To do it or not to do it???

Akuli · Veteran Member

To do it or not to do it???

Cruising Granny · Guru

Hi Akuli, and welcome to The Grey Nomads site.
I'm one of those solo travellers fulfilling a dream.
If you want to do it, and don't, you'll be a grumpy old, frustrated person.
Do your homework, take some short trips before you decide on the full-time nomadic lifestyle.
Get the vehicle which suits your purposes and capabilities. I have all my wordly goods in my 20ft van and I tow with Landcruiser. This doesn't suit everyone.
If the motorhome is to be your full time home you need to consider storage space, running costs and maintenance.
On the upside, taking to the road and pointing your bullbar in your chosen direction is one of the most liberating things you can do in your life.
Look at the maps and pick a destination. Look again and change your mind. If you have no deadlines, and want to spend Christmas with the family, plan your year and travels around that.
There are so many beautiful places to visit in this country, and the getting there is part of the experience. Then you can choose if you free camp or park in van parks. I choose van parks because of my personal safety. The people you will meet will possibly change you outlook on life. It's all good.
I lived in a van park in Broome, WA for 9 years, so I'm used to van living in a park.
All the best to you. Keep us posted on your plans. Safe and happy travels, Chris

Akuli · Veteran Member

Thanks Chris, as usual you advice is spot on. Yes I will have to consider costs but with wonderful kids like mine if I get into a bind I know they will help out.
I went to our library yesterday and borrowed a couple of books:
"Camping in Australia" by Cathy Savage & Craig Lewis, which gives detalis on camping grounds (free and low cost). I found it very informative and even had the little free camp just down the road from me.
and
"The Australian Drivers Atlas 2008" While reading this I had fun planning routes etc. What a dreamer I am.

On something else though, would travelling with my beloved dog limit where I can go too much. I know pets and national parks are a no no.

Also if I went for a rig other than a caravan, which I could detatch, would it limit what I could get close enough to see, if you get my meaning. I was considering hitching on a trail bike or push bike which would assist with local mobility.

Every time I submit my edited post I keep thinking of further questions.......

When considering what type of rig to buy is it worth getting one with loo and shower? Is it really something which can't be done without? They seems to take up so much space.

-- Edited by Akuli on Thursday 16th of April 2009 10:31:25 AM

-- Edited by Akuli on Thursday 16th of April 2009 10:36:18 AM

-- Edited by Akuli on Thursday 16th of April 2009 10:40:07 AM

dave06 · Guru

oh god!! I cant stand it, I know you only asked for advice from women who have done it, but I have to put my two bobs worth in, please forgive me!!!

R.V. point is a very highly respected site for the sale of motorhomes/campers and caravans and is to be trusted implicitly

another place to look is "the trading post found here

http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Home just poke in "motorhome"

another is the c.m.c.a. this is a club designated to the traveller or rv owner, it stands for the campervan and motorhome owners club of australia although it does now include new zealand (well no-one else would have them you see) it can be found here

http://www.cmca.net.au/pages/index.php take a look in the members market, fully trustworthy, also please consider jining up with us, well worth it

also ebay has motorhomes and campers for sale at quite good prices

I cant push the "camps australia wide book" hard enough for any traveller it has all "hema" maps (large and easily read, as well as all free or low cost campsites all throughout australia

atlasses are great and I have a bunch of them but once you grab the camps book then you will never go back to an atlas

it's like reading the dictionary, all the words of every great novel is in there but the storyline is very hard to follow

if you are living "an alternative lifestyle" now then you will absolutely adore being a "grey nomad"

I apoligise for not being

(1) female

(2) a full time traveller

but I couldnt stand the lack of response over such a simple question, where are you girls???

dont be afraid to ask anything anytime anywhere, we encourage input from EVERYONE, male, female and those that are undecided, please enjoy the site we have worked hard to get the clowns out and to keep the "good guys" in

oh and I was never one to be afraid of heights LOL!!!

Akuli · Veteran Member

Oh Dave, you have not disappointed me, I am still laughing as I try to type...I have read enough threads on this site to appreciate your humor.
For you mate I would even supply a ladder LOL
Sorry if my post seemed to imply restriction to gender who may reply, I did not mean it as all replies are more than welcome. Yours has been VERY informative, thanks Dave.

BTW incase anyone gets on your back re your reply being sexist - tell them to GET A LIFE!

Bubs · Senior Member

Ok Dave, yes I am watching!!
Hi Akuli!
For all you that have read this before, too bad, here I go again!
Welcome!!!
I sold up every material thing I owned this time last year and came over to Aussie from NZ to become a Grey Nomad and follow my long time dream.
It took a while to set myself up with a Winnebago Freeway and get on the road but finally headed off on 14 Jan. That means I have been on the road for 3mths now.
I have to admit, I waaahhed myself through the first 3 weeks, wondering what the hell I had let myself into, but told myself to give it 3 mths at least before making any other decisions. It only took 2mths really for me to find my feet, and with the help of all on this forum, the confidence to continue the journey. I am now in NZ for a two week catchup with family, but can't wait to get back into the Winnie and head off into the red dirt. Like you, I haven't the luxury of enough $ not to work, but am prepared to try anything. I have just finished a stint of onion sorting for 7 weeks!! Filled the kitty and hitting the road to the next place, wherever that happens to be. I am 55 (in 2 weeks time).
Honestly Akuli, I would be the antithesis of your bells and bangles gypsy, or 70's hippy, and if I can do this, ANYBODY can do it. It is the fear of fear itself the is the only crippling factor. Let the fear go! Live while you are alive to do it!
Cheers,
Dianne
p.s. I am also an artist!

-- Edited by Bubs on Thursday 16th of April 2009 02:14:06 PM

xina · Guru

Hi Akuli,
I have to agree with Bubs. Fear of not being properly organised held me back for about 15 months, before some-one gave me a nudge,[like let's go to Cairns tomorrow]. Couldn't wait to get on the road again after we got back, so 2 weeks later, I went to my sisters' just north of Brisbane, for Easter. It's only about an 8 hour drive, but I like to break it up and over-night along the way.
You don't really need a shower and toilet in the vehicle, as there are rest stops with loos along the highways, and you can usually have a shower in most Caravan Parks. I think they charge about $5.00. Then you have the Solar showers, or 12 volt Camping showers, both available at Camping Suppliers.
My youngest sister has a Motor-home, which is her permanent home at the moment, [they house-sit for six months, which lets them build up a bank to travel for the next six months.] and she had them take the shower/toilet out, so she could have more storage space. They have a Porta-potti.
Can't wait 'till I can afford to go again.
Cheers,
xina.

-- Edited by xina on Thursday 16th of April 2009 04:18:06 PM

Cruising Granny · Guru

Hi again Akuli.
You should think about how many comforts you will need when you decide on your mode of travel.
I have shower and toilet in my 20ft van. I use the toilet at night, and haven't needed to use the shower while I'm living in a park. Why use my gas when I can use their hot water?
Others don't see it that way, and use their own shower all the time. Once again, to each his/her own.
It's all about lifestyle. Travel, comfort, travel and comfort, travel or comfort, however you want to look at it.
There are tent-like outdoor shower toilet configurations for the free campers who set up way out of towns and van parks, by rivers, lakes and beaches.
All you need to do is consider the style of travel and living you'd like to adopt, and do your homework within your capabilities, financial and physical.
Oh by the way, you must be a blessed mother. My kids would never bail me out of anything. It's usually the other way around.
Now go for it. And as Uncle Dave says, get a Camps 5 Australia. It's worth the investment, ususally around $50, but there are cheaper ways to purchase than the newsagent.
All the best with that. Cheers Chris

Akuli · Veteran Member

Thanks for such wonderful feedback.
Seriously considering no loo or shower in rig, that way I will have more space (packrat habits die hard). I already use a potty of a night here as it is too dangerious going down steep stairs covered in due or ice to go to the composter downstairs. I will consider a bush type shower, use caravan and truck stop showers and just APC if necessary. Don't think I am dirty though, it is amazing how clean you can get with a bowl and some hot soapy water.
Yes Crusin Granny I am blessed but as the boys say "what goes around comes around". I brought them up mostly alone, gave them a good private school education and financial support when they were starting out on their own - as they both say now it is their turn. But I really hope it won't be necessary to call on them for $$$$'s. I have proved while living where I am now that I can live cheaply. Actually sometimes it costs more to feed Peppa (my dog) than it does me. If only I could give up the dreaded weed I would have heaps of money.
PS: Love your new avitar Granny. I'll have to do something about getting one.

Happy travels, Akuli

Cruising Granny · Guru

It's actually my old avatar revisited. I had the tyre covers designed and made in Broome by a graphic designer and printer.
One thing to bear in mind if you're a pack rat, is weight. There are limits to these things.
The vehicle has to be up to the task asked of it, and that includes weight. Don't ask more than your vehicle is capable of, or it will cost you trying to provide the power to drag the stuff around. Ultimately, it may cost you your vehicle's transmission or worse, the motor. It's all relative.
I'm sure you'll seek all the advice you need to achieve your goals.
If you choose the right thing for you, it will be the ulimate life time experience, after raising family and seeing them make their own way in the world.
Nothing needs to be forever, you're portable and it's your choice.
Enjoy. Chris

Akuli · Veteran Member

Hi Granny, sometimes I have nightmares that I will be like Lucille Ball in that wonderful old movie "the long long trailer". I remember she was a rock hound and kept stashing rocks in all sorts of places....until poor Desi could not get the van to go up a steep hill. Very funny if you ever get a chance to see it. Not sure if it is on DVD but worth hunting for.

So long as I have room for my art gear and my dog I should be right.

pawsoz · Senior Member

Hi Akuli, an Welcome!

I travel with Clancy - who is a Whippet, used to travel ith Carlin a Labbie but he is to sick to enjoy trips away now so I am not doing anything too far these days....Clancy and I get very itchy paws tho'!

I travel in a Toyota Hi Ace which easily holds most of my worldly belongings, I did have to be a bit ruthless at first and I do have 3 plastic boxes stashed in a friends Garage in Victoria!

Having said that I think I may get a small trailer for the campervan - or go over to the dark side and get a small caravan and a tow vehicle....still unable to decide.

In a year or two I intend to get ack on the road probably until they take my licence away for being too old - then I will just have to live wherever I am! I have no kids to help me out or family. Just as long as there is a dg club close by!

I do not find travel with Clancy too limiting at all and would not have it any other way. Often when you get to NP areas you will find others with a dog or two and you take turns to look after each others dogs! That worked out really well for me in WA.

Annie

Akuli · Veteran Member

pawsoz: thanks for your input. I cant even imagine travelling with out my girl. I came here just over 12 months ago and Peppa was part of the deal i.e. housesitting the property. After a very short time I fell in love with her and begged the owners to give her to me. Because she was a little incontinent they passed her over. Mind you the first week I had her she got sick and the vet bill was +$300. But who cares she is such a love I could not part with her no matter what. Imagine being her and have succesive owners coming and going while her true owners were overseas for 6 to 9 months on end.
I was told a story recently, Peppa was left with a house carer who was not happy up here (2 years ago) and she (the house carer) took off and left Peppa with a friend in Tamworth. Pep was not happy and took off. Eventurally Pep was found on the outskirts of Nundle - lost alone and unwanted.
No wonder the darling dog took to me.....to cut a long story short the owners of this property have given me Pep and now we are insperable.
So where ever we go Pep and I are a duo

twobob · Guru

Akuli

You are a good person in my book. Pets are friends, and as such give back more than they recieve, asking for little in return.

My man, Benji, has a similar back ground, and he gets what he needs. Where I go, so does he. Life without him, would be a struggle. It takes little alteration of my travel plan's for him to enjoy the journey as well

So both of you, go out and enjoy, as we have.

Akuli · Veteran Member

thanks twobob for your kind words but it was never a hard job bonding with my girl. Any alterations to travel plans which have to be made because of Peppa would be no problem. Anything I might have to miss because of her would be no problem as her love and loyalty would make up for it 10 fold.

mike and Judy · Guru

Hi Akuli
Heres some idea you might consider,
Will the council allow you to build a big locking shed on the block, to store all future building matierals, (as far as they are concerned) then youi get yourself a mobile home or van with a shower and loo,
The block is then your base to return to from your travels and restore your van to a state of readiness for your next trip
you could line it, put in a porta loo, fire, lounge, tv, etc, if the window has a sun film on it ,no stickybeak will know its contents,
And it could garage the van if the council ever change their mind

Akuli · Veteran Member

Thought of putting a shed up to store things but guess what the council will not let you erect a shed until after a house is build.....

dave06 · Guru

if I was you akuli I would have a word with the ombudsman, the council have no legal right to stop you constructing a shed provided it is not for the purpose of dwelling

Akuli · Veteran Member

already checked that out Dave, and believe it or not they DO have a right if the block is within the village. Who cares anyway, I am at the stage where I just want to step up into my rig with Peppa and be off.....
My Nanna always used to say "when one door closes a window somewhere opens" .... who am I to argue with such a wise loving lady.

twobob · Guru

Akuli (should look up your real name)

I agree with your Nanna, and also believe in Fate: whats meant to be will.

Your initial dream has been dampened, so maybe there is another one to come. Thats the journey we all have. You will only know as you go. I have learnt not to question it, and just go with the flow.

Enjoy the journey and wait to see what the destination is

my twobobs worth

dave06 · Guru

akuli I srongly urge you to seek the ombudsmans decision on this, I am a builder, even though I handed my liscence in and no longer construct

I have had many dealings with council and I am VERY conversant with the laws and bi-laws pertaining to construction of self occupancy dwellings within council boundaries

unless your land is encumbered by a non construction caviat or subject to very stringent heritage listed restraints then council has no right to withold your construction permits

providing they meet all current construction restrictions then they have no legal right to hinder your construction

the way they have you now with the "no construction" caviat no-body will purchase the land from you

please seek advice from either an ombudsman (first stop) then a legal aid lawyer

I know I am sounding argumentative about this but I am a great defender of peoples rights when it comes to council and the big frog syndrome

Ole Grizzly · Senior Member

Wow..let's stir up that council and all of us have a Grey Nomad get together on that block.

We'll declare "Squatter's Right's "

Akuli · Veteran Member

wouldn't that be good smile I will send out the call if necessary, what a party.

The funniest part re the council is the village is so old and dotted with all sorts of huts, cabins and delapidated houses already, except for one or two new McMansions which look so out of place.