Chasing Adventure Ep 5 - Flooded Rivers | Extreme Water | George Gorge | Millstream NP |Pilbara 4WD

Episode 5 of the Pilbara series - Chasing Adventure
We spend 3 weeks exploring, 4WD'ing and camping in remote areas of Western Australia's Pilbara region in search of true adventure.
In this episode we are still stuck at George Gorge, patiently waiting for the river levels to drop to allow us to exit. The river is slow to drain, but we need to exit and push through… will we make it through without water inside and damage to our cruisers?
While we wait we walk and explore the immediate area. We canvass the nearest crossings and try to prepare lines within the muddy water for when we are confident enough to make the crossing.
We relax in the fresh water and enjoy a few beers to help time pass…
Even if we are able to cross the first deep crossing, there are three more to follow and we have no idea what the track conditions are after the storm!
It may be tedious, a little boring but we are very fortunate to be able to witness this landscape in this condition.
Join us as we travel these remote lands and discover what this area has to offer.
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Here is some of the camera and audio gear used to film and produce our videos:
Sony A6400: ebay.us/Vk6dD6
Sony 24-105mm G Lens: ebay.us/317T9c
K&F Concept Tripod: ebay.us/KnDMW9
GoPro Hero 8: ebay.us/RolXxy
GoPro Mic Adapter: ebay.us/TavATp
Rode Videomicro: ebay.us/ZIagAa
Rode Videomic Pro: ebay.us/T8jep7
Rode Videomic Pro Deadcat: ebay.us/WUeLy6
Rode Wireless Go: ebay.us/ptDtzi
Canon EOS 70D: ebay.us/7tb0pR
DJI Mavic 2 Pro: ebay.us/kPIchk

[@johnstaring3210]

Never before were the 7 "P's" so important: "Prior Preparation and Planning Prevent Piss Poor Performance". You didn't panic, you had all the provisions you needed, and all the equipment to get the job done. Great video, as usual.

[@XploringOz]

For sure mate, agree with you there. It pays to have the gear, but also know how to use it when the time comes. Makes for a much less stressful scenario. Appreciate it 🙏

[@jcv551]

Great to see you all get through those deep river crossings, what a adventure.

[@XploringOz]

It was a relief! Few nervous moments, but all in all, we made it safe and undamaged 👍

[@tomrollings4233]

Thanks!

[@XploringOz]

🙏

[@raymondricciardi]

The raw nerves of the first crossing was evident, the elation of getting out also very plain for all to see. Well done to all. And well documented Nathan. Highly enjoyable to watch.

[@XploringOz]

It was definitely genuine! Not many times are we faced with challenges that we don't get to watch others navigate, or at least have some idea of how we might go. That crossing changed, literally overnight. Very happy to have made it across without damage (and made for some good viewing). Appreciate the feedback mate and glad you enjoyed the series 🙏

[@andrewbrowne4538]

Great viewing. Good to see sensible 4WDing as opposed to the 4WD 24/7 trips. Thank you.

[@holgermuller2987]

@ Andrew, Are you serious?? You still watch this 24/7 „bush hooligans“ or also sneak peak only and turn of faster than on? The 2 Nathan channel do it for me… lay back and enjoy 😉 Cheers

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate 👍 Gotta respect the tracks to keep them open for more trips to come. Cheers

[@phantim_othy571]

24/7 at the start was good but it’s just turned into a promotional video for snatch’s trap 😂products

[@kevanharding9716]

Well that was pretty cool !

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate, was a great section of the trip 👍

[@paultucker4923]

Outstanding on all counts!

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[@snoordman4831]

WOW!!!

[@big5astra]

Can't believe you did the deep crossings without a canvas cover over the grill/radiator or removal of fan belts to stop fan being drawn into the back of the radiators.

[@XploringOz]

Yes, we did consider it, but given the speed we were entering and pushing through the crossings, we didn't believe it was required. If we were relying on speed or momentum, then it would have been a different story 👍

[@TravelExplore4x4]

That is nuts guys. I would have been super nervous hitting those water crossings. You guys did great and were well prepared. I can’t get over that landscape. I’m going to need to see these areas

[@XploringOz]

Haha, you wouldn't be alone there! A few nervous moments in this episode 😬 It's an absolutely awesome part of WA and so underrated! Glad you enjoyed this series mate, thanks for watching 🙏

[@tomrollings4233]

well done again Nathan .. the 200's luv thoses water crossings .... it just looks like a great part of oz cant wait to get there one day :)

[@XploringOz]

Thanks Tom! For sure, all the cruiser here conquered all the obstacles we put in their paths. Definitely need to add this area onto the bucket list 💯%

[@TheCraig1374]

Another great series of vids. Thanks for sharing your trip :)

[@XploringOz]

No problems, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers 👍

[@krump743]

Jesus, them videographing skills are off tap. I believe u have captured the moment well. Really makes one think they are right there. How good was it to see everyone working together to be calm and rash with their game plan. Even during the eeorst of weather. Props to u and ur demeanour u seem like a level headed dude.

[@XploringOz]

Haha, thanks man. This trip was a good learning curve for some of my videography skills 👍 Good to plan out the possibilities and then know how to use the gear we carry, makes for a very calm situation. Everyone drove really well and we were able to get safely and without damaging the vehicles, can't ask for much more.

[@raymondricciardi]

Agree. Cinematography excellent. Story line great as well.

[@danieljohn589]

Loved it! Went to check this out about 2.5wks ago and was told by a camp volunteer "don't go, they don't want you in there" lol. So I said well is it open and he said yes so I went to check it out (George's River Track, right turn bit past python pool). When I got to the beginning of the track it says it's been closed since early June. Such an amazing part of the country!

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate 🙏 Sure is an amazing part of the world that's for sure! We were very lucky to get in and see this area in this condition. Cheers, Nathan.

[@MudducksTouringAustralia]

Just awesome Nathan, thanks for sharing. Cheers Steve

[@brentmcd12]

🌊🏞️🛻🏜️🌄😎🤙📹

[@XploringOz]

Cheers Steve, glad your enjoying them 🙏

[@paulholubecki6386]

Great content mate. Let's hope others follow your example. Hope "R D" takes notice

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@surfing4theloveofit]

Great video, that water crossing wow, well done , 👏

[@XploringOz]

Yes, few nervous moment that day 😬 Cheers mate 🙏

[@WisnuVloggerSungai]

beautiful scenery very cool

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, absolutely beautiful place of Australia!

[@beme6971]

Fantastic episode mate. Love the drone footage! Would love to see an episode dedicated to showing us what gear you use to capture your amazing adventures. I'm so keen to explore WA!

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate, was a great part of the trip! Hmm, this is something I should be able to organise in the future. I don't use too much, but there are a couple of secret weapons in there that make it very easy and convenient 👍

[@richardstephenson4575]

Epic trip

[@XploringOz]

Sure was! Cheers

[@tallica8145]

Good stuff Nathan! Good stuf

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, was a relief to get out of here without damage or injury 😆

[@PTPavlos]

Better than me guys. Well done.

[@XploringOz]

A few nervous moments in this one 😬 Cheers 🙏

[@V8LC100]

Balls of steel on those crossings, well done! Loving these vids mate. I thought a water bra would be needed for that depth to avoid radiator/ fan damage?

[@XploringOz]

Haha, thanks mate 👍 Yeah, have since added one to my packing list... a little too late 😆

[@lindad8928]

Thanks

[@lindad8928]

I’ve really enjoyed watching all your videos. Keep them coming. 😊

[@XploringOz]

Thanks 🙏 It was a great trip

[@GR8Tmate]

Nathan, Looks like you’re having a ball, you’re going to have some cleaning to do when you get home 🤣 Does your lawn need top dressing ? Bit surprised to see so much water in the 76. Was that all thru the aircon? Dirty door seals? Not sure how much he loves his 76 but the seats & carpet need to come out of that when he gets home…….not sure if that’s still got the original felt type insulation under the carpet but yeah 🤦‍♂️. 😂 L A N D C R U I S E R 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@XploringOz]

Haha, yes many an hour needed to clean the LC200 now! Yeah, the 76 series leaked a lot. Almost all the water was through the aircon intake vents and the fact he didn't switch the ducts to re-circulate. A lack of a pollen filter meant he didn't suffer the same issue I had back in episode 2 😂 He sure had some cleaning to do... inside and out 😆

[@Scott-ot7yl]

Awesome fun, You know you can tie off the vernier fan on the 200 and 70. Seen a fan go through a radiator in a 200 before.

[@XploringOz]

Sure was fun, aside the nerves 😬 Did not realise this! Cheers for the tip, will keep this in mind... although not sure I'll make a habit of crossings this deep 😆

[@jasonsabeeney3208]

Great footage Nath. Love your vids and discussion as well as your sense of adventure. I own a 200 and Tvan and enjoy watching what you guys are doing with them. They are a great setup that we also enjoy chasing adventure with. I am intrigued to know, What is your background? What occupation have you undertaken previously? You have a good mix of practical and technical knowledge as well as amazing content creation skills. Well done on the quality of your productions. From what I have seen second to none. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your next content.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, I'm glad you have been enjoying this series, it was a lot of fun to document and produce. The TVAN was incredible, I have a whole new respect for these vans. Very impressive! My background is probably not what you think, I studied A Bachelor of Commerce at University, majoring in Accounting and Finance. Never used this education and ended up in a Government job in regional WA. I've always enjoyed working on vehicles and have self taught myself everything I know... trust me, no expert here 😆 Just trying to pass on my experience and what little I do know onto others to help people avoid making mistakes that I have made in the past. Cheers 👍

[@Susieandchris]

Fantastic video as expected. Any chance you could share a map where you go . We lived in the Kimberley for 6 years but not much clue about the Pilbara. Really looking forward to the final video keep up the excellent work .

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate. I'll see what I can do on my social media platforms in regards to sharing a map on the locations we visited 👍 We also spent a couple of years in the Kimberley region and never made it down to the Pilbara while we were there either 😆 So much to see up there though!

[@holgermuller2987]

Hi Nathan Very nice video. Absolute jealous!! Interesting water crossings you went through. Looking forward for more episodes from you Just a question, what did you do with your Radiator cooling Fans to protect both from damages ? Cheers

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate! It was a relief to get out of there safely and without damaging the vehicles! In this case, we didn't use any protection for the fans. Given that we were entering at such low speeds we didn't think (and evidently) didn't need any frontal protection. If I was going to rely on momentum and speed, then yes more protection would be advised. Cheers

[@mikebatterham4970]

Canvas across the front and you can just slip stream in the bow wave

[@XploringOz]

For sure, something worth considering for the next water crossing... hopefully nothing this deep for a little while 😬

[@discoveringwa2204]

Great epsisode, good decisions made, except the one to go there with that much water. Lucky you didn't get more rain or the whole of the Gorges river junction could have flooded.

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate 🙏 Yes, we were lucky more rain didn't fall. Overall we were prepared for most scenarios and it sure was an adventure in the end 👍

[@scottlearmont4587]

Mate great video can you add any thoughts you may have in stopping the water coming through what look to be the air conditioner ducting

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it 👍 The best option would have been to duct tape the exterior side of the air intake vents. This would have prevent the majority, if not all of the water ingress. We did this on the 200 series, the 76 just forgot 😆 Also the 200 didn't take this deeper line...

[@michaelnugara1]

Just wondering whether there are any crocs in that area🤔

[@XploringOz]

Negative mate. Too far inland for crocs in this area. Further, given that this river is fed by rain water, it's all fresh and pushing out towards the coast 👍

[@AU_4591]

Hi Nathan. Just wondering if your using the Bluetti power bank and if so hows its going?

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, yes still using these products. Primarily using the AC200P and EB55 units. The EB55 is definitely my favourite and was used without fail every day on this trip. My dad using it primarily for powering his CPAP machine during the night, results in a complete discharge almost every day. This unit was also used for fast charging high power draw battery charges for my autonomous drone and computer equipment. I've had no issues with any of the stations or solar panels yet and still enjoy using them 👍

[@morfasie]

Hi Nathan, what do you use to plan a 4x4 trip like this, hema maps?

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, a bit of a combination of web research, KZbin videos and paper Hema maps. I usually prefer hard copy maps for getting the 'big picture' of the route and then start planning out specific locations. Once I've got a rough idea I only waypoint locations I think might be hard to find on the ground or I know there is no reception to research once I'm out there 👍

[@ausguy4385]

So can you raise the ac intake? Be far less dust taken in then also

[@XploringOz]

I haven't seen a solution to this on the market at the moment. Generally it's ok, but if you are going to tackle water this deep, definitely recommend taping up the aircon vents to prevent this type of ingress.

[@ausguy4385]

@@XploringOz where are they? Might be a good quick video. 🤔

[@XploringOz]

@@ausguy4385 It is just located at the base of the windscreen. Those slots you see in that plastic panel between the bonnet and windscreen is the exterior entry. Inside allows for water to drain (like rain and whatnot) however when its submerged obviously it allows for that intake haha 😆🤦‍♂

[@ausguy4385]

@@XploringOz thanks will have a look. Could find anything online.

[@nigelmorgan3449]

Ya got to be crazy or you have to much money Sell the prado buy a mog with its ground clearance never a problem