Hi all, in a nut shell, I left my home town in wollongong three weeks ago, heading north, driving my Nissan X Trail and towing my second hand but much loved Jayco discovery van. Ive been to some amazing and beautiful places. What I'm finding so far (and maybe it's me) but all the couple grey nomads tend to stick to themselves, or in their own little groups. I find them friendly enough for a brief chat and that's it. Has anyone else found this? Or have I just been unlucky so far? Ps I'm so new to this forum thing but am loving it.
Welcome Tania, sounds like you are already out there having fun. Yes I have found that also with couples but there are very friendly ones out there also who will make you most welcome. Where are you now? If you are anywhere near Gympie, call into the Cobb & Co Camping area where a few Grey nomads are going to be camped for a while.
Thanks happywanderer, I'm in yamba nsw, won't be over the boarder for another week or so. I'm really looking forward to meeting up other solo nomads. How long have you been traveling?
Have been trying for over a year now with a few hiccups. Some of the nomads are staying at Gympie for 2 weeks so you still might get to say hello. PM me if you come through Biggenden after that.
I've found some couples stick to themselves, and some are very friendly. I just take them as they come. If they want to talk to me fine, if they don',t that's fine too. There are plenty of solo nomads out there, who usually welcome a chat.
Hi and welcome Tania. During the busy tourist seasons it seems the same groups travel and hang together. I found this in Broome, until I made myself known, spent a little time with them and then each year was like a family reunion. I didn't make a coffee for 3 months of each of the 9 years I lived in the park. Some of the parks are quite snobby and exclusive. At one park I was travelling with a fella I met. We turned up to happy hour, and I was directed to the girls' table, while my friend was permitted to sit with the blokes. I stayed with the fella and told the blokes I didn't play that game. Through this forum and a couple of others I have met singles and couples, and the forum has opened doors for friendship. I've met some by chance along the way, or at organised gatherings. You just never know where a GN will turn up. Everyone is different. Some prefer their privacy and tend to stick to their camp. Others love to mingle and socialise whether in a van park on at a free camp. Take it as you find it. Don't take it too seriously. As long as you present a friendly face and make an approach, you've done your nomad duty. If they don't want to be social, don't let it get to you. Everyone is different. Whether they be camping in a Winnebago or an old camper van, or a big, flash caravan or a little wobbly, take them as you find them. Sometimes I think others avoid singles for fear we're going to pinch their bloke. Another reason is they think we're anti-social hermits. I'm neither, as a few on this forum will tell you. I'm currenlty living in a large park in Adelaide with a lot of long-termers and permanents, as well as short-termers. I say "hi" to everyone.l Safe and happy travels.
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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.
Hi and welcome, I've found people very friendly while traveling, although some do keep to themselves and stay inside their motorhome or van. I also find some couples protective towards me because I am traveling alone. Particular when I had a leg cast and crutches after breaking my ankle.
Having a dog with me tends to attract other pet lovers to be friendly at times.
Thanks everyone, now that i know I can chat to other solo travellers makes me feel better. I'm just loving the freedom of travelling. I look forward to being in touch with you all again. Cheers
Pets are a good introduction. I don't travel with one because I don't think it's fair. With my work I can't just stop for a "walk" for the pup. It's hard enough to get the drivers to stop for my pit stop. But I do find animals a great introduction medium. I've met lots of dogs and talked to their owners all over the country. There really are no rules about this travel and meeting stuff. Just do what you feel comfortable with. It's not compulsory.
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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.
Welcome to the forum. I will also be a solo traveller in a few weeks. You certainly won't be on your own, there are a lot of solos enjoying the travellin' lifestyle out there. Hope to meet you on the road one day.
You will find there are more solo girls out on the road than the fellas. Not sure why but that's how I have found it anyway.
I find that if they want to talk then good, if not I just keep walking as I have a lot of living to do in a short time and I don't want to waste time where I am not an equal.
Remember the box they travel in has nothing to do with their personality as I have met some lovely people in large MH's and some small poptops and in wizzbangs and the same the other way so treat all new friends as equal and take what happens and carry on.
Good to see you are out there doing the things that many get no closer than thinking and wishing they could should do.
Regards Brian
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11 Mtr house Boat based at Mannum hoping to travel up the Murray as far as I can get then drift back again
Hello and welcome to the forum. You meet any types of travellers out there and can be as friendly as you want it to be - takes two to tango!!! Some couples are very friendly and outgoing and others aren't, just like anywhere else and just like anywhere else you can move on or stay and chat.
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Esmeralda
It aint over until the fat lady sings, and I dont feel like singing just yet!
You are so right Beiffe! Never judge the nomad by the vehicle. I used to get intimidated by the flash, up-market kit - large van, flash fourby, flowers on the annexe table, trimmings etc. Not so. They are really nice people who do this with a bit more frills than I do, but they have been really accepting and sociable. They usually drink nice wine too. Also, never judge a truckie by his truck or his language. Although I find truckies are less likely to swear on the radio as a general rule. This morning I was chatting to a young bloke who was having his break at Border Village. His sturdy American Bull Terrier was sunning himself on a chair, under the roadhouse verandah, chewing on a doggy chew. The driver was a chunky, well-built, muscly young bloke, and the dog really matched the owner. They were both just as friendly and well-mannered. Wherever you go, if you get the chance, chat to a truckie. Most of them are a long way from home and family and want a bit of new and interesting "normal". They have a lot of information about the road conditions, the location of the coppers and anything else you might like to ask them. Many are "reading" e-books as they go. They really are an interesting "breed".
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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.