I have been following lots of journeys that people are making and thinking "Iwant to go there". So much to see and do. I was supposed to be going to the CMCA solo's in Laidley in Oct. Tag along, but for various reasons it didn't turn out that way. Now I'm not sure where to start.
To get from Perth to anywhere else seems miles away. This will be my first trip so going tag along would be the way to go. Looking at the rest of the country seems to be that there's another town just around the corner from wherever one is so I should blame the various councils for putting all of the original towns over East.
Anyway any advice or experiences from solos would be gratefully recieved. That is if you can understand what I just wrote.
It may also be that I'm just thinking too much and should Just Do It.
I know exactly how you feel Colls. Since all my plans got thrown in a washing machine and churned around, nothing happening as I had planned, I now find it hard to work out what to do next. Every time I think I have it all sorted in my head something else happens to put a stop to it all. Now its my stomach that churns everytime I think about getting out there and getting back into the travelling mode. Its not as easy as it should be. A year ago I had it all worked out till I got a spanner in the works. Earlier this year I thought I had it all worked out and that went haywire. Now I keep thinking next week will be the one. Ok maybe next week.
In my case it is easy, I just think of what I want most to do and then do it.
I made a 12 month plan in December 2010 to buy a vehicle and travel round Australia and at the time I didn't have any funds to make it happen. I wanted to do it strongly enough to make it happen. 9 months later I was able to set off and go round Australia and for 12 months that is what I did.
Not everything worked out after the trip but when circumstances changed I decided what I wanted most to do and now I am doing it, following the sun in North Queensland.
So it gets down to you deciding what you want most to do and then making it happen and until you do it will be hard for you to get travelling. Admittedly if there are health issues and appointments to keep with doctors etc that could put a spanner in the works but if that is the case then your plan has to encompass those issues.
You're correct, it is miles. But every mile driven is one mile closer to your dream. Don't succemb to that 1st mile being too hard. It's not easy making such big life decisions. But every mile your drive, the decision gets easier and easier. This applies to basically anything in life.
Colls wrote:
To get from Perth to anywhere else seems miles away.
In my case it is easy, I just think of what I want most to do and then do it.
John
.. I'd have to agree with John .. Its a decision you have to make and be prepared to follow through with .. If you stand on the side watching then the procession will keep passing you by ..
Making mistakes are just part of the learning curve wherever you may be ..
To me leaving a house unattended is a worry, but having no home base would also be a worry. I think having not much stuff is a freedom thing and enlightening but I'm a hoarder.
-- Edited by jetj on Tuesday 21st of August 2012 12:00:05 AM
Don't know about Colls, Jonathan, but don't remember making any mistakes. Just had a few curved balls thrown at me and now have lost my mojo. Hopefully will find it again soon.
My choices have come about almost by chance. My first solo with little 'Gypsy' was an Easter family camp about 3 hours away. Easy as!
The next came about by a big family reunion in Western Qld, so I decided to go on from there. Each trip seems to have come about by someone mentioning going someplace, or a place I've thought I'd really like to see. eg: Last year I wanted to see Undara Lava Tubes in NQ and did just that.
If you don't have someone to tag along with, maybe do a few short trips until you become more confident. But I understand that it's a long way to travel to see the Eastern States. One day I'd like to go to WA, but I too would want a tag along at least for the Nullabor.
In my case it is easy, I just think of what I want most to do and then do it.
John
.. I'd have to agree with John .. Its a decision you have to make and be prepared to follow through with .. If you stand on the side watching then the procession will keep passing you by ..
Making mistakes are just part of the learning curve wherever you may be ..
Jon
Hi Jon. I was just wondering this morning if you'd fallen off the face of the earth. I haven't seen any comments by you for awhile.
Colls - when you get to the end of your driveway turn left or right and each time you get to another intersection make the same decisiom. When ready stop for the night and think of which to turn next.
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Esmeralda
It aint over until the fat lady sings, and I dont feel like singing just yet!
Colls - when you get to the end of your driveway turn left or right and each time you get to another intersection make the same decisiom. When ready stop for the night and think of which to turn next.
Do you think the hardest part is getting from the house to the vehicle. I'm in heaven once behind the wheel, but packing up the van is such a chore. Must be because not permanently on the road, always having to pack and repack. I'm trying to get the van set up in such a way that I have two of most things and not so much has to go out when I'm thinking about leaving. Then always worry I have left something behind.
Yes, that was a pain for me with Gypsy Marj. Now all I'll have to pack is clothes and food. The bed linen and towels are packed back in there after washing. There is still a certain amount fo food in there, mainly be fresh food to pack.
Thanks everyone. Of course you are all correct in what each has to say. I think my biggest thing is coming to the decision to sell my house. I would only sell if I was going to be on the road permanently. I know lots of people have had to make this decision and I'm sure had I done the whole tag along I would have been able to make the final decision without too much anxt, but after being back at home....it just all slots together really well. Until my son asks me "When are you leaving" lol.
I think I should stop playing my little violin and get on with it. Thankyou All.
Even the local shopping centre is a long way from home to some. "The distances don't look very far on the map." This is a quote from a Japanese tourist riding a push bike around the country. Always remember the trip to the destination is part of the trip. Enjoy the country you drive through. Just do little bits at a time until you get the hang of it. There is a strong chance that we could meet somewhere on the Nullarbor. I seem to be spending quite a bit of time along that stretch. For me no where is boring. The countryside changes about every 100kms. These changes make the trip interesting every time, no matter how often I do the road. These changes change every season. That makes it even more interesting. I've just returned from the Strezlecki Track. To some this would be a very boring part of the country, but among the grasses and spinifes there are beautiful wildflowers, tiny lizards, emu families, fat dingoes and kangaroos. Just remember, you are never alone. You will be sharing the road with fellow travellers as well as the road transport industry. No truckie gets out of bed in the morning with the intentions of running someone off the road, but you have to be alert to anything which could happen. Flying gravel is a very small part of what could happen. Always allow for the other driver's stupidity, and drive as carefully as you know how, according to the conditions. Safe and happy travels to you.
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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.
To me leaving a house unattended is a worry, but having no home base would also be a worry. I think having not much stuff is a freedom thing and enlightening but I'm a hoarder.
-- Edited by jetj on Tuesday 21st of August 2012 12:00:05 AM
Janette, it was a little lighweight camper trailer which I'd had for awhile and decided i wanted a bit more comfort. She was a little beauty. Only weighed 120kg! Basically just a bed on wheels. I'll look for a photo.
Are you in WA ? I have been looking for a tag along too, seems difficult to find. Some groups charge and arm and a leg to join them even with our own vans. I would be interested if you ever come across any from WA. I don't go on the forum very often, and I don't know how to send/read PM's so any info on main site would be good.
I guess we are the same as everyone- had plans but stuff happens and , well, you know!
We tend to be more likely to do smaller trips, easier to get the head around. Feel like a drive, be back when you see me.....a week, 2, 6 weeks, who cares really.
We try NOT to pack, like Beth, keep the van stocked with everything except fresh food (and undies). Towels and sheets get washed and go straight back in.
We have a smallish van which is well under the towing capacity of the car, and so, once hooked up, is no problem to tow- we drive and the van just follows. In addition we have the van serviced annually, and have top level NRMA cover for the road.
The telestra mobile phone gives us cover in more places the most others do not, and so we feel secure, although are thinking of getting UHF radio.
Don't feel like selling the house- then don't. Don't feel pressured to sell one minute before you are ready.There are no rules here. We have looked at the security of leaving the house empty, and have most of that covered now.
Are you in WA ? I have been looking for a tag along too, seems difficult to find. Some groups charge and arm and a leg to join them even with our own vans. I would be interested if you ever come across any from WA. I don't go on the forum very often, and I don't know how to send/read PM's so any info on main site would be good.
Rooney
Hi Rooney,
Did you see our Getogether (see section further down the main page index) for 11AM this Friday at Whiteman Park? I think Colls may be coming too would be a good chance to catch up with Colls and others...you would be most welcome to attend...
I like that idea too! 
