A drive along the coast: Day 15: Drysdale Station to Mitchell Plateau

The Mitchell Plateau. Part “oh dear God”, part “oh my God”. Let me explain…

Oh dear god because of the size and frequency of the corrugations. For those that haven't experienced them before, Google what they are then understand that there is no set way to drive over them. It depends on their wavelength and amplitude, as well as how your car is set up. You try to drive slower, then faster until you have a speed where the ride is as smooth as possible. For some parts of today that was merely jarring, as opposed to a constant reminder to book a chiro/physio appointment for when you get home. Eventually we found that a speed around 80km/h allowed us to keep most fillings, but meant cornering contained a little drift... A distance of 183km took about 4 hours, but there were a few breaks, some at very cool spots.

The rock ledges, wash aways and river crossings that are dotted along the route aren't part of the painful stuff, but are a reminder that this is a 4wd track and needs to be respected. Which is something that a few young fellas need to learn before they hurt someone, instead of coming round blind, loose corners a little too fast and a little too sideways… Thankfully I'd seen them and was half buried in the scrub at the side of the track as they slithered past.

Jen trying to damp down the residual jarring by cuddling a sign...

The OMG bit? Well, it's the Mitchell Plateau!! I'm camped within walking distance of the Falls! Also the cultural art sites near King Edward Camp. Rock art showing Wandjina and Bradshaw figures which have been painted over even earlier works. Absolutely stunning. I won't go into the discussion on the as I'll probably get it wrong. Look it up for yourselves, or even better, come here and see them for yourselves. Far more impressive than a photo. I just wish we had an Elder with us to explain the stories behind them. And finally there's the washing facilities at Mitchell Plateau campsite…