The Humbling Gunbarrel Highway.

[loose cannon]

The horrendous corrugations of the infamous Gunbarrel are on full display here. The tyre tracks cover the entire width of the track as drivers seek a softer passage. There isn't one, and the track appears endless. Cover a hundred kilometres in a day and you've done well.

Visible on the left, the rain gutters hitting the track at right angles form a barrier as imposing as a brick wall. You simply don't go there.

While I'd hardly describe the landscape as stunning the track demands full attention of the driver and a invokes an almost overpowering sense of vulnerability. I found it a very humbling and memorable experience.

In many ways it's a more potent experience than visiting iconic locations like Uluru or the Blue Mountains, that's how I feel anyway.

[Isac]

You've shown with images and described in words the true power that these corrugations have over us mere mortals and especially our vehicles. Marvelous photo Mick. I remember being in a camp at Dalgaranga Station near Mt. Magnet many years ago and 3 of us were in a Landrover travelling along road like this, looking for the smooth bits. There weren't any of course, and the vehicle shook to pieces, losing the bonnet and a few other precious parts. Very loud and very scary trip. We did end up at a pub and what was left of the Landrover gave the locals a bit of a laugh.

[loose cannon]

Good to end up at a pub after a time on a track like this Isac.

My ancient Hilux held up well to the punishment though a few bits fell off here and there Managed to keep the bonnet lol!

Thanks for the comments.

[Phoenix]

Image speaks volumes of stories LC....brings back memories of ...well...spinifex type stories.

[loose cannon]

Glad this image is evoking memories Jo.

[Alan]

Lovely sense of space and distance.

Your close up of the corrugations in the Texture Challenge really shows how bone/hilux shattering they must be.

[loose cannon]

Thanks again Alan. The comp image is from the Anne Beadell track which runs for 1300kms east/west from Coober Pedy to Laverton. According to my notes I did 43kms over five hours that day, first gear at idle wishing I could go slower with countless stops to take a break and count teeth.

Next day I covered 42kms before racing across the countryside on the third day covering a whopping 80kms as track conditions improved. Never seen corrugations like it. The eastern section of the track is a nightmare.

[P Plates]

I can feel the vibrations from here and you wouldn't want to rush a drive over that.

[loose cannon]

Cheers Gabby.