This is my first post and, as the subject suggests, is meant as a tentative first step.
I live in Pomona Queensland and own a '79 Viscount hitched to a 2000 Commodore. I'm recently bereaved and feel that getting on the road may be one way to start building a new life without the love of my life.
Perhaps I should be looking for a group meet or perhaps a tagalong convoy to get started? I'm not really set up for unpowered travel at present.
I look forward to your comments, suggestions and wisdom.
Welcome Peter, and condolences on your bereavement. You will find some wonderful people on this site,only too willing to help, meet up with you and give advice re travelling. Yeoeleven (John), who posted above, is right in recommending setting up for free camping - even a portable solar panel (which are cheap these days) and a porta potti is enough to get started - read his blog (underlined at the bottom of his post) - he is a great blogger and photographer, as well as being a bloody nice bloke!
Take care - and get out there in the playground we call home!!!!
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Very excited by the responses I've received so far - thank you so much for taking the time - for the first time I can see a little light at the end of the tunnel which I'm confident is not an oncoming train.
Still taking a good look at everything but intrigued by the intersections.
John, you talk about Fletcher Creek - Shona and I lived in Charters Towers for 7 years and Fletcher Creek was one of our favourite camping sites (a tent in those days) - we knew the landowner of Fletcher Downs so had our own magic spot.
Peter
P.S. I plan to spend some time on my Bio - I really enjoyed reading yours Julie.
Welcome from me too Peter and my sympathies to you on your loss. As has been said previously, they are a great mob here, always ready to lend a hand or a sympathetic ear. If you need to know anything, just ask the forum, someone will have an answer for you. You could also use the search function in the top bar.
Get out there and enjoy yourself, as I intend to starting next week.
My condolences also. I couldn't think of a better process for healing after losing someone, than out there camping, caravanning, or motorhoming and seeing this country.
Free camping isn't hard or too expensive to set up these days as Jules mentioned, the sola panels are fairly cheap now. Best of luck to you.
I like you are a virgin poster here as well, may I extend my sympathies as well I am sure you will have some dark days ahead but I think you will be in good company here seems this site is full of lovely people I will be taking off mid 2013 to longreach for my first trip after 50years of work if you are still looking for some where to go keep me in mind i would love all the company possible
I'm very encouraged by all the responses - thank you again.
There seems to be a focus on free camping - I'm not sure I'm prepared to give up my electric blanket yet! On the other hand, striking out in this new direction would be one way to avoid re-visiting places I shared with my lovely wife.
The great thing is that you're all giving me lots to think about.
I would really like to meet up with anyone who is passing this way (Pomona, Queensland) - just send me a message and we'll see what we can arrange.
I'm really touched by the offers to travel with me - that really is a measure of how great this forum is!
Welcome Peter and im so sorry for your loss. Although we never forget it does become a little easier with time. You will not be sorry hitting the road. It is a great way to meet people and explo new and wonderful places. There are some lovely people out there willing to help where they can. Get yourself a hot water bottle and chuck the electric blanket. They work a treat when free camping. Very cosy. I hope to catch you out there some day and look forward to a cuppa and a long chat by a river somewhere. Take care. Tess
I'm very encouraged by all the responses - thank you again.
There seems to be a focus on free camping - I'm not sure I'm prepared to give up my electric blanket yet! On the other hand, striking out in this new direction would be one way to avoid re-visiting places I shared with my lovely wife.
The great thing is that you're all giving me lots to think about.
I would really like to meet up with anyone who is passing this way (Pomona, Queensland) - just send me a message and we'll see what we can arrange.
I'm really touched by the offers to travel with me - that really is a measure of how great this forum is!
Peter
Peter - our emphasis on free camping is because it is just that - free. Most of us cannot see the value in caravan parks these days, sure we stay in them some times, but full time - no way - besides nowadays caravans and motorhomes are set up for free camping - showers, toilets, solar, generators etc - and you meet some terrific people at free camps -
As for your electric blanket - get a hot water bottle!!!! sorry my idea of a joke!!! twisted humour!!
Do you have a caravan or motorhome at the moment?
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Welcome to you and all the best for your future. This travel/nomad thing is absolutely personal choice. There is a lot to be said for free camping, choosing a spot, or sharing it with fellow campers. Caravan parks offer amenities, creature comforts and convenience. For pensioners free camping gives them cash to enjoy the scenery and other comforts or the occasional meal out. Life can be as simple, or as complicated as you choose.
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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.
