I've really enjoyed reading all your posts in this forum, I'm making my way through them all and finding there are a great bunch of people out there who are all so willing to pass on their knowledge and experience to us newbies.
I was just wondering if it was just me or did anyone else have moments of self doubt when deciding to "live the dream"?
Am I crazy to give up a relatively secure job and take off and see this wonderful land of oz?
Am I the only one who sometimes finds it all a bit daunting setting off on my own and even though a lot of planning and research is needed ( but I am really enjoying this part), I still really want to get out there.
I would love to hear if anyone else went through these thoughts and how they got through it all or is it just me? (the odd red does seem to help lol)
Keep Smiling :) Cee
Happywanderer said
07:46 PM Aug 18, 2010
Oh yes, I first started talking about doing this over 5 years ago. My adult children put so many doubts in my head I gave up. You won't cope, You will get lonely. How will you manage. You are too old, and on and on it went.
I ended up frightening myself off the whole thought, but it stuck in the back of my mind as something I always wanted to do but never would.
Then my 38 year old son had a logging truck accident 3 years ago when he was 35, will never work again and it was me who sat by his bedside for 4 and half weeks at The Alfred while he was in a coma and 6 weeks at a ABI (Aquired Brain Injury) unit till he knew who he was again.
It is him who is pushing me to get out on the road, You are a long time dead, and it is him who will help me financially to get on the road.
And its been me for the last 3 years who has done all his paperwork, made sure he kept appointments, been with him to lawyers appointments, explained details of letters to him. And now taking him to medical panels in Melbourne over the next couple of weeks to help get a payout. He also receives a weekly payment until retirement.
As he says Its now your turn Mum, Get out there, have fun and meet some new friends.
capt cream bun said
08:46 PM Aug 18, 2010
Hi Cee
If you never never go you will never never know.
Happywanderer.....You have a wonderful family .....
lilly said
11:09 PM Aug 18, 2010
i think we all have doubts when we are going solo or even for couples they would probley wonder if they doing the right thing ... but i look at it like this if i pack up and go on the road do few months and do not like it or cant cope i can always come home nothing lost at all ...myself i have wanted to do this for many years and now my kids have lifes and familly of their own and with a serious illness behind me it my time to live my dream and it your time too.....i hope well all get to catch up on the road one day soon
Dougie said
08:33 AM Aug 19, 2010
The feeling is certainly normal Cee, even for us fellas. I found it very daunting travelling solo for the first time after years travelling with my partner, but took a short trip from Adelaide along the Murray River to & around the Snowy over a couple of months & met so many great people enroute, it didn't take me long to get into the solo swing of things. (Not that swing!!)
It has been suggested on other posts here to do the same thing, that is, short trips to climatise the experience & take longer trips when you are ready, & I totally agree.
The other option may be to park your caravan somewhere safe, private property or caravan park & spend time there when you can, & thus get used to it & sort out what you need etc.
Happy travelling mate.
jonathan said
12:55 PM Aug 19, 2010
Hi Cee .. I think its quite normal to experience some negative thoughts at times when embarking on this lifestyle .. and you find yourself drawn out of your comfort zone. There is a learning curve but you can do it at a pace that suits you, and in a manner that others have stated. 10 months now since I took the step and I can hardly imagine how I would ever go back to my formal lifestyle at all. Its different for each of us as we all have our own perceptions, likes and dislikes .. but there is a wealth of experience and knowlege available on here which you can draw on .. A positive attitude will get you there ..
all the best !
Jon (Currently in Palm Cove, Qld)
Cee said
07:38 PM Aug 19, 2010
Hiya HappyWanderer,
Reading your post was awe inspiring..........after what has happened to your son it made me realise that life is soo short and who knows what's around the corner........sometimes its so easy to loose site of that fact, but your post has really inspired me to remain positive and keep planning to live the dream.
I really hope that we catch up on the road somewhere and have a drink and a good old chat and swap stories about where we have travelled and the places we will both see.
Keep Smiling :)
Cee said
07:44 PM Aug 19, 2010
What a lovely bunch of people you all are.........Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my post.
It's great to know that I'm not alone in sometimes having doubts as to whether I am doing the right thing or not.........but after reading all your comments..........I have no doubt whatsoever that I WILL live the dream.
I've saved all your comments so that if I ever start to doubt my decision again........I'll just go back, pour myself a nice red (or a beer if it's summer) and read over your comments and think of the great people I will meet on the way.
Keep Smiling :)
Happywanderer said
09:05 PM Aug 19, 2010
I can't wait. When I get my van and about to hit the road I will make an announcement on here and expect everyone to be ready along the way.
JeanetteR said
01:12 PM Aug 25, 2010
I announced to my kids and their partners and my grandkids 2 weeks ago that I am planning my retirement, what I am buying over the next year and how, when I retire that I will be heading off around Australia. Their reaction - they all clapped and said its a great idea. I know that they will worry about me as I will be alone, but hey if I plan things right I will be able to call, they will be able to call me, there is the internet to send emails, and face book to update them as to where I am. I also know that should anything go wrong I have a wonderful family that will be there should I need them. I did worry about being alone on the road, but I now have a pup that I am training to be my campanion and protector, so I am looking forward to setting off and enjoying something that I have wanted to do since at least 20 years ago when the dream came to me and my then husband, and even though it won't be with someone I know that along the way I will make friends and enjoy what I wanted to do
jonathan said
02:58 PM Aug 25, 2010
.. A very big welcome to the group, Jeanette .. Enjoy the learning curve !
Jon (currently in Winton Qld)
capt cream bun said
07:09 PM Aug 25, 2010
Hi JeanetteR
Welcome aboard...its a good place for sure.
It seems right now there are quite a few solo members all at about the same or similar state of preparedness, so not only have you found a great place for advice and help but hopefully friendship as well. Wouldn't it be nice if all of us could catch up and share a coffee ? sort of compare notes and plans. Catch ya CCB
Cee said
09:37 PM Aug 25, 2010
Hiya JeanetteR,
Welcome to the forum. Everyone here is really great and always willing to give encouragement and great tips and advice on various subjects.
Good on you for taking the first step and making the decision..........with a bit of luck we may all meet up on the road one day and have great stories to swap about our travels.
Keep Smiling :)
JeanetteR said
08:57 PM Aug 26, 2010
yes i agree it would be great for anyone in the same area to meet, have a coffee, make friends, swap ideas and thoughts and know along the travelling way when we catch up we know that that friendship will still be there
Travel Bug said
09:26 PM Aug 26, 2010
Hi Everyone
Count me in....
I am really looking forward to getting out there and meeting up with you all along the road as we live the good life.
Cheers.
lilly said
09:40 PM Aug 26, 2010
any one going to camping show at penrith in sept ????
Ma said
09:53 AM Aug 27, 2010
When in September LIlly. Will be heading home in September and actually going through Penrith so if its on when we are there we will certainly be going.
Sunshine said
10:01 AM Aug 27, 2010
Hello everyone ~ all sounding very positive and encouraging.
I have conflicting thoughts as well ~ it's that old comfort zone thingy.
Do any of you live on the mid north coast of NSW? It would be good to have a coffee and a chat with other women with similar thoughts of travelling solo before hand (no offence intended gentlemen)
gunadoo said
08:25 PM Aug 27, 2010
Gday Cee,
I think most everyone would have doubts..what if,if only..but we all make the decision for whatever reason/s.
I decided last year after the death of my partner and then my best friend that it was time to make a change,get out there and do something that we had always wanted to do.I sold my house,said goodbye to family and friends much to their chagrin, bought a caravan and hit the road.It was not a spur of the moment decision,I went through all the usual emotions but in the end I was now only resposible for moi..all kids type responsibility over.So Gunadoo did it.
I still have problems coming to terms with being on my own,I still feel conspicuous,I don't enjoy eating on my own,not having someone to share the special moments with,but people along the track are great, very supportive and friendly,and when you think about it,we're all the same,we have the same emotions,we laugh we cry etc.
Be happy and safe travels,enjoy..this is a wonderful land,so much to see and do,so much to learn.
Cheers
David
Happywanderer said
05:16 PM Aug 28, 2010
gunadoo, you can have those feeling at home without going anywhere. Having been widowed since 1996 I still find myself going out for lunch or coffee and cake or for a drive somewhere all by myself.
The kids are grown and have their own lives, not interested in doing anything with mum. Friends all have partners and when on your own you don't get included.
So no difference whether home or on the road, just think it will be more fun on the road as lots of people in the same boat (or van) so people to chat to when we come across each other.
gunadoo said
06:37 PM Aug 28, 2010
Touche,good point Happy Wanderer..
lilly said
06:56 PM Sep 28, 2010
Happywanderer wrote:
gunadoo, you can have those feeling at home without going anywhere. Having been widowed since 1996 I still find myself going out for lunch or coffee and cake or for a drive somewhere all by myself. The kids are grown and have their own lives, not interested in doing anything with mum. Friends all have partners and when on your own you don't get included. So no difference whether home or on the road, just think it will be more fun on the road as lots of people in the same boat (or van) so people to chat to when we come across each other.
This is all so true ...... been solo for few years now you do get use to it doing most things on your own ...but on the road i find 99.9% of people solo or couple are all up for a chat and a cuppa... and on the road at least we see different faces and places every day and i think that must be a good thing ..i know i enjoy the adventure ....
Allara said
03:36 PM Oct 1, 2010
You are all on the money. I have been alone for several years now and sometimes I just sit and cry because I get so lonely, out here on the farm. I may not see anyone for a week at a time, and only then when I go into town, which is about 60km away.
I try to get away but it is difficult with all the animals to look after. I was able to go to Condo because my ex son in law's brother came and minded the farm.
Being on the road for an extended time would be wonderful but to do it I would have to sell the "kids inheritance". They are all 'gunna' come and help me. I'll keep dreaming and stop being maudalin...(or is it maudilin?)
Cheers
Allara
Taralga NSW
Cruising Granny said
08:03 PM Oct 2, 2010
There's one thing for sure, when you're a nomad you're never alone.
I'd be just as solo wherever I was parked. My children and grandies are spread all over SA.
Where do I base myself to be close?
I'm used to living by myself. I've been single since '82, and raised the girls alone, working and struggling just like anyone else.
I'm sure they worry about me and would love me to be closer for child minding duties. But what's in it for me?
While I love them all dearly, they are not my life. They are part of my life, but not all of it.
I'd be a boring old f..rt if I stayed around waiting for them to visit.
This lifestyle keeps me interesting and interested.
I'm hooking up again later this month, and I've had a few moments of apprehension. I've been parked up for 2 years after towing around Oz from Broome to the Daintree in 12 months, via The Nullarbor and the Great Ocean Road.
Still on my own, still keen to go, and I will.
You have more company of like-minded travellers on the road than you'd ever have staying home. In fact you may not be able to relate to those at home when you get back, because they won't have a clue what you're so excited about, unless they've done it.
Always use your common sense, travel safely, and take care. Just do it.
Happywanderer said
10:07 PM Oct 2, 2010
Oh Cruisin' Granny, I can't wait to meet you in our travels somewhere along the way. We have so much in common it's uncanny. Would love to have a chat. Your posts must put a lot of solo's minds at rest as they do mine.
Travel Bug said
11:48 PM Oct 2, 2010
Cruisin' Granny...you sure seem to have it sorted.
I really can't wait to get out there and live my dream.
Don't want my epitaph to be: Pam wished she had........
Looking forward to meeting up on the road. Cheers. Travel Bug
Gerty Dancer said
02:51 PM Oct 3, 2010
Allara, perhaps you aught to join the SKI club? (Spend the Kids Inheritance)
We all like to leave our kids provided for, but is that the only/most important thing in life?
Ma said
05:39 PM Oct 3, 2010
We joined the SKI club ages ago Gert. What's even better is that both my kids said they would rather see me enjoy what I've worked hard for rather than deny myself just to leave it all for them.
Allara said
11:39 AM Oct 5, 2010
Hi Gert,
Sounds like a good idea, won't take much to tip me over the edge. Keeping up the R & M on this place is a challenge.
I'm going the Canberra next week sometime, maybe we could have coffee?
Cheers
Allara
Taralga NSW
I've really enjoyed reading all your posts in this forum, I'm making my way through them all and finding there are a great bunch of people out there who are all so willing to pass on their knowledge and experience to us newbies.
I was just wondering if it was just me or did anyone else have moments of self doubt when deciding to "live the dream"?
Am I crazy to give up a relatively secure job and take off and see this wonderful land of oz?
Am I the only one who sometimes finds it all a bit daunting setting off on my own and even though a lot of planning and research is needed ( but I am really enjoying this part), I still really want to get out there.
I would love to hear if anyone else went through these thoughts and how they got through it all or is it just me? (the odd red does seem to help lol)
Keep Smiling :)
Cee
Hi Cee
If you never never go you will never never know.
Happywanderer.....You have a wonderful family .....
There is a learning curve but you can do it at a pace that suits you, and in a manner that others have stated.
10 months now since I took the step and I can hardly imagine how I would ever go back to my formal lifestyle at all. Its different for each of us as we all have our own perceptions, likes and dislikes .. but there is a wealth of experience and knowlege available on here which you can draw on ..
A positive attitude will get you there ..
all the best !
Jon (Currently in Palm Cove, Qld)
Reading your post was awe inspiring..........after what has happened to your son it made me realise that life is soo short and who knows what's around the corner........sometimes its so easy to loose site of that fact, but your post has really inspired me to remain positive and keep planning to live the dream.
I really hope that we catch up on the road somewhere and have a drink and a good old chat and swap stories about where we have travelled and the places we will both see.
Keep Smiling :)
It's great to know that I'm not alone in sometimes having doubts as to whether I am doing the right thing or not.........but after reading all your comments..........I have no doubt whatsoever that I WILL live the dream.
I've saved all your comments so that if I ever start to doubt my decision again........I'll just go back, pour myself a nice red (or a beer if it's summer) and read over your comments and think of the great people I will meet on the way.
Keep Smiling :)
.. A very big welcome to the group, Jeanette .. Enjoy the learning curve !
Jon (currently in Winton Qld)
Hi JeanetteR
Welcome aboard...its a good place for sure.
It seems right now there are quite a few solo members all at about the same or similar state of preparedness, so not only have you found a great place for advice and help but hopefully friendship as well.
Wouldn't it be nice if all of us could catch up and share a coffee ? sort of compare notes and plans.
Catch ya
CCB
Welcome to the forum. Everyone here is really great and always willing to give encouragement and great tips and advice on various subjects.
Good on you for taking the first step and making the decision..........with a bit of luck we may all meet up on the road one day and have great stories to swap about our travels.
Keep Smiling :)
Count me in....
I am really looking forward to getting out there and meeting up with you all along the road as we live the good life.
Cheers.
I really can't wait to get out there and live my dream.
Don't want my epitaph to be:
Pam wished she had........
Looking forward to meeting up on the road.
Cheers. Travel Bug
We all like to leave our kids provided for, but is that the only/most important thing in life?