WARNING; Canning and Anne Beadell - too hot for some

We've just completed a fascinating trip on the Canning and Anne Beadell tracks, and have a few warnings and thanks to pass on.

SPINIFEX WARNING

First, we didn't actually COMPLETE the Canning, because one of the three vehicles in our party caught fire and was destroyed only about 140km into the journey from the northern end of the track - spinifex under the vehicle was ignited (probably by overheated dpf or catalytic converter and/or a failure in the fuel line).
Our friends lost a brand new Prado in just five minutes - so a salutary lesson to constantly check under the vehicle when travelling in such conditions, and make sure that under-body protection, vehicle lift etc is adequate.
Fortunately there were no injuries, but it was a traumatic experience for all involved.

A BIG THANK YOU TO BILILUNA

After the above incident - in which friends lost all possessions including ID, cards and comms equipment - it took us four days to sort out transport back home for them, commencement of insurance claims, etc.
This would not have been possible without the very kind and generous assistance of the Bililuna community, both Aboriginal and white members, including the community nurse and store managers. Thank you for caring and providing practical assistance.

ANNE BEADELL DELIGHT

After seeing our friends safely on their way home, the four of us in the remaining two vehicles detoured to complete the southern end of the Canning, and then travel the Anne Beadell highway from Laverton east towards the Stuart Hwy. A fantastic journey with delightful scenery and virtually no traffic.
The middle section in particular, comprising the Spinifex lands and including Irkurlka, is an absolute delight, and the management is a credit to the Aboriginal community which provides facilities and welcomes travellers to their land.

THANKS TO FORUM MEMBERS

In planning the journey we sought advice on the forum, and received very useful feedback which was much appreciated. Special thanks to @gmnory and @boobook for their advice on various aspects of the route and available detours.

BUT WHY ALL THE MESS?

If we all want to have continued access to these special areas of remote Australia, please everyone take care of the land you travel through. Is it really too much to ask everyone to take their empty beer cans with them, and burn toilet paper, instead of leaving a mess for other travellers of the traditional owners to clean up?

Cheers,