The grey nomad life...what does it mean to you nowdays?
briche said
11:18 PM Nov 20, 2012
Agree with all of the above but here are our additions. Free to live up to the expectations of our dreams.
To share our lives with people who have a wonderful sense of community. To not know what day of the week it is without getting worried about it. To be part of this wonderful country and all it has to offer. In spite of the costs of the journey, to not let any of them to take our dream from us. To be a couple who will always be prepared to listen.
So there you
That's our dream
Brian and Cheryl
-- Edited by briche on Tuesday 20th of November 2012 11:20:18 PM
EllenajoeL said
05:05 AM Nov 21, 2012
OK....I know, generic question for sure.....however......
As a (pending) born-again nomadic couple, we are truly interested in this forum folks' thoughts about the grey nomad lifestyle, especially as it currently applies...
In particular.... what, may I ask, do you specifically love/like about it?
what are you glad to be 'free of/removed from'?
what do you wish to be better?
(maybe) what do you miss, from a previous 'era'?
Thank you (in advance).
LEO
jules47 said
05:26 AM Nov 21, 2012
Your first questions - in order
a) The freedom to come and go as and when we please; seeing this beautiful country, taking as much time as we like. Housework that takes about two minutes a day!!
b) Free of the responsibility of a house - cleaning, maintaining, paying the bills. etc.
c) That we had started earlier would have been better.
d) What do I miss? - storage space.
That's me, anyway!!!
neilnruth said
06:02 AM Nov 21, 2012
I'd have to say ditto to jules. While not fully greynomad ie fulltime, the times when we get away we thoroughly enjoy the beauty of this country at the slower pace and the friendly people we meet along the way wherever that may be. And I definitely love the minimum amount of housework - with a different view from the door everytime we stop!
kandagal said
06:07 AM Nov 21, 2012
I think along similar lines to Jules xcept I want to know the secret of not having to pay bills - Mine still find me - regos, insurances, visa, phone bill & internet cost, etc
Happywanderer said
06:17 AM Nov 21, 2012
Have to agree with Jules. Will also add, the freedom to do what you like when you like, to either drive somewhere or stop for as long as you like somewhere without a care in the world. No contact with the real world would be nice at times. lol After being responsible for others all my life it would be nice to think of me for a change and (sort of disappear) where I can't be found for a while. Seriously though I know that would be an unreasonable request, so just to be respected enough to be able to do something I've always wanted without being knocked down would be nice.
justcruisin01 said
06:17 AM Nov 21, 2012
kandagal wrote:
I think along similar lines to Jules xcept I want to know the secret of not having to pay bills - Mine still find me - regos, insurances, visa, phone bill & internet cost, etc
They are a bit like dirty dishes & laundry, they follow every where.LOL
Ditto to above;
JC.
jetj said
06:36 AM Nov 21, 2012
A sense of freedom, bed in back, stop where I want, go where I want.
Mike C said
08:07 AM Nov 21, 2012
We are still working on getting there
I am looking to retain only the stuff that I enjoy or contributes to my needs (no more stuff that demands my time for no gain) diminish all unnessasary responsibilites. Freedom to move on or stay. Free myself from regrets. Re excite myself in the joys of living.
I am really looking for a new chapter in life where I can begin again and refresh make good friends and finally learn how to play some Jazz on my Guitar.
Hopefully we will get there sometime
cheers
Mike
-- Edited by Mike C on Wednesday 21st of November 2012 08:12:09 AM
Dunmowin said
10:26 AM Nov 21, 2012
As a permanent grey nomad, I respond as below:
what, may I ask, do you specifically love/like about it? The change in seasons in different locations, different views, meeting new people, seeing new things, driving new roads, no traffic lights or traffic jams.
what are you glad to be 'free of/removed from'?Mowing, and the general ongoing maintenance of 4 acres and house. Going to work 5 days a week, then coming home to do the "chores" on the weekend.
what do you wish to be better? nothing could be better than waking up in a different location every day. Having a different view from the kitchen, bedroom or front window. Watching the sun rise over the ocean, wtching the sun set over the ocean!
(maybe) what do you miss, from a previous 'era' Watching my grandies grow up. (one of my grandies birthday tomorrow. she will be four!)
-- Edited by Dunmowin on Wednesday 21st of November 2012 01:17:13 PM
jules47 said
03:27 PM Nov 21, 2012
kandagal wrote:
I think along similar lines to Jules xcept I want to know the secret of not having to pay bills - Mine still find me - regos, insurances, visa, phone bill & internet cost, etc
We still have those bills - but it is the worry that power, water and rates are going up all the time, that I do not miss!!!! Phone and internet, well if I didn't have the money to pay them, I have prepaid, so my choice to pay or not. Rego and insurances, straight out of the bank on direct debit - so don't really think about them.
We have only retired and been on the road since May 2011 and really enjoy it.
As a former public servant, I enjoy being a nomad without being accountable (some public servants do work) and the responsiblity thereof. This is truly a beautiful country and we enjoy the rural areas even when dry and dusty and the local people are friendly and helpful.
We enjoy 'house-sitting' and living in larger areas than just the campervan and have met some lovely folk. Admittedly, there is responsiblity in looking after someone's home and pet - but it is much different than living in your own home and getting up for work everyday. The best part is that when we stay in a places for a month or more, we get involved in some of the local community events such as scrabble, probus, church etc. There are so many opportunity about.
My wife does miss having a base - a place where we can call home and keep some of our souvenirs at. Currently we have a storage unit which we visit once or twice a year to try to find or leave things at. I agree with the above comments that 'Space' is one of the big problems.
The Grey Nomad way of life is truly something to look forward to.
Dougwe said
04:20 PM Nov 21, 2012
I am what I call a "Part Time" Grey Nomad and when Grey Nomading as I am now I just love everything about it but most of all meeting the great people from this forum would be the highlight of the journey (s). I can't fault anything about the lifstyle at all.
Oh, maybe wombats, they can be a problem.
kiwi rainbow said
05:09 PM Nov 21, 2012
Actually Dougwe I find the resident wombat to be quite helpful. It's a pity so many of his cousins are getting squashed on the roads.
But back to the original question.....as others have said we are free to come and go as we choose and chang direction if we hear of an interesting place to visit and stay, we meet lots of interesting,helpful, friendly, wonderful people out here (both Australian and New Zealanders). Housework is minimal, we never get tired of the view from our "back door" and in our case, the kids are taking care of those pesky bills like rates etc. and they are also mowing lawns and keeping the gardens up to scratch.
Yuglamron said
05:23 PM Nov 21, 2012
Well Leo, for us it's having the view from the bedroom changed from day to day week to week.
Waking up in the morning and having some beautiful view in front of us. Fed up with it, drive off to another wonderful place.
Gerty Dancer said
06:52 PM Nov 21, 2012
We are only part-time GN's, and we would best be described as tourists... we plan to see certain places each trip, and usually see lots of other things too... then we go home till next trip. What we like is to have our own space wherever we are, our own bed, cater for our own peculiar diets, choose our camp spots with the freedom to stay longer or less, or go somewhere else as our fancy takes us. Independance.
Its much cheaper and less restrictive than holidaying in motels and eating at clubs/restaurants.
We stay in caravan parks about 2/3 of the time, prefer not to book ahead although in the busy season we have had to. We usually pay for a night or two and extend if we like it.
woosy said
07:56 PM Nov 21, 2012
Yes I agree with every one the people you meet the view from your
door and moving on sometimes to catch up with people you have meet
what a life beats watching the passing parade in your home
nomadic1 said
06:12 AM Nov 22, 2012
I'm a full time nomad. What do I like about it? Waking up in different places - looking out of my window first thing in the morning to some of the most amazing views imaginable. And of course the freedom to move on when I like and where I like. What would I like to be better? National registration and driving licence and the ability to go to a doctor and have them swipe my medicare card and bring up my medical history so that I don't have to fill in those tedious forms and hope I don't forget anything - this is 2012 for crying out loud why can't we do this?
EllenajoeL said
05:38 AM Nov 23, 2012
(firstly) thank you to all contributors so far...what a great set of responses....
They are informative, intimate and intelligent...I am most grateful.
@nomadic1...your comment about registration is one I have experienced before (20+years ago)....it is indeed disappointing that such is still the case....I wonder if GN could provide impetus for change here (as elsehwere)?
jules47 said
05:20 PM Nov 23, 2012
Nomadic1 - I believe that the medical thing is on the way - I think you have to register with your doctor - and it is kept in a computer databank by the government - I think it is going to be that the doc keys all your medical info into the databank, and when you go to a different clinic, they can bring your info up on line. In Qld - if you are a disability pensioner, I think your info can be bought up on line. And we should have a national registration and licencing scheme - and nationwide road rules - ridiculous the way it is now.
Mike C said
05:41 PM Nov 23, 2012
jules47 wrote:
Nomadic1 - I believe that the medical thing is on the way -
It sure is
I got an invite in the mail refering me to www.ehealth.gov.au to register for a personally controlled electronic health record.
-- Edited by briche on Tuesday 20th of November 2012 11:20:18 PM
OK....I know, generic question for sure.....however......
As a (pending) born-again nomadic couple, we are truly interested in this forum folks' thoughts about the grey nomad lifestyle, especially as it currently applies...
In particular.... what, may I ask, do you specifically love/like about it?
what are you glad to be 'free of/removed from'?
what do you wish to be better?
(maybe) what do you miss, from a previous 'era'?
Thank you (in advance).
LEO
Your first questions - in order
a) The freedom to come and go as and when we please; seeing this beautiful country, taking as much time as we like. Housework that takes about two minutes a day!!
b) Free of the responsibility of a house - cleaning, maintaining, paying the bills. etc.
c) That we had started earlier would have been better.
d) What do I miss? - storage space.
That's me, anyway!!!
While not fully greynomad ie fulltime, the times when we get away we thoroughly enjoy the beauty of this country at the slower pace and the friendly people we meet along the way wherever that may be. And I definitely love the minimum amount of housework - with a different view from the door everytime we stop!
Will also add, the freedom to do what you like when you like, to either drive somewhere or stop for as long as you like somewhere without a care in the world.
No contact with the real world would be nice at times. lol
After being responsible for others all my life it would be nice to think of me for a change and (sort of disappear) where I can't be found for a while.
Seriously though I know that would be an unreasonable request, so just to be respected enough to be able to do something I've always wanted without being knocked down would be nice.
They are a bit like dirty dishes & laundry, they follow every where.LOL
Ditto to above;
JC.
A sense of freedom, bed in back, stop where I want, go where I want.
We are still working on getting there
I am looking to retain only the stuff that I enjoy or contributes to my needs (no more stuff that demands my time for no gain)
diminish all unnessasary responsibilites.
Freedom to move on or stay.
Free myself from regrets.
Re excite myself in the joys of living.
I am really looking for a new chapter in life where I can begin again and refresh make good friends and finally learn how to play some Jazz on my Guitar.
Hopefully we will get there sometime
cheers
Mike
-- Edited by Mike C on Wednesday 21st of November 2012 08:12:09 AM
As a permanent grey nomad, I respond as below:
what, may I ask, do you specifically love/like about it? The change in seasons in different locations, different views, meeting new people, seeing new things, driving new roads, no traffic lights or traffic jams.
what are you glad to be 'free of/removed from'?Mowing, and the general ongoing maintenance of 4 acres and house. Going to work 5 days a week, then coming home to do the "chores" on the weekend.
what do you wish to be better? nothing could be better than waking up in a different location every day. Having a different view from the kitchen, bedroom or front window. Watching the sun rise over the ocean, wtching the sun set over the ocean!
(maybe) what do you miss, from a previous 'era' Watching my grandies grow up. (one of my grandies birthday tomorrow. she will be four!)
-- Edited by Dunmowin on Wednesday 21st of November 2012 01:17:13 PM
We still have those bills - but it is the worry that power, water and rates are going up all the time, that I do not miss!!!! Phone and internet, well if I didn't have the money to pay them, I have prepaid, so my choice to pay or not. Rego and insurances, straight out of the bank on direct debit - so don't really think about them.
Would not want my life any other way!!!!
Being a full time Nomad,,,,,,, freedom
We have only retired and been on the road since May 2011 and really enjoy it.
As a former public servant, I enjoy being a nomad without being accountable (some public servants do work) and the responsiblity thereof. This is truly a beautiful country and we enjoy the rural areas even when dry and dusty and the local people are friendly and helpful.
We enjoy 'house-sitting' and living in larger areas than just the campervan and have met some lovely folk. Admittedly, there is responsiblity in looking after someone's home and pet - but it is much different than living in your own home and getting up for work everyday. The best part is that when we stay in a places for a month or more, we get involved in some of the local community events such as scrabble, probus, church etc. There are so many opportunity about.
My wife does miss having a base - a place where we can call home and keep some of our souvenirs at. Currently we have a storage unit which we visit once or twice a year to try to find or leave things at. I agree with the above comments that 'Space' is one of the big problems.
The Grey Nomad way of life is truly something to look forward to.
I am what I call a "Part Time" Grey Nomad and when Grey Nomading as I am now I just love everything about it but most of all meeting the great people from this forum would be the highlight of the journey (s). I can't fault anything about the lifstyle at all.
Oh, maybe wombats, they can be a problem.
Well Leo, for us it's having the view from the bedroom changed from day to day week to week.
Waking up in the morning and having some beautiful view in front of us. Fed up with it, drive off to another wonderful place.
Its much cheaper and less restrictive than holidaying in motels and eating at clubs/restaurants.
We stay in caravan parks about 2/3 of the time, prefer not to book ahead although in the busy season we have had to. We usually pay for a night or two and extend if we like it.
Yes I agree with every one the people you meet the view from your
door and moving on sometimes to catch up with people you have meet
what a life beats watching the passing parade in your home
(firstly) thank you to all contributors so far...what a great set of responses....
They are informative, intimate and intelligent...I am most grateful.
@nomadic1...your comment about registration is one I have experienced before (20+years ago)....it is indeed disappointing that such is still the case....I wonder if GN could provide impetus for change here (as elsehwere)?
And we should have a national registration and licencing scheme - and nationwide road rules - ridiculous the way it is now.
It sure is
I got an invite in the mail refering me to www.ehealth.gov.au to register for a personally controlled electronic health record.
cheers
Mike