We have occasionally though of joining a club, but as I'm not good at going to meetings, have never managed to get to one. Will be interested in responses Rosie
Yes, I will be interested too. I have never been a big fan of clubs generally, probably because I feel that getting away from it all means getting away from PEOPLE too! Not that I am incredibly anti-social, but I live for those days when all you have is the bush around you, with perhaps a watercourse, and nobody else apart from my wife.
It would be good to hear what people regard as the positives though.
I have been a member of the Australian Caravan Club since about 2007. I have met some very nice people during my time with them and there are some benefits that may be of use to you.
While not a club or meeting type person this club suits us fine.
We can get involved in what ever activity is taking place at musters or just ignore them and do out own thing. The happy hours at musters are a great opportunity to learn from fellow travellers, and the chance to get out and about on trips with other members at musters is an advantage instead of every one going off to the same places on their own. The ladies may go off for awhile (or a day) shopping or arty things while the gents head out for a game of golf or fishing or down the corner for a few quiet ones and a bit of secret mens business.
Being a member also gets the van out of the yard more often than it would otherwise, so we gain more value from our investment.
Another advantage is that being an Austalian wide club it also allows us to attend musters in other States and regions when travelling away from home.
Cheers, ozjohn.
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Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top. Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic.
The ladies may go off for awhile (or a day) shopping or arty things while the gents head out for a game of golf or fishing or down the corner for a few quiet ones and a bit of secret mens business.
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Cheers, ozjohn.
hhmmmm.... as a woman who loves fishing, and couldn't give a fig for art galleries, I probably wouldn't like it, bit too sexist.
The ladies may go off for awhile (or a day) shopping or arty things while the gents head out for a game of golf or fishing or down the corner for a few quiet ones and a bit of secret mens business.
........
Cheers, ozjohn.
hhmmmm.... as a woman who loves fishing, and couldn't give a fig for art galleries, I probably wouldn't like it, bit too sexist.
I am also a member of the Australian Caravan Club and have justed started a new branch on the Mornington Peninsula. We are having our first get together at my house tomorrow with about 30 coming. No real formal meetings just a bit of fun and a get together. Good company and sharing of info. A bit like being on a forum but in real life We get together about 4 times a year and as John said it is good for helping you get the van out of the drive.
It is not sexist at all. People organise events or trips as they wish and those who want to go do so. If the ladies choose to do something together they do, if the ladies and gents decided to do a joint thing they do that too. I cannot think of a ladies only event that has happened but there have been those that mostly the ladies liked. eg craft making. If you want to sit in the van and not be part of it then do that. Happy hour and playing games during the day like Bocce, Klop, cards is all great.
The only time there is an event which is predominately attended by ladies is when one of the ladies has an interest in an activity and invites her friends to be part of it with her. Depending on the activity theose friends may well be other ladies. Sexist??????????????????
Good friends, good company, good experiences, good getaways.
macca
-- Edited by shazmacca on Saturday 7th of January 2012 08:27:43 AM
-- Edited by shazmacca on Saturday 7th of January 2012 08:28:17 AM
-- Edited by shazmacca on Saturday 7th of January 2012 07:27:32 PM
I have never seen the need to join such a club. I know people who are members, but I think it's about their need to be part of a group with other members with a common interest. One couple in this park pack up their vanhome and annexe, hitch up and go away for a weekend every now and then. Looks like a lot of work for a couple of days out of this park and into another one. I make my own travel plans to the destinations of my choice to pursue my interests. I think this forum can give as much information as any part or full time traveller, without the commitment and membership fees of a club. Once again, it's personal choice. It depends on what you're looking for. Like some other nomad forums, they play the "mine's bigger than yours" game, and I can't stand it.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
My parents were members of a caravan club for over 35 years, in fact my father was the founding president. At this time dad was still working so they weren't able to get away very often but managed to get away every couple of months with the caravan club and every end of year school holidays down the foreshore.
After dad retired things changed a lot - weeks out in the bush or down the coast or by a river; but they still had time for the caravan club just not as much. Now their caravan is stationary - it is parked at my brother's property down near Wilson's Prom and they enjoy getting down there. My mum would hit the road again in a heart beat (she just comes alive) but dad is not up to the long drives any more and neither is the van.
Caravan clubs can be a good outlet but nothing beats just "turning left".
-- Edited by Esmeralda on Saturday 7th of January 2012 10:45:49 PM
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Esmeralda
It aint over until the fat lady sings, and I dont feel like singing just yet!