Is pepper spray the same as the police carry - I think it's referred to as capsicum spray. Ok, thank you for that, Native Pepper and Ding. Wasp spray it is. Would a chemist would stock it? Or a hardware store, like Mitre 10? 

Hi Shekon, You sound like you're really enjoying life! I love talking to people too, and love the outback, but not the maddening crowds. I wouldn't want to do it full -time, well, not yet anyway, but I don't want to be feel that I can't just get up and go when I please. Thank you for your helpful reply and encouragement. Everyone has been really generous in passing their information on and been very supportive. I honestly appreciate it. I have been caravanning before, so know the lifestyle is good, there are many happy times to be had, and it's healthy being outdoors in the fresh air, but I have never travelled on my own. I think, at the stage where I am now, research is the key. As you and most others have said, do the research, hire vehicles I'm interested in, and do  short trips to see how I and the vehicle go, and how I feel about everything afterwards. Then, if I still want to do it, buy what I'm comfortable with, and well, Oz is really my oyster. I hope to meet you all out and about one day. I have the most wonderful and loving support system in my children and the rest of my family, but I think friends are the family we choose. You're all friends, and thank you all again.  

Hi Nelly, thank you. It's what I was thinking myself, and another lady said the same thing to me in here. I am a big scaredy cat on my own, and I'll be the first to admit it, so my mode of transport will definitely be one I can lock myself in at night when/if I free camp. I'll be right in caravan parks, that won't be a problem, but it's the free camping I love, yet am afraid of on my own. I love to boil a billy on an open fire (when permitted), put the camp oven on, and sit by the crackling fire to watch the glowing coals or the beautiful stars. I totally agree with you in that this is a wonderful site, and so are the people in it. When a person uses their time and energy to help someone out, that means a lot to me.  

A much nicer photo Romy, and us blokes don't mine the cleavage a bit, very demure compared to the cleavage the youngies present today (again, not that us blokes mind, at least those with red blood, lol).

Slightly OT Romy (on the subject of younger women showing more etc), but I wonder how this Italian Minister (being sworn in) felt when she saw this photo later, very embarrassed I would imagine, I have seen worse though.

Back on topic, in your new avatar you look a lot more relaxed and happy, a very nice photo indeed

-- Edited by Vic41 on Monday 28th of April 2014 10:29:37 PM

OT just means "Off Topic" so apologies for diverging (about what younger women wear ) from the topic which is Travelling Alone, I am sure when the time comes and you have chosen a suitable form of transport once you head off somewhere you will wonder what you were worried about.

One thought that did cross my mind was that when you have chosen your form of transport etc is to find out what GN solo ladies or other GN's are around your area and see if you can travel on a trip or part trip with them until you gain more confidence on travelling alone, or keep an eye out for a Getogether that you can get to where other GN's are in free camps.  

If you are travelling to them alone and they are some distance away, you could stay in caravan parks along the way until you reach them initially until you are happy to do more free camps along the way.   Usually, especially if they are listed in the Camps books (eg; Camps 7) there will be others at these camps so you will not be alone, look to see who is there when you get there and as others have said go by your gut feeling and if you feel ok to stay there do so.

I am sure once you have broken the ice you will take to it like a duck to water like the others have, female and male.

-- Edited by Vic41 on Tuesday 29th of April 2014 03:00:10 AM

Hi again Romy,

The next edition of Camps Australia Wide (Camps 8) is due out in February 2015 if you want a later edition, although each has a four year free online update for 4 years from date of release, pays to do it when you get one as even new editions have amendments since they were printed.

I also have Caravan Parks Australia wide by the same people as well as it gives a more full listing of caravan parks than most.

See here for more info;  http://www.campsaustraliawide.com/ 

Can be bought direct from Camps online or most camping shops, large booksellers and some newsagents etc.

The RAC in WA also sell both but I'm not sure about other states, if they do RAC members get their RAC discount.

I have redone your avatar photo if you want an upright one, see below; (right click and save to your pics)....

Hi Nelly,

Thank you! I've been a member of GN since 2011, but haven't been in here for a while.  I'm starting to look forward to the possibility of travelling, because it's becoming more and more of a reality, the more I read in here. The advice and encouragement is absolutely fabulous! I'm a bit of a camera buff too, so I can add that to the list of things to do whilst on the road. I also figure that, because both of my adult children are into camping, I can tag along sometimes with them and my grandchildren once I have my own space. I know I would very welcome to do so. They're very supportive. 

I love your avatar photo Where was that taken - love the reflections in the water. 

It's beautiful! A couple of years ago, we had 3 nights camped on the banks of the Cooper just after good rain in the area. As a result, the creek was full and flowing, many various water birds were there in their thousands, and like you, I could have stayed there for a couple of weeks, taking photos, reading, walking through the bush, and just vegging out. Every morning, you could almost set your alarm on the birds leaving the creek to forage for the day, and with just as much regularity, they returned in the late afternoon to roost for the night. It was a spectacular sight to see. I have very fond memories of the area - especially at night sitting beside the camp fire (with a beverage in hand) basking in the glow of red and orange coals and the occasional, flickering blue flame. Memories - makes me homesick for the bush.

That's it, Nelly - the pull of the bush. I grew up in the bush, married a townie when I was 25, and haven't lived in the bush since. I had my horses and dogs, and I really missed them and the freedom, the quietness, and the healthiness of it all. The things we do.  I would love to go back to Cooper Creek - there's a certain something about it.

Hi Nelly,

My trip to Cooper Creek was to the section near Windorah in SW Queensland. SA is a bit far for me to go just yet. But I agree; it's a very good reason to get travelling. It's a beautiful, beautiful place.