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8. Raid Australia 2016

We dedicate this Raid Australia to the memory of Markku Kaukanen, a friend and fellow Raider, who lost his life in a tragic accident on August 10, 2016 while driving his 2CV in Kakadu National Park, east of Darwin.

Raid 2016 "The Raid"


Click here for the slide show

The fearless Raiders

Click here for the slide show showing all participants and their cars

August 3rd, 2016 Tanami Desert, Central Australia
Somewhere in the middle of nowhere. We are looking for the location for our bush camp.
There is a lot of empty space everywhere around us, but neither at the coordinates nor near the published distance is it possible to leave the road. Something is wrong in the road book. At least, not only we are lost. Within radio reach are two more teams with the same problem.
"I've got an idea," says a voice on the radio "just 30 km down the road is the old Tanami Gold Mine. Mining there is long discontinued and it is only used as a dump for the new mine. I worked there for some years. We can camp along the access road!"
And off we go! However, on location we are greeted by a big sign that unmistakably declares that only mining vehicles are allowed to enter - but the turnpike is open. "That's ok, we'll stay at the sides so we will not block the road. Nobody will ever know." As soon as the tents are pitched, a big excavator comes down the road and the driver looks quite baffled. He had certainly not expected to find such a motley crowd there. Shortly after, he returns with the manager. Apparently, our friend left a lasting impression with his company, they still remember his name and we are allowed to stay if we promise not to stray off into the bush which is perforated by many overgrown holes and mining shafts. We happily obey and are rewarded with a beautiful quiet night under the southern stars. Try to imagine that anywhere else in this world!
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