Hello Dougwe, we would love to meet up with you when you make it to Townsville, we are new to the GN family and have only done small trips locally with our new van. Would be great to hear all your tall stories and many adventures you have had.
The CP Duh is talking about must be the Rowes Bay CP the foreshore is just over the road ,from there on some days it feels as though you can just reach out and touch Maggi Island.
Ha ha..... Our team are the Cowboys. Locals would frown upon being told the Broncos.!!!! LOL
Our ph 07 47287273 give us a call
Michael & Rita
safe travels on your journey
-- Edited by carry1 on Monday 25th of March 2013 12:34:24 PM
Kiwi-as said
01:04 PM Mar 25, 2013
Hopefully we will be following you in the not to distant future.
If i have to stay much longer, may have to apply Vic. Residency.
-- Edited by Kiwi-as on Monday 25th of March 2013 01:09:31 PM
Dougwe said
05:48 PM Mar 25, 2013
Monday March 25/2013
Well I am currently in Central Victoria and this is my last of the Victorian Playground for some time. Yep, I will be a foreigner as of April 2 when I start the big Northern Migration although I have already started really.
I have enjoyed my Victorian wonderings but it's time to head for warmer weather. The weather gods were not all that kind to me last winter so I am going to introduce myself to the sunshine weather god.
I will be heading to Townsville, that's no surprise I here you say and you are right. At this stage I will be going via Dubbo, Tamworth, Inverell, Longreach, Winton and then Townsville. I hope to stay in Townsville for one month and from there, no plans at this stage, I will just wing it I think.
This will be the biggest trip I have ever done so it will really test out my home on wheels and myself for that matter. My trip last year was 3 months and this one will be at least 6 months, maybe even longer, only time will tell. They seem to double each time, mmmmm.
With all the work done on the Avan and Prado I now have the choice of "Free Camping" OR "Caravan Parks", my choice, decisions, decisions, decisions. This is hard out here in the playground.
One thing is for sure I really love this retirement thing, I must have been ready and I tell you that for free. I don't know where the hours in the day go and like many others have said, I don't know how I had time to go to work.
I have been asked by a few people to do a weekly update similar to my last big trip so I will do that again.
I will have my mobile phone and lap top so all communications will be on hand, if there is a signal I have contact with the outside world. There is a few campers around so just about to go for a walk and see if any Grey Nomads.
Cruising Cruze said
06:02 PM Mar 25, 2013
Going to be a nice trip Doug stay safe mate
pitty you wont be at Wuruma Dam
regards John
fireheart said
06:45 PM Mar 25, 2013
looking good there Doug, you have a safe and wonderful trip. Looking forward to your weekly updates.I know you will have the best time and enjoy "doing" lunch.
Safe journey. Sharon
Duh said
06:54 PM Mar 25, 2013
Happy Travels Doug, our Camry needed repairs in Townsville years ago and had to wait for Toyotal parts to come from Melbourne, the first lot went astray and we had to wait for another lot. Great Toyota dealership there, very helpful.
We had our Avan Aliner then and we stayed for about two weeks at a caravan park on the beach on the northern edge of town, can't remember the name of it now, a nice park esplanade was in front of the C/P and a bus service at the entrance.
We learned while we were there from a local that some from further north in the tropical rainforest areas nicknamed it "Brownsville" as they did have the rainful that places like Cairns have. We also went to the opening of the new footy club premises there in town, the Bronco's I think the team was called.
And we met a bloke in a stree in town who had a wooden leg who said to say hello to his wife who was parked nearby in a campervan around the corner. When we went around the corner, he had a store dummy dressed up with a hat on sitting up in the passenger seat!
Fond memories there......were lots of clothing shops and prices for clothes were very cheap compared to WA and elsewhere, and of course a trip to Magnetic Island is a must. In earlier days in the Army I flew from the RAAF base there to PNG. Big Army base in Townsville also. Good place of veg out for a little while Doug, you will enjoy it that's for sure.
bronnie said
06:58 PM Mar 25, 2013
Have a most wonderful time Doug! I look forward to hearing of your travels.......
Cheers Bronnie
Duh said
07:33 PM Mar 25, 2013
carry1 wrote:
The CP Duh is talking about must be the Rowes Bay CP the foreshore is just over the road ,from there on some days it feels as though you can just reach out and touch Maggi Island.
Ha ha..... Our team are the Cowboys. Locals would frown upon being told the Broncos.!!!! LOL
Thanks for the feedback on the CP Michael & Rita (and Dougwe), it was around 2000 when we were there.
OOOOPS.....sorry about the team mix up (Cowboys) I hope all you banana benders will forgive me, LOL ! There was free entry to one and all on the open day of the Club, got a chance to play the pokies, we don't have them in WA, only the Casino, not even the RSL here. Only thing that spoiled it was they allowed smoking inside then and was very smoky inside, hopefully that has been changed now.
-- Edited by Duh on Monday 25th of March 2013 09:06:12 PM
Peterpan said
07:37 PM Mar 25, 2013
Have a great journey Dougwe, there is a great free camp spot 65k nth of Dubbo,take a right turn at Brocklehurst and
head for Mendooran. Camps 5 NSW #435. On the river, flushing toilets, good pub food, Murals all over the town, and
the butcher has good meat. Just be aware that it is the migratory season for Wombats,never know where they will
turn up.
Enjoy the journey
Kevin.
briche said
07:43 PM Mar 25, 2013
Well after all the preparation you have done you should have no hassles wherever you go. If I were you I would not be rushing to get to the northern parts of the country just yet if the current weather conditions are anything to go by. Have a great time and travel safe. The girls send their best to you.
Brian and Cheryl.
ken thomas said
07:54 PM Mar 25, 2013
Endorse what peterpan has said about Mendooran great stop Have a safe journey and may see you sometime Ken
golivers travels said
08:57 PM Mar 25, 2013
Safe Travels Dougwe, yes take your time going north because as soon as you turn your nose for home there nearly always seems a desire to push on quickly.
look forward to your travels as well. Perhaps a blog would be a great way add keep a record of your adventures, then you have it all in one place and easy to read back over in the future.
Cheers
Glenda
BohemianGypsy said
09:34 PM Mar 25, 2013
Hey Doug,
I hope that Inverell stopover is to visit with Ray and I
Will you be arriving on the way up or on the way back, because you haven't told me yet lol
Michelle
-- Edited by BohemianGypsy on Tuesday 26th of March 2013 01:56:14 AM
eureka said
12:36 AM Mar 26, 2013
Waiting with anticipation to read you weekly updates. I might be up that way myself.
Helen
Dougwe said
01:28 AM Mar 26, 2013
Duh, Rowes Bay CV Park is correct mate.
Carry 1, I have noted your number and will make contact when in Townsville.
Peter pan and Ken, that spot sounds good enough for my big rig to stop for a night.
Kiwi-as, just because it's you mate I will speak to the powers to be in Victoria for you.
All, I need and want to be in Townsville by April 19 for my Granddaughters birthday so if I come across anything I would like to spend more time at I will just double back later.
Dougwe said
01:50 AM Mar 26, 2013
carry1 wrote:
Hello Dougwe, we would love to meet up with you when you make it to Townsville, we are new to the GN family and have only done small trips locally with our new van. Would be great to hear all your tall stories and many adventures you have had.
The CP Duh is talking about must be the Rowes Bay CP the foreshore is just over the road ,from there on some days it feels as though you can just reach out and touch Maggi Island.
Ha ha..... Our team are the Cowboys. Locals would frown upon being told the Broncos.!!!! LOL
Our ph 07 47287273 give us a call
Michael & Rita
safe travels on your journey
-- Edited by carry1 on Monday 25th of March 2013 12:34:24 PM
My Son In-law follows the Cowboys, not sure why, I keep telling him to follow a real team :)
STORM
Beth54 said
02:25 AM Mar 26, 2013
Best wishes for happy and safe travels Doug.
gypsy rover said
03:41 AM Mar 26, 2013
Sorry I am going to miss you this time Doug. Have a safe trip. I am at Port Augusta at the moment. Meeting Janno in Ceduna tomorrow.
Cheers
Chris
_wombat_ said
05:09 AM Mar 26, 2013
if you have a detour in mind to WA please let me know as early as you can as I will need some time to get out of town
have a great trip mate, and take your time smelling the roses.
Dougwe said
03:37 PM Mar 26, 2013
BohemianGypsy wrote:
Hey Doug,
I hope that Inverell stopover is to visit with Ray and I
Will you be arriving on the way up or on the way back, because you haven't told me yet lol
Michelle
-- Edited by BohemianGypsy on Tuesday 26th of March 2013 01:56:14 AM
I have emailed you BG so Bigw doesn't see this as he told me to bypass your place as he has left heaps of holes around there and he was concerned I could stip on one and break my ankle.
_wombat_ said
04:21 PM Mar 26, 2013
Dougwe wrote:
BohemianGypsy wrote:
Hey Doug,
I hope that Inverell stopover is to visit with Ray and I
Will you be arriving on the way up or on the way back, because you haven't told me yet lol
Michelle
-- Edited by BohemianGypsy on Tuesday 26th of March 2013 01:56:14 AM
I have emailed you BG so Bigw doesn't see this as he told me to bypass your place as he has left heaps of holes around there and he was concerned I could stip on one and break my ankle.
I would not have left heaps of holes around for you to step into, I would have left heaps of poo
BTW BG Dougwe is telling fibs again, but you know what he's like
Recoup said
10:36 PM Mar 26, 2013
Dougwe ,end of April we are heading of north, should be in Townsville around the 26/5. Hope to see you there, Hans
Dougwe said
01:37 AM Mar 27, 2013
More than likely will still be there Hans, keep in touch. Keep an eye on my weekly updates and you will know before me.
beiffe said
04:40 PM Mar 27, 2013
Hope you enjoy yourself young fella and hope you can keep all those girls away from your widdle rig LOL.
Let John get in front of you and then stick close behind for any disappointed rejects.
Hope you have a great trip.
I will be soon off line for a few months as I go into hibernation up north of SA for the winter so behave yourself and enjoy every day as if it is the last one.
Follow Billeee and John's example and live for today and worry about tomorrow tomorrow. HE HE (I caught that from Billeeee , see it is catching )
Regards Brian
neilnruth said
05:41 AM Mar 28, 2013
Have a great trip Dougwe. Just read some info on dementia and it mentioned that forgetting what day it is doesn't necessarily mean you have dementia because....'if you are retired it may not be necessary to know what day it is'!!! So, enjoy this retirement thing, check out what day it is when you take your pills and make sure you get there for that granddaughter's birthday! Perhaps we'll see you again on your way back.
Rip and Rosie said
03:51 PM Mar 28, 2013
Don't go too quickly north, Dougwe, or you'll miss all the good stuff along the way. A few short detours will show you some of NSW as you go through.
If you detour to the coast let me know, we are in Newcastle, and a swim might do you good!
Hello Dougwe, we would love to meet up with you when you make it to Townsville, we are new to the GN family and have only done small trips locally with our new van. Would be great to hear all your tall stories and many adventures you have had.
The CP Duh is talking about must be the Rowes Bay CP the foreshore is just over the road ,from there on some days it feels as though you can just reach out and touch Maggi Island.
Ha ha..... Our team are the Cowboys. Locals would frown upon being told the Broncos.!!!! LOL
Our ph 07 47287273 give us a call
Michael & Rita
safe travels on your journey
-- Edited by carry1 on Monday 25th of March 2013 12:34:24 PM
Hopefully we will be following you in the not to distant future.
If i have to stay much longer, may have to apply Vic. Residency.
-- Edited by Kiwi-as on Monday 25th of March 2013 01:09:31 PM
Monday March 25/2013
Well I am currently in Central Victoria and this is my last of the Victorian Playground for some time. Yep, I will be a foreigner as of April 2 when I start the big Northern Migration although I have already started really.
I have enjoyed my Victorian wonderings but it's time to head for warmer weather. The weather gods were not all that kind to me last winter so I am going to introduce myself to the sunshine weather god.
I will be heading to Townsville, that's no surprise I here you say and you are right. At this stage I will be going via Dubbo, Tamworth, Inverell, Longreach, Winton and then Townsville. I hope to stay in Townsville for one month and from there, no plans at this stage, I will just wing it I think.
This will be the biggest trip I have ever done so it will really test out my home on wheels and myself for that matter. My trip last year was 3 months and this one will be at least 6 months, maybe even longer, only time will tell. They seem to double each time, mmmmm.
With all the work done on the Avan and Prado I now have the choice of "Free Camping" OR "Caravan Parks", my choice, decisions, decisions, decisions. This is hard out here in the playground.
One thing is for sure I really love this retirement thing, I must have been ready and I tell you that for free. I don't know where the hours in the day go and like many others have said, I don't know how I had time to go to work.
I have been asked by a few people to do a weekly update similar to my last big trip so I will do that again.
I will have my mobile phone and lap top so all communications will be on hand, if there is a signal I have contact with the outside world. There is a few campers around so just about to go for a walk and see if any Grey Nomads.
stay safe mate
pitty you wont be at Wuruma Dam
regards John
Safe journey.
Sharon
Happy Travels Doug, our Camry needed repairs in Townsville years ago and had to wait for Toyotal parts to come from Melbourne, the first lot went astray and we had to wait for another lot. Great Toyota dealership there, very helpful.
We had our Avan Aliner then and we stayed for about two weeks at a caravan park on the beach on the northern edge of town, can't remember the name of it now, a nice park esplanade was in front of the C/P and a bus service at the entrance.
We learned while we were there from a local that some from further north in the tropical rainforest areas nicknamed it "Brownsville" as they did have the rainful that places like Cairns have. We also went to the opening of the new footy club premises there in town, the Bronco's I think the team was called.
And we met a bloke in a stree in town who had a wooden leg who said to say hello to his wife who was parked nearby in a campervan around the corner. When we went around the corner, he had a store dummy dressed up with a hat on sitting up in the passenger seat!
Fond memories there......were lots of clothing shops and prices for clothes were very cheap compared to WA and elsewhere, and of course a trip to Magnetic Island is a must. In earlier days in the Army I flew from the RAAF base there to PNG. Big Army base in Townsville also. Good place of veg out for a little while Doug, you will enjoy it that's for sure.
Have a most wonderful time Doug! I look forward to hearing of your travels.......
Cheers Bronnie
-- Edited by Duh on Monday 25th of March 2013 09:06:12 PM
Have a great journey Dougwe, there is a great free camp spot 65k nth of Dubbo,take a right turn at Brocklehurst and
head for Mendooran. Camps 5 NSW #435. On the river, flushing toilets, good pub food, Murals all over the town, and
the butcher has good meat. Just be aware that it is the migratory season for Wombats,never know where they will
turn up.
Enjoy the journey
Kevin.
Well after all the preparation you have done you should have no hassles wherever you go. If I were you I would not be rushing to get to the northern parts of the country just yet if the current weather conditions are anything to go by. Have a great time and travel safe. The girls send their best to you.
Brian and Cheryl.
Have a safe journey and may see you sometime
Ken
Safe Travels Dougwe, yes take your time going north because as soon as you turn your nose for home there nearly always seems a desire to push on quickly.
look forward to your travels as well. Perhaps a blog would be a great way add keep a record of your adventures, then you have it all in one place and easy to read back over in the future.
Cheers
Glenda
Hey Doug,
I hope that Inverell stopover is to visit with Ray and I
Will you be arriving on the way up or on the way back, because you haven't told me yet lol
Michelle
-- Edited by BohemianGypsy on Tuesday 26th of March 2013 01:56:14 AM
Waiting with anticipation to read you weekly updates. I might be up that way myself.
Helen
Carry 1, I have noted your number and will make contact when in Townsville.
Peter pan and Ken, that spot sounds good enough for my big rig to stop for a night.
Kiwi-as, just because it's you mate I will speak to the powers to be in Victoria for you.
All, I need and want to be in Townsville by April 19 for my Granddaughters birthday so if I come across anything I would like to spend more time at I will just double back later.
My Son In-law follows the Cowboys, not sure why, I keep telling him to follow a real team :)
STORM
Best wishes for happy and safe travels Doug.
if you have a detour in mind to WA please let me know as early as you can as I will need some time to get out of town
have a great trip mate, and take your time smelling the roses.
I have emailed you BG so Bigw doesn't see this as he told me to bypass your place as he has left heaps of holes around there and he was concerned I could stip on one and break my ankle.
I would not have left heaps of holes around for you to step into, I would have left heaps of poo
BTW BG Dougwe is telling fibs again, but you know what he's like
Dougwe ,end of April we are heading of north, should be in Townsville around the 26/5. Hope to see you there, Hans
Let John get in front of you and then stick close behind for any disappointed rejects.
Hope you have a great trip.
I will be soon off line for a few months as I go into hibernation up north of SA for the winter so behave yourself and enjoy every day as if it is the last one.
Follow Billeee and John's example and live for today and worry about tomorrow tomorrow. HE HE (I caught that from Billeeee , see it is catching )
Regards
Brian
If you detour to the coast let me know, we are in Newcastle, and a swim might do you good!
R+R...You just never know as well even.