I thought travelling was to meet people on the road, make friends, share experiences, pass on info about good camp sites and which bad ones to stay away from and generally look forward to catching up with people you have met, just so that you don't have to be alone, all of the time.
I have read some of the blurb from singles here, who go out of their way to live in isolation and not make contact with anyone - but isn't that being a bit extreme, after all, if you want to isolate yourself from humanity, you don't have to do that in a caravan, you can do that without having to travel at all.
What on earth has happened to the Aussie way of "she's right mate" and throwing another banger, or chops, on the barbie for the new traveller who has just joined the group and being friendly with everyone around - I'm sure if you are a woman, not everyone is thinking about sex and if you are a man, what the heck for - as sex = commitment = loss of freedom = not being able to be on your own = not being able to do your own thing any more = why be on the road travelling otherwise?
By the same token, if you break down, or see someone else broken down, on the side of the road, what are you going to do, stop, or drive by?
Everyone has a mobile phone now, so no one is really alone or for long, so what is the big deal about being on your own, hiding from everyone, locking your van so no one can get in, parking your vehicle with the key in the ignition so if you think someone is prowling around your van, you can make a quick get away without being seen and not staying in paid holiday camps overnight for some reason or other - why not?
If being on the road is being terrified of everyone else and staying away from any social interaction, because?, what possible enjoyment can you have, just driving and camping in the middle of no where and being as socially off-putting as possible?
If you carry on like this and do have an emergency, who is going to come out and help you, if you never put yourself out for them? If you break down, can't get out of it, are scared to call for help and eventually die, what is the point of that?
Australia is a huge barren country and I can't imagine that anyone would enjoy driving long distances with the scenery staying much the same, especially if it is bloody hot and dusty and dry with flies, day in, day out, without any contact with anyone - for what ever reason - as a prospective Grey Nomad - what am I missing here - please explain - I simply just don't understand?
Richard
-- Edited by rich777 on Tuesday 21st of February 2017 04:59:11 PM
What you are missing Richie is that the world has changed.
Some people really like being on their own (I am one of them). I can mix with anyone but I like the idea of being able to jump in my van and move whenever I feel like.
If someone is on the side of the road needing help and my gut feelings told me to stop and help that's what I do.
Because I lived and worked with a lot of Indigenous people I understand their differences and I am NOT judgmental, but saying that I am a very astute person and take precautions with anyone.
There is a lot of Mental Health problems among the population, so I take that into account as well.
But everyone chooses to travel their own way, some people are friendly, some people are nasty, some talk too much or some don't want to talk at all.
Every time I go a klm I see something else, something new, you just have to be aware. I have heard people say 'Oh, there is nothing to see there'! I think that statement is so stupid!!
Just be yourself and enjoy the ride.
Helen
-- Edited by adreamer on Tuesday 21st of February 2017 06:57:33 PM
A good post, interesting, questioning and challenging.
Like you I am still a prospective nomad but I have spent a *lot* of time alone rough camped in remote bush in Oz over the past twenty years and some time in other parts of the world before that.
From your post you seem to be a very social person who seeks, perhaps needs, the regular company of others but not all of us constantly require that interaction.
I am more than happy to spend a couple of weeks without seeing another person and I could never again live in an inner city environment where it's impossible to get away from people. But, that doesn't mean I'm an anti-social individual in fact quite the opposite. At times of my choosing I thoroughly enjoy company and can be the life and soul of a dinner party although I'd prefer there were fewer than, say, a dozen, guests.
Solitude, for me, in the bush allows my spiritual batteries to recharge, it lets me focus on thoughts and feelings without distraction. It means I can connect far more to the world of animals and forest which surround me than I can when distracted by another human. It also means I can do my own thing without having to consider the needs of another.
However because I often enjoy solitude doesn't suggest I am mean or unhelpful indeed on a number of occasions I have gone to much trouble and some expense in order to help strangers I have come across who were in distress. I think that's simply a good thing to do.
>Everyone has a mobile phone now
Mobile phones very rarely work from the places to which I travel and on those occasions when it does... I turn it off :)
>If being on the road is being terrified of everyone else
Not at all, and I don't think that is the reason those of us who often seek isolation do so.
>what am I missing here
Nothing, from your perspective because, clearly, being alone doesn't work for you.
>I simply just don't understand?
I know, and I mean this in the nicest possible way, and I doubt you ever will :) We are all different Richard.
MH
__________________
"I beseech you in the bowels of Christ think it possible you may be mistaken"
Oliver Cromwell, 3rd August 1650 - in a letter to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland
Thanks to those of you who have so far responded to me - I appreciate your feedback and you have both, (so far) given me a lot to think about. I'm over in West Australia and yes, I am a social person, but not to any great degree. I've tried living on my own and it did not work for me - I have a female partner, just someone else who lives in my home and that is sufficient company to meet all of my needs, especially if we go travelling together.
I appreciate we are all different and that is what makes doing different things so interesting, but I'm not sure how far I would want to push that - like Helen I try not to be judgmental of Indigenous people, but I know from experience how quickly they can turn on you, (I've lived with them for a few years) that the males like to eyeball everyone and if I as a male eyeballed them back, I could end up in a fight which I would not win, given my age and lack of fighting experience, so, for me, it is best to look down at the ground and avoid that confrontation and if you have a run in with one of them, you are having a run in with their whole tribe, which could pose a problem if in their cultural territory - which is something I wish we non indigenous, behaved like.
I would think twice about stopping for some travellers on the road, with that in mind, whereas for others, I would probably not have the same concerns at all.
I imagine to some extent, it depends on which part of Aussie you are travelling. West Australia is not the most exciting, from my past experiences, but perhaps over the other side, would be a whole different kettle of fish.
I love dogs, have 2 and cannot imagine life without them, so travelling would have to include them as well - which could pose problems at some camping sites, I expect.
Travel happily and safely and enjoy your lives and on the road, for as long as you are able, doing what you best enjoy.
We're friendly sociable people but we enjoy being out in nature, mostly by ourselves, what's wrong with that?
We don't travel to meet new people. After working in the city for 45 years that's not a priority.
We've helped quite a few stranded travelers along our way, pulling them out of sand/mud bogs, lending them caravan extension power leads, giving them jump starts when their battery's flat etc.
Some couples need other people around all the time because they get fed up with each others company when they're by themselves. We're not like that, we enjoy our own company.
We don't go out of our way to AVOID other people. Each to their own though.
__________________
Cheers Keith & Judy
Don't take life too seriously, it never ends well.
Trip Reports posted on feathersandphotos.com.au Go to Forums then Trip Reports.
I guess we are like a great deal of the travellers out there.
We do not go out of our way to either meet or avoid others as we travel. When we are at a camp site, whether free, or National Park, or caravan park we always talk to our neighbours and others as we walk around the area. If they respond and want to, we may take it further with a "happy hour" or get together. If they don't then we are happy to be together and enjoy our own company under our awning.
When we see those in trouble, we assess the situation, and offer help if all appears to be normal. We have done this on a few occasions, and had others do it for us on a couple of occasions. But I do say, be aware of your surroundings, and what the situation appears to be, before jumping out of your vehicle. This is sad, but this is the world today.
What I can say is that we do not always want company. There are times when we are more than happy to spend time in our own company, and there are times we do not want to meet the "socially" active people who think everyone is just waiting to meet them.
All I can sya is if you have a partner who you enjoy travelling with, get out there, travel, experience the country, and see what comes from that. You will meet those who want to befriend you, you will meet those who will be polite but don't want to be BFF's and you will met those who YOU will want to avoid like the plague. It is just the wonder of travelling this wide land.
Whatever happens, you will enjoy it.
__________________
Regards Ian
Chaos, mayhem, confusion. Good my job here is done
Maybe the road not for you , We don't hit the road to mix with people , We can do that at home you may need to think why you want to hit the road , IF you want people to talk to try a retirement village or just go to places like Greens lake .
Maybe the road not for you , We don't hit the road to mix with people , We can do that at home you may need to think why you want to hit the road , IF you want people to talk to try a retirement village or just go to places like Greens lake .
Maybe the road not for you , We don't hit the road to mix with people , We can do that at home you may need to think why you want to hit the road , IF you want people to talk to try a retirement village or just go to places like Greens lake .
Pfft. Those who travel and don't want to meet other people should stay at home, wrapped up in their cotton blankets watching the soap operas. That is why, as a single, I travel, to meet people and share life experiences. I am not looking for anything, I am retired, financially secure and want to travel and see Australia. The more people I meet, the better the experience. The more information I can receive about places to see, best places to camp and even stations that will let me free camp on the better!
What else can I say but I'm not here for a long time, but it will be a good time shared with friends. So, to all the Grinch's out there, go and do it on your own life!
At the end of the day it is your life and enjoy it while you can whatever way you want to. I have travelled - met a few people which were a great group of people and I enjoyed their company but I wouldn't say we ended up 'lifetime' friends or anything.
Everyone is an individual and the way that they choose to live their lives is up to them. Sometimes I enjoy company sometimes I just like being on my own, I don't think travelling really influences your outlook on life. Although saying that I don't have a lot to do with my neighbours when I'm at home but I'm the first to go looking for someone to share happy hour with after setting up camp. I am not a solo traveller so that may also influence the way that I approach things.
By myself. I'm a chatterbox at a new camp. but soon go back in my shell.
and NEVER go near groups.. normally head in opposite direction thank you.
I can socialise and normally get on well with people,
Most seem to like me.
But basically prefer to be by myself with the cat.
when with Di.
We don't need or want anybody else. Quite happy 24\7 with each other. even if we don't say anything.
we think alike.
I'm one of the lucky ones.
Couldn't even tell you name of lady next door after 15 yrs, Norwegian I think.
But go fishing with coupla blokes in the street.
Selective. That's me.
Take me or leave me. Either way.
Probably comes from being by myself 90% of my life
Work on Draglines\Cranes. Single hander Sailing
and distance running. ALL solitary.
A lot are. we all make up the world.
Just enjoy who you are. and who (when you want) you're with.
I sailed right round Aust by Myself. Never felt lonely.
Spent 5 weeks North of Tassie in '80's. by myself. Was great..
Was actually sorry when I had to come back to land.
Desal calked it.
and dog wouldn't eat fresh fish anymore.
Socialising is fine. When you want it.
But a lot of people can do without. Happily.
Let them be.
If they want company. THEY'LL come to YOU. Normally.
Humanity is over-rated. And I do stop for broken down Kombi's and motorbikes
Humanity is over-rated? How about taking a serious look at some comedy, Goons, Monty Python, the Australian Liberal Party, Carry on Movies, Alf Garnet and Steptoe and Son! Maybe some of those new American ones! They are all based on Humanity and life. If they sadden you, or cannot accept that other people will always have need to react with you and seek to react with you, then maybe humanity is not for you and you should become one of those Doomsday Prophets and cut all ties with people. I do apologise if I offend, I just find off the cuff statements without any justification to be inane. Humanity is over-rated is one of those statements!
