OK, so if it's just a friendly thing why don't you also wave to truck and car drivers?
Do you not feel friendly towards them?
Mike, We are wavers, or at least a lifted finger off the wheel when off the main drag, and I have to admit to the salute of truckies that keep over - It's a habit of many years travelling in the bush for over three-quarter's of a century.
In these days of stress and anger being displayed (mainly but not entirely of the younger generation) a little polite friendly gesture costs nothing but may cause someone else to have a moment of happiness.
TheHeaths said
10:09 AM Aug 16, 2022
Mike Harding wrote:
OK, so if it's just a friendly thing why don't you also wave to truck and car drivers?
Do you not feel friendly towards them?
I do.
the rocket said
10:15 AM Aug 16, 2022
Hewy54 wrote:
tea spoon wrote:
caravaned for 40 plus years ......waved to most vanners coming along towards us ......today its almost gone waving as vans are way to many ........on K.I many years ago everyone waved ....on York Peninsula some wave most without a caravan on ......nowdays i Tent and have a closed in trailer i tow with my gear i dont wave no more to anyone .....
On KI they still wave.
Had an amusing moment a couple of years ago while on KI with Blazeaid. Had a female backpacker with me for the day in the car. At the end of the day she said, wow Hewy you must have been here a while - everyone knows you and waves.
Oh hewy, you made me smile. Have a great Day. Strop always raises his finger To acknowledge other caravanner. Gives him something to do, makes us both happy to c it returned. OZzie, pzzie, ozzie. Rocket
the rocket said
10:22 AM Aug 16, 2022
Mike Harding wrote:
OK, so if it's just a friendly thing why don't you also wave to truck and car drivers?
Do you not feel friendly towards them?
I do recall a male fiend of mine years ago, smiling and waving at thewoman in the car beside him at the lights putting on her makeup. He was being friendly.
Kebbin said
10:49 AM Aug 16, 2022
I always return a wave when it's a farmer and they are not that hard to tell, driving some brand of table top with a huge smile on their dial no matter the circumstances.
DMaxer said
11:13 AM Aug 16, 2022
I was one of the MGB brigade and always waved. It was just part of the joy of ownership. Not only did you wave but when you met a fellow owner a good half hour discussion about the cars was essential. I owned two, the last one being one of the last five to be made in Australia in December 1972.
However, back on topic. Having spent a fair bit of time in rural Australia I also wave to others. Whether it be sign holders at road repairs or other caravan drivers, who cares, give them a wave and a grin. I see nothing wrong with acknowledging someone else's existence and in the case of other caravan owners, doing something that is enjoyable. If I pull up at a rest stop and there is another van owner there I usually wander over and have a quick chat. The times I don't do this are the times when the other guy has already wandered over to do the same.
Life is too short to be grumpy.
StreetsAhead said
12:14 PM Aug 16, 2022
We must be a lot more friendly over here in WA. The "Wave" is typically used when out in the Bush not the City.
There is even an advertising campaign by Channel Nine to bring back the Wave as a courtesy. Someone lets you enter a traffic queue, give them a Wave. Even when you do something wrong, and someone has to brake a little harder because of you, give them a Wave to acknowledge you did something wrong and as a thankyou to them. I think its working here as most people even in the City will look straight at you and give that little Wave. It makes the day so much calmer.
I like getting the Wave, usually just a hand raised from the steering wheel, but occasionally it gets crazy with hands being waved from the front and back seats. Those people are probably having a great time laughing and joking in their car, and I have a little laugh as well.
I have a selection of hand waves, depends on my mood:-
Long journey with lots of people coming the opposite way...just a finger raised from the steering wheel.
Feeling good....raise the whole hand
Having a great time....raise and wave the whole hand
Being different .... place the palm of the hand on the windscreen
Bring back the Wave
RichardK said
12:29 PM Aug 16, 2022
When we first crossed the Nullabor in '57 we were lucky to pass 1 or 2 cars in a day and certainly no freight trucks, so in my many Nullabor crossings the earlier ones I did the same but nowadays , yes, I can't be bothered.
I do however acknowledge the same brand of caravan and vehicle.
Cheers
RichardK
Dougwe said
02:08 PM Aug 16, 2022
yobarr said
02:27 PM Aug 16, 2022
Kebbin wrote:
I always return a wave when it's a farmer and they are not that hard to tell, driving some brand of tabletop with a huge smile on their dial no matter the circumstances.
You too would have a huge smile if you were fortunate enough to be driving one of those cars that are favoured by farmers, miners and some caravanners who understand weights. They are everywhere! As Tony (Streets Ahead) says, out in the bush in WA 'The Wave' is common practice, even with visitors from other states who quickly learn that it's the done thing. When these caravanners move over to make room for a Roadtrain they invariably give us a bit of a wave as we pass, just to say 'All is good' and waving back to say 'Thanks for your help' just seems so natural. Occasionally you'll get some pigheaded clown who 'Ain't moving for no one' which causes us all to slow right down for no good reason, because eventually they have to move off the road anyway, to allow us to proceed, as there is no way that we can leave the main carriageway without going RSup. Quick 'finger off the wheel' to other truckies, and a wave to the traffic controllers at roadworks sites just to acknowledge their efforts is common practice. Must be terribly boring standing there in the sun all day, trying to control drivers who have no apparent ability to think. Have seen all sorts of ugly incidents involving these workers, including windscreens being smashed, but we won't go there. Long live 'The Wave'. Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 16th of August 2022 02:32:42 PM
The Belmont Bear said
04:41 PM Aug 16, 2022
Mike if you stick to travelling on the divided main highways along the east coast you shouldn't be assaulted by people waving at you. If you choose to use undivided 2 way roads its aways going to be a risk - I guess that you are going to need to toughen up a bit. When I was in South Africa they always moved over to the hard shoulder to let a faster vehicle pass, once clear the passer would hit their emergency flashers to say thank you and the person being passed would flash theirs back to acknowledge them. On Norfolk Island everybody gave the Norfolk Island salute by lifting a couple off fingers off the wheel as they passed I guess if we hadn't returned the greeting they would have thought that we were just some rude tourists. I personally don't have a problem with road users who wish fellow travellers well and I definitely don't feel that its necessary to justify any customs we may have in this country to foreigners..By the way I often say g'day to people I pass when walking to the amenities block should I stop doing that as well because using your criteria that would also be a bit pointless.
BB
Warren-Pat_01 said
04:56 PM Aug 16, 2022
I often lift a finger off the steering wheel to acknowledge another caravanner or on isolated roads any fellow traveller. I wouldn't expect motor cycle riders to respond but sometimes they do. Nor do I expect anyone to remove a hand off the wheel (safety) but some do.
My assumptions as to where those who don't acknowledge the act are that the person is from Sydney or Brisbane or Victoria where isolation is a non-event, although I have been caught out a few times.
It's just an act of being friendly nothing else.
86GTS said
05:01 PM Aug 16, 2022
The Belmont Bear wrote:
Mike if you stick to travelling on the divided main highways along the east coast you shouldn't be assaulted by people waving at you. If you choose to use undivided 2 way roads its aways going to be a risk - I guess that you are going to need to toughen up a bit. When I was in South Africa they always moved over to the hard shoulder to let a faster vehicle pass, once clear the passer would hit their emergency flashers to say thank you and the person being passed would flash theirs back to acknowledge them. On Norfolk Island everybody gave the Norfolk Island salute by lifting a couple off fingers off the wheel as they passed I guess if we hadn't returned the greeting they would have thought that we were just some rude tourists. I personally don't have a problem with road users who wish fellow travellers well and I definitely don't feel that its necessary to justify any customs we may have in this country to foreigners..By the way I often say g'day to people I pass when walking to the amenities block should I stop doing that as well because using your criteria that would also be a bit pointless.
BB
We've enjoyed three extended stays on Norfolk Island.
Its a strange habit waving to everyone.
We put it down to a small gene pool, inbreeding on the island.
You need two hands on the wheel at all times because as you'd know the potholes are prolific & bone jarring.
Warren-Pat_01 said
07:04 PM Aug 16, 2022
Yes Mike, some truckies get a wave, even the odd copper!
If drivers don't want to respond, that's their perogative.
Tony Bev said
12:09 AM Aug 17, 2022
As we are all different, I find that some wave, and some do not.
As it has already been said, I seem to think, that it is mainly in the rural areas, or people from the rural, areas who wave.
I like to wave, but not in the built up areas
Sometimes due to the angle of the sun, or the tint of some windscreens, I do not see the other person wave, until it is nearly too late
Mike Harding said
05:05 AM Aug 17, 2022
So tell me: when you are driving just your car with no caravan attached do you still wave at caravans?
DMaxer said
07:13 AM Aug 17, 2022
If I am in an area where there is not much traffic I wave to any passing traffic. If I am walking down the street and someone wanders by or happens to be in their front yard I say hello. It doesnt take any effort just to acknowledge someone else's existence. Obviously, it would be ridiculous if you were walking or driving through a busy area like a main thoroughfare in a large city but in quieter areas, why not.
-- Edited by DMaxer on Wednesday 17th of August 2022 01:19:01 PM
Dougwe said
07:38 AM Aug 17, 2022
I agree BigD 100% wif ya mate.
For goodness sake, the world including OZ is full of hatred, being friendly to passer by's no matter if in vehicles of any kind or walking is a good thing and we need more of it not grumps going on about it.
Another thing that is lacking these days in a lot of hospitality places or shops is good old fashioned personal service, it's very rare these days, bring back the personal service. The world might be a better place for it.
Even this forum has lost a lot of it's friendliness. It would only be a good thing if the Xspurts here gave it a miss too.
Struth! My soap box just broke! Bugga!
Smile, it won't hurt ya,
Dick0 said
10:39 AM Aug 17, 2022
Aussie1 wrote:
Dick0 wrote:
What a weird attitude to have in this country.
As a real Ozzy I have no issue having a weird attitude Cobber.
Yep, that's what I meant...not waving to your fellow traveler is a weird attitude to have in this country.
Dick0 said
10:44 AM Aug 17, 2022
Tony Bev wrote:
As we are all different, I find that some wave, and some do not.
As it has already been said, I seem to think, that it is mainly in the rural areas, or people from the rural, areas who wave.
I like to wave, but not in the built up areas
Sometimes due to the angle of the sun, or the tint of some windscreens, I do not see the other person wave, until it is nearly too late
Well said Tony.
I am a waver and like to acknowledge my fellow caravaners' when I am towing.
-- Edited by Dick0 on Wednesday 17th of August 2022 10:52:35 AM
Dick0 said
10:51 AM Aug 17, 2022
Mike Harding wrote:
So tell me: when you are driving just your car with no caravan attached do you still wave at caravans?
No!
The Belmont Bear said
01:02 PM Aug 17, 2022
86GTS wrote:
The Belmont Bear wrote:
Mike if you stick to travelling on the divided main highways along the east coast you shouldn't be assaulted by people waving at you. If you choose to use undivided 2 way roads its aways going to be a risk - I guess that you are going to need to toughen up a bit. When I was in South Africa they always moved over to the hard shoulder to let a faster vehicle pass, once clear the passer would hit their emergency flashers to say thank you and the person being passed would flash theirs back to acknowledge them. On Norfolk Island everybody gave the Norfolk Island salute by lifting a couple off fingers off the wheel as they passed I guess if we hadn't returned the greeting they would have thought that we were just some rude tourists. I personally don't have a problem with road users who wish fellow travellers well and I definitely don't feel that its necessary to justify any customs we may have in this country to foreigners..By the way I often say g'day to people I pass when walking to the amenities block should I stop doing that as well because using your criteria that would also be a bit pointless.
BB
We've enjoyed three extended stays on Norfolk Island.
Its a strange habit waving to everyone.
We put it down to a small gene pool, inbreeding on the island.
You need two hands on the wheel at all times because as you'd know the potholes are prolific & bone jarring.
86GtS you have got to be kidding the Norfolk Island salute is lifting a couple of fingers as you pass its not taking your hand off the wheel and waving like some mad tourist. With the 40kph speed limit I doubt that the salute would cause too many to lose control of their vehicle - running into a cow should probably be the biggest concern for visitors it could cost you a lot of money. Just interested to know if you let the islanders know how you feel about their inbreeding while you are over there or do you keep those sort of comments for a social media audience ?
BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Wednesday 17th of August 2022 01:03:49 PM
The Belmont Bear said
01:13 PM Aug 17, 2022
Mike Harding wrote:
So tell me: when you are driving just your car with no caravan attached do you still wave at caravans?
Yes sometimes when we are travelling without the van in areas where you may only see a few cars all day I will lift a finger and probably 90% of the time the gesture will be returned. Does it worry me if its not - not in the least. Do I care whether you or anyone else agrees or even understands the practice ... not really.
BB
Bulldozer said
01:34 PM Aug 17, 2022
The caravan couple who live down the road from us said we are going on a muster, since then a couple of other caravaners used the saying muster. I thought muster was something to do with cattle or alike. But no its caravaners that muster, hahaha...Iwonder if they all wave to each other when on a muster.
-- Edited by Bulldozer on Wednesday 17th of August 2022 01:38:35 PM
Ivan 01 said
02:23 PM Aug 17, 2022
Mike Harding wrote:
OK, so if it's just a friendly thing why don't you also wave to truck and car drivers?
Do you not feel friendly towards them?
It seems like you have never driven on the Eyre Peninsula.
It is a well known tradition for many entrenched locals to wave as you pass another vehicle on the road.
It may be the case that the truck driver may have been to your farm or the car driver might be someone from the nearest town but it didnt matter, they waved to everyone. It may not be so today as I can only say it as it was when I worked over there.
I am like you Mike, I wouldnt wave to another caravanner as most of the time I would be loathed to associate myself with many of them.
Probably not a comment for a caravan forum so now I am ducking for cover
Mike Harding said
04:28 PM Aug 17, 2022
OK: what about when you are a pedestrian... do you wave at caravans then?
86GTS said
04:38 PM Aug 17, 2022
We've enjoyed three extended stays on Norfolk Island.
Its a strange habit waving to everyone.
We put it down to a small gene pool, inbreeding on the island.
You need two hands on the wheel at all times because as you'd know the potholes are prolific & bone jarring.
86GtS you have got to be kidding the Norfolk Island salute is lifting a couple of fingers as you pass its not taking your hand off the wheel and waving like some mad tourist. With the 40kph speed limit I doubt that the salute would cause too many to lose control of their vehicle - running into a cow should probably be the biggest concern for visitors it could cost you a lot of money. Just interested to know if you let the islanders know how you feel about their inbreeding while you are over there or do you keep those sort of comments for a social media audience ?
BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Wednesday 17th of August 2022 01:03:49 PM
They're a weird mixture over there. Many of them openly admit that they hate tourists but realise that we are needed to keep their island afloat.
There's a general feeling on the island that more is going on behind the smiling tourist friendly veneer.
Nice place to visit though, nature wise.
Love their rust bucket hire cars with no brakes.
DMaxer said
04:44 PM Aug 17, 2022
No Mike, not if they are driving by and I am walking. If they stop and get out I usually talk to them about their van or where they have been or going to. I think most van people are friendly and up for a little chat.
Mike, We are wavers, or at least a lifted finger off the wheel when off the main drag, and I have to admit to the salute of truckies that keep over - It's a habit of many years travelling in the bush for over three-quarter's of a century.
In these days of stress and anger being displayed (mainly but not entirely of the younger generation) a little polite friendly gesture costs nothing but may cause someone else to have a moment of happiness.
I do.
Oh hewy, you made me smile. Have a great Day. Strop always raises his finger To acknowledge other caravanner. Gives him something to do, makes us both happy to c it returned. OZzie, pzzie, ozzie. Rocket
I do recall a male fiend of mine years ago, smiling and waving at thewoman in the car beside him at the lights putting on her makeup. He was being friendly.
I was one of the MGB brigade and always waved. It was just part of the joy of ownership. Not only did you wave but when you met a fellow owner a good half hour discussion about the cars was essential. I owned two, the last one being one of the last five to be made in Australia in December 1972.
However, back on topic. Having spent a fair bit of time in rural Australia I also wave to others. Whether it be sign holders at road repairs or other caravan drivers, who cares, give them a wave and a grin. I see nothing wrong with acknowledging someone else's existence and in the case of other caravan owners, doing something that is enjoyable. If I pull up at a rest stop and there is another van owner there I usually wander over and have a quick chat. The times I don't do this are the times when the other guy has already wandered over to do the same.
Life is too short to be grumpy.
There is even an advertising campaign by Channel Nine to bring back the Wave as a courtesy. Someone lets you enter a traffic queue, give them a Wave. Even when you do something wrong, and someone has to brake a little harder because of you, give them a Wave to acknowledge you did something wrong and as a thankyou to them. I think its working here as most people even in the City will look straight at you and give that little Wave. It makes the day so much calmer.
The link to a newspaper article on the WA Wave is here :- www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/west-aussies-urged-ride-the-courtesy-wave
I like getting the Wave, usually just a hand raised from the steering wheel, but occasionally it gets crazy with hands being waved from the front and back seats. Those people are probably having a great time laughing and joking in their car, and I have a little laugh as well.
I have a selection of hand waves, depends on my mood:-
Long journey with lots of people coming the opposite way...just a finger raised from the steering wheel.
Feeling good....raise the whole hand
Having a great time....raise and wave the whole hand
Being different .... place the palm of the hand on the windscreen
Bring back the Wave
I do however acknowledge the same brand of caravan and vehicle.
Cheers
RichardK
You too would have a huge smile if you were fortunate enough to be driving one of those cars that are favoured by farmers, miners and some caravanners who understand weights. They are everywhere! As Tony (Streets Ahead) says, out in the bush in WA 'The Wave' is common practice, even with visitors from other states who quickly learn that it's the done thing. When these caravanners move over to make room for a Roadtrain they invariably give us a bit of a wave as we pass, just to say 'All is good' and waving back to say 'Thanks for your help' just seems so natural. Occasionally you'll get some pigheaded clown who 'Ain't moving for no one' which causes us all to slow right down for no good reason, because eventually they have to move off the road anyway, to allow us to proceed, as there is no way that we can leave the main carriageway without going RSup. Quick 'finger off the wheel' to other truckies, and a wave to the traffic controllers at roadworks sites just to acknowledge their efforts is common practice. Must be terribly boring standing there in the sun all day, trying to control drivers who have no apparent ability to think. Have seen all sorts of ugly incidents involving these workers, including windscreens being smashed, but we won't go there. Long live 'The Wave'. Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 16th of August 2022 02:32:42 PM
Mike if you stick to travelling on the divided main highways along the east coast you shouldn't be assaulted by people waving at you. If you choose to use undivided 2 way roads its aways going to be a risk - I guess that you are going to need to toughen up a bit. When I was in South Africa they always moved over to the hard shoulder to let a faster vehicle pass, once clear the passer would hit their emergency flashers to say thank you and the person being passed would flash theirs back to acknowledge them. On Norfolk Island everybody gave the Norfolk Island salute by lifting a couple off fingers off the wheel as they passed I guess if we hadn't returned the greeting they would have thought that we were just some rude tourists. I personally don't have a problem with road users who wish fellow travellers well and I definitely don't feel that its necessary to justify any customs we may have in this country to foreigners..By the way I often say g'day to people I pass when walking to the amenities block should I stop doing that as well because using your criteria that would also be a bit pointless.
BB
My assumptions as to where those who don't acknowledge the act are that the person is from Sydney or Brisbane or Victoria where isolation is a non-event, although I have been caught out a few times.
It's just an act of being friendly nothing else.
We've enjoyed three extended stays on Norfolk Island.
Its a strange habit waving to everyone.
We put it down to a small gene pool, inbreeding on the island.
You need two hands on the wheel at all times because as you'd know the potholes are prolific & bone jarring.
If drivers don't want to respond, that's their perogative.
As it has already been said, I seem to think, that it is mainly in the rural areas, or people from the rural, areas who wave.
I like to wave, but not in the built up areas
Sometimes due to the angle of the sun, or the tint of some windscreens, I do not see the other person wave, until it is nearly too late
So tell me: when you are driving just your car with no caravan attached do you still wave at caravans?
If I am in an area where there is not much traffic I wave to any passing traffic. If I am walking down the street and someone wanders by or happens to be in their front yard I say hello. It doesnt take any effort just to acknowledge someone else's existence. Obviously, it would be ridiculous if you were walking or driving through a busy area like a main thoroughfare in a large city but in quieter areas, why not.
-- Edited by DMaxer on Wednesday 17th of August 2022 01:19:01 PM
I agree BigD 100% wif ya mate.
For goodness sake, the world including OZ is full of hatred, being friendly to passer by's no matter if in vehicles of any kind or walking is a good thing and we need more of it not grumps going on about it.
Another thing that is lacking these days in a lot of hospitality places or shops is good old fashioned personal service, it's very rare these days, bring back the personal service. The world might be a better place for it.
Even this forum has lost a lot of it's friendliness. It would only be a good thing if the Xspurts here gave it a miss too.
Struth! My soap box just broke! Bugga!
Smile, it won't hurt ya,
Yep, that's what I meant...not waving to your fellow traveler is a weird attitude to have in this country.
Well said Tony.
I am a waver and like to acknowledge my fellow caravaners' when I am towing.
-- Edited by Dick0 on Wednesday 17th of August 2022 10:52:35 AM
No!
86GtS you have got to be kidding the Norfolk Island salute is lifting a couple of fingers as you pass its not taking your hand off the wheel and waving like some mad tourist. With the 40kph speed limit I doubt that the salute would cause too many to lose control of their vehicle - running into a cow should probably be the biggest concern for visitors it could cost you a lot of money. Just interested to know if you let the islanders know how you feel about their inbreeding while you are over there or do you keep those sort of comments for a social media audience ?
BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Wednesday 17th of August 2022 01:03:49 PM
Yes sometimes when we are travelling without the van in areas where you may only see a few cars all day I will lift a finger and probably 90% of the time the gesture will be returned. Does it worry me if its not - not in the least. Do I care whether you or anyone else agrees or even understands the practice ... not really.
BB
The caravan couple who live down the road from us said we are going on a muster, since then a couple of other caravaners used the saying muster. I thought muster was something to do with cattle or alike. But no its caravaners that muster, hahaha...Iwonder if they all wave to each other when on a muster.
-- Edited by Bulldozer on Wednesday 17th of August 2022 01:38:35 PM
It seems like you have never driven on the Eyre Peninsula.
It is a well known tradition for many entrenched locals to wave as you pass another vehicle on the road.
It may be the case that the truck driver may have been to your farm or the car driver might be someone from the nearest town but it didnt matter, they waved to everyone. It may not be so today as I can only say it as it was when I worked over there.
I am like you Mike, I wouldnt wave to another caravanner as most of the time I would be loathed to associate myself with many of them.
Probably not a comment for a caravan forum so now I am ducking for cover
OK: what about when you are a pedestrian... do you wave at caravans then?
We've enjoyed three extended stays on Norfolk Island.
Its a strange habit waving to everyone.
We put it down to a small gene pool, inbreeding on the island.
You need two hands on the wheel at all times because as you'd know the potholes are prolific & bone jarring.
86GtS you have got to be kidding the Norfolk Island salute is lifting a couple of fingers as you pass its not taking your hand off the wheel and waving like some mad tourist. With the 40kph speed limit I doubt that the salute would cause too many to lose control of their vehicle - running into a cow should probably be the biggest concern for visitors it could cost you a lot of money. Just interested to know if you let the islanders know how you feel about their inbreeding while you are over there or do you keep those sort of comments for a social media audience ?
BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Wednesday 17th of August 2022 01:03:49 PM
They're a weird mixture over there. Many of them openly admit that they hate tourists but realise that we are needed to keep their island afloat.
There's a general feeling on the island that more is going on behind the smiling tourist friendly veneer.
Nice place to visit though, nature wise.
Love their rust bucket hire cars with no brakes.