Mt. Straloch.

Location: Hinchinbrook Island

Date: Sunday 18 March

Party: Paul Stephenson, Jac Viljoen, Peter Hetherington, Neil Knock, Roy Long (leader)

Maps used: Cardwell 1 inch

Transport:

• Land Rover provided by Roy Long
• Canoe provided by Neil K, Peter H
• By Sect, provided by all

Distance:

• 180 miles by land vehicle
• 9 miles by canoe
• 3 miles by foot

Style of Outing: 24-hour amphibious exercise

Rating: Hard

The low coconut palm at Hungeven did not cast its shadow in the right place at 0800 hrs. They rigged up the goal in the gentle rays of the early sun on the ground near the pier. The tide was turning, so there was great haste to get it rounded over out the channel. They made it through. It was a bit of touch and go in the mouth of Mad Creek (335993-1 with Cardwell). She was running out at 5 or 6 knots in places. The whole party reached the edge of the mangrove swamp intact about 1030 hrs Breakfast was had then, after which going to foot gear they set off up the creek at 1145 hrs. The water from Stochach still was very clear and cold, with the pointed stones lying in the deep pools particularly on other points of the island, too. This happy party skidded and slipped on their rubber-soled boots, and took the left branch of the creek at each fork (2 as told) At 1500 hrs they were all standing on a great stone from which a very good view of Sunday, Dungeness and the Channel rock was had. Neil remained here and boiled the billy, while the rest set off in a last bid to reach the plane wreckage. 1515 - Paul and Peter returned. Lying there in the deadfall. She had been pushed on just over the next rock, and somehow came across the top section of the plane in the creek. They returned immediately to the party the party, and all flattened a certain (altitude estimated at 1800 ft).

At 1900 hrs the party was once more at the bottom of the mountain, where the canoes had been left. A good start was made. The tide was rising nicely, and the craft began slowly to lift from their muddy camp. A crocodile basked in the swamp, for him was built mud, and brambles, and brakes made ready. But all in vain. He did not attack.

There were remarkably few mosquitoes in the mangroves on the outward journey. The moon was very bright, the water dead slack, and the swamps deathly silent. They pressed on regardless. In the channel, they were lucky enough to meet a good, leading northish Slewes. They plowed them up nicely, as the tide began to turn, before they reached the harbour entrance. This reach slowed badly, but they arrived at the jetty at Kingaroon at 2230 hrs, which is a fair time for supper before bed. They had some strong tea, & things, as had been intended.

All the gear was loaded by 2330 hrs and the go-with party by lovely hard Road was commenced. They ran out of petrol between Ingham and Mutarnee. Most inconvenient, being 0030 hrs on Monday. Two chaps were making the most of the opportunity (boiling the billy, that is) when a car came and sold us a gallon of petrol. They got almost to Mutarnee when a fuel blockage caused another delay. At Mutarnee they bought a heap of petrol and set on the road. After lizards which the billy wouldn't boil. After an hour, they had coffee. The water would not boil.

Townsville loomed up at 0430 hrs. Some of the party went to work shortly after.

Ray Love
J. Lander