After nearly seven wonderful relaxing months travelling with my little toy poodle (Oscar) around WA, across to Darwin then down the centre through Alice Springs, I am now on the last leg of my journey (currently at Lake Hart SA free camp north of Port Augusta), and will arrive home in Melbourne next Friday for a big welcome home dinner with all my family.
I hate driving long distances in one day, so I decided long ago that I would travel no more than 150 km in a day - it's usually much less, and if I like a place just prop for a few days. A lot of the time I don't even know where I am heading until I get behind the wheel and look at my bible (Camp 7). I am usually the last one to leave a rest stop and the first to arrive. I get out of bed at about 8.30 - 9.00am each morning, have a leisurely breakfast while I sit and cogitate for a while, then I set off down the highway travelling at 85km and usually pull up at my next overnight stop about lunchtime. It's a wonderful relaxing life and like so many nomads I am totally addicted to it. I am already planning my next trip in my head.
I have travelled around most of Australia now, and so far, the Pilbara is definitely my most favourite place followed closely by the Eyre Peninsula SA.
I'm interested to know the favourite places of other nomads and also travelling styles. Are there many other nomads like me who are really laid back, like to sleep in and only travel short distances each day?
Janno - you travel the same way we do!!!!! Some days we have done 50k!!! Pulled up most days by 1pm at latest! Get up at around 9am.
Love the Pilbara - and yet to do the Eyre Peninsula - maybe after we have done the West Australia, and the bottom bit of that state - across the Nullarbor and down the West coast of Eyre Pen - up the East! Maybe!!!!!
Do Tassy in the Summer Jan - fantastic!!!!!!
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Howdyeeeee Nomads, Nutters, excited, and unexcited people, may I go off topic,, I know,,, I know, it gets up peoples noses, who go off topic, !!!But,,, may I say this ,???? John,(yeoeleven) I hear the Vodka is flowing freely, up there ,,, and I know its none of my business but you know what happends when you drink, !!Remember,!! Mannum,, what goes on in Mannum, stays in Mannum but remember, I had to bail you off of the lock up, for Mooning the bar maid,,, Ill say nooooo more about it!! Back on topic,Well my style of travel is slow,,,,, Resurrect about 9am, have Brecky, and start out on a new adventure about 10.30 am, till about 1pm, I like watching as the day says good bye to us ,!!Rage till 9pm, then off to bed , for a entertaining night of great dreams,,,, stay excited Nomads, we only get one shot at this life , soooo be my guest, the play ground is waiting for you,,, PS, 90% of Australians are envious of you Nomads,,,,,,,,,Billeeeeee
Oooo, I can tell we are in the minority here. Please don't shoot me? We aren't on the road full time, when we are travelling we have a list of things we'd like to do/places to see. That list isn't set in concrete, and gets more additions than deletions, but on the whole we are fairly active. We love activities like bushwalking in the early mornings before it gets hot, day-trips to somewhere nice, with picnic lunches. We have learnt to pace ourselves though, and days off are spent doing all the stuff we all need to do, plus reading, sorting the latest photos, and enjoying another more leisurely walk. We both lose weight on long trips and feel much better for it.
Edit... forgot to say our favourite spot is usually the one we are in at the time, but the Pilbara, Flinders Ranges, West Macdonnells stand out.
-- Edited by Gerty Dancer on Sunday 25th of August 2013 12:11:39 PM
Perfect Janno - I do the same. Took a long time to truely slow down as I was always wanting to see what was around the corner. Once I hit WA and was going over familiar ground I took the time to stop and smell the roses - or at least the sea spray or mountain air:) Looking forward to wandering across the Nulabour next and then around again. What a wonderful lifestyle this is - I am sure it will add to our longevity and with so much time to read then I think we must be the most 'well read' generation ever!
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'Once you are infected with the travel bug you have it for the rest of your life - there is NO cure'
That's how I intend to travel Oz, Janno, a little at a time, no rush. Can't sleep till 9 though, I'm normally up by 6 or 7 and perhaps even earlier depending on what I'd like to photograph. I prefer the mornings to the hot afternoons. Anyway, I'm glad to read that you've had a ball and can't wait to get going again.
As you know I like to get on the road early, usually start when I am on my own between 6.30 and 7.00 am. Guess I am just a morning person. I am usually ready to stop around 3.00pm though. Coming home from Perth I was doing around 700 k's a day, but that was because I wanted to get home. Maybe next trip I will take a more leisurely approach. Have just come back from a day trip to Cardwell and am amazed at the work they have done since cyclone Yasi. It is really looking lovely, although the restoration work is not yet complete, what has been done is fantastic. It is one of my favourite places, along with the Kimberley in WA.
As you know I like to get on the road early, usually start when I am on my own between 6.30 and 7.00 am. Guess I am just a morning person. I am usually ready to stop around 3.00pm though. Coming home from Perth I was doing around 700 k's a day, but that was because I wanted to get home. Maybe next trip I will take a more leisurely approach. Have just come back from a day trip to Cardwell and am amazed at the work they have done since cyclone Yasi. It is really looking lovely, although the restoration work is not yet complete, what has been done is fantastic. It is one of my favourite places, along with the Kimberley in WA.
Have a safe trip home.
Cheers!
Chris
Cardwell is one of my favourites too Janno. Saw it 10 days post Yasi and couldn't look, it was so sad, but as you say they are getting there! Special part of the NQ Coast.
I have travelled around most of Australia now, and so far, the Pilbara is definitely my most favourite place followed closely by the Eyre Peninsula SA.
Did you run into and meet the legend. The Princess of the Pilbara whilst you were out there?
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Stewart www.vkportable.com.au www.forums.vkportable.com.au
You travel like I do! Although as I love walking early am I usually get up and do 1-2 hours walk, breakkie and tidy up, clean up a bag or two of rubbish outside if people have left any and then we saunter down (or up) the road for a bit - I usually like to go slow so as I can actually see what I am driving through and like to do no more than 1 tank of fuel a week! If I find some place I feel good at, well if it is allowed I will stay there 2-however many days is ok!
I am still of working age and have not yet made enough $$ to retire early so sometimes I have to stay somewhere for months and (please excuse the language) work. Other times I like to volunteer which is fun and not like that 4 letter word at all.
Right now I am in a Melbourne suburb, parked up in a friends driveway as I am completeing some studies, mostly on line, it's ok but the toes are getting itchy and Clancy and Connor are wanting to get out there again and make new pals at each stop!
Roll on early 2014, I'll get out on the road as soon as the school holidays are over and stay out there for as long as I can....see you out there!
annie
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Connor - Whippet
Ciaran - Whippet
Annie - after my 2nd cup of coffee I'm almost human! Together we are pawsaroundoz!