into a whole. And did I mention that it is chest high water before you start. The guys from Lake Macquarie are here and one has backed down to the water at the exit ready in case he's needed. Car bras on again with snatch strap attached just in case. Mud Duck starts off and gets about half way before he stops. The trailer (which looks like a boat) starts to float as Martin tries to get the snatch strap. All hooked up now and Mud Duck is pulled out.

Now it's our turn. Martin adds a cable tie to the snatch strap to make it easier to get to and into the water we go. We start off steady and are going well when we start to slow. Martin tries to steer and we get some traction, I think we may make this, but then we slow again and stop. Martin keeps the revs up while Mud Duck gets the snatch strap on. We are listing to the left and I feel the water coming in at my feet, then to my ankles. We are attached and on our way out. Doors are opened and water pours from the car. We move up the bank and out if the way to fully open the car. The carpets are wet but no other damage.

We continue along the track which is again quite rutted until we get to the turn off for the Jardine River ferry. Across the other side it is a straightforward drive towards Seisia. About halfway there the Patrol's check engine light came on and everything stopped. We coasted along and Martin restarted it and it fired back up. We made it to Loyalty Beach and set up camp. Some water had got into the floor of the camper but having the rubber shower mats on the ground meant that everything stored on the floor to travel stayed dry. Too tired to shower we had a light dinner and went to bed.