Glad you all liked the photos of my little A Van. It's like Dr Who's Tardis, bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. To answer those questions: Tows like a dream. Takes about two minutes to put up by myself with one hand tied behind my back (only if I'm showing off!). Inside, there's a table and seating for two, gas stove, sink with hot and cold running water, a lounge that folds down to a double bed, benches and drawers oh and a microwave.

Now I've spent my whole life camping in tents so I can tell you this is a real step UP. And I love it.

Thanks for your interest and good wishes. And, yes, Two-Bob, I will have the internet so will keep in touch with you all.

well done you, you are one to behold indeed, I wish many years of great travels upon you

Thanks Dave. When and where is your next trip?

-- Edited by waltzing matilda at 11:50, 2008-10-19

we are due again in november short ones of about one to two weeks (respite time) until we go forever, we are sort of tossing up between heading up the murray through victoria and the great alpine way for two weeks or just cooling our heels for a week at port victoria, depends on finances (doesnt it always) I am absolutely champing at the bit and when I see a fellow traveller I actually feel a bit of anger towards him/her for being able to go out when he/she wants and not restricted if that makes sense, I get very angry at myself for feeling this way, not knowing their circumstances, we are at the moment "hemmed in" a bit, been a wee bit crook of late so that doesnt help, feel as if time is slipping past and I am an "observer" instead of a participant, I got used to travelling where I wanted and when I wanted, cant now

-- Edited by dave06 at 12:18, 2008-10-19

quincey you are not butting in, the forum as I see it is open to all and all views and comments are welcome, I am the one that is "butting in" as this is the solos forum and I have no right to be in here at all but I'm such a yak!! yak!! I cant keep out, yes I have met a lot of travellers, myself included, that save and then go but the "grass is always greener" effect grabs me and envy takes hold, the people that I see on the road automatically , to me, have the "good life", silly as it seems, but we just have to bide our time, we used to travel for months pushing in to years at a time into very remote and inaccesible country but now with the restrictions of family we go for only a week or two, we just get going and we must turn around and come home and back to the routine

Quincey wrote:

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when I see a fellow traveller I actually feel a bit of anger towards him/her for being able to go out when he/she wants and not restricted if that makes sense, I get very angry at myself for feeling this way, not knowing their curcumstances,

Dave sorry for butting in as you were talking to Veronica but seems to me your only human.  I too, feel that little bit of envy but like you said we don't know their circumstances so they might have been saving for a while to get out there on the road.  I know that is what I do, mostly for petrol and I feel very pleased with myself once I actually get on the road.  Yes it would be nice to be able to pack up and go when the whim took us but would we enjoy it as much.  I don't think so, remember "good things come to those who wait."

 

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I would like to add my two bobs worth, as I have said in previous posts I do a lot of travelling for work and yes i feel very envious every day when i pass travellers be it, cv,ct or motor homes on the road. I always give them a wave and mutter under my breath " you lucky b#$@# ".
Lately I have been stopping when I see vans pulled up in rest stops and have a chat, where they have been, where they are going. Everyone of them has been friendly and willing to share their experiences and knowledge.

Dave my friend, one day soon (2.8Yrs?) your dream will happen, and those of us that will meet you on the road somewhere will be better off for having met you and the dragon.

 

Hi Dave. What you've described is a well known feeling that applies to many situations when people are doing things we want to do and can't or don't for whatever reason. I get the same feeling when I visit a gallery and look at paintings by other artists and kick myself because I don't make more time to paint too.

And, Oh Guru, as for butting into the solos' forum! I reckon you've not only earned your place in any section of this Grey Nomads' website, you're welcomed and enjoyed by most of us. You are always helpful and generous and supportive. Before you start blushing I'll add: I don't always agree with some of your opinions but, hey, so what. Thanks for all that you share.

Totally changing the subject, how about these photos I took on a recent trip to Mildura and Broken Hill?! They're at Lake Mungo, an incredible archaelogical site that changed the world's view of human evolution. It's a great place to visit even if you're not into archaelogy or evolution.



-- Edited by waltzing matilda at 17:53, 2008-10-19

veronica absolutely stunning, beautifull spot, great shots, I know I have a short fuse and a fiery temper von but thats a leftover from the black dog, and I apoligise for it, gary thats exactly what we do, stop and have a chat, really great people out there, thats what I am trying to get across to all and sundry, freindly folk everywhere, approach us without fear, I'm everywhere you travel

-- Edited by dave06 at 18:17, 2008-10-19

Gary
Steady with "I would like to add my two bobs worth" you could get me into trouble. Actually (hate that word) my name is Two T Bob (T for trouble), so what I am saying, does not mean much.

On ya bloke

Sorry about the black dog, Dave. You're okay in my book and doing good things for a lot of people.

I see a world where we all help each other von, no big over active ego, just simple straight forward help and understanding, but as I said before, I am a dreamer, the black dog stays in his kennel most of the time but every now and then he runs to the end of his chain, I'm O.K. when "out there" but not here at work or sitting at home, thats why I keep so busy helping other travellers

thanks von, got an elderly couple coming in this afternoon (friday) busted spring shackle bolt on a camper trailer, 20 minute repair, quoted $65 from a garage that I wont mention, job should cost about $8 for the bolts , which I have in the shed so no charge there either, I will replace both of them as one is worn then the other cant be too far away, thats where I get most of my pleasure from, they will stay and have a cuppa and a bun and a yak and we will both go off richer for knowing each other, thats what I believe life is about. but anyway we have sidestepped the original issue yet again, when are you heading out von, have you tried a "dry run yet" the avan is a great setup we see a lot of them out there and they all seem happy with it, anyway once again I admire you and people like you that have, what I would call, restrictions, body blows and hardships and yet fly through and come out the other side as winners, all you solo's have my deepest admiration for just staying in "life" and "having a go" good on the lot of you and please NEVER GIVE UP. have you ever heard the song by beccy cole called "little victorys" have a look at it and a listen

-- Edited by dave06 at 09:58, 2008-10-24

Hi Dave, I had the shakedown trip to Warrnambool earlier this year. Then headed up from Melton, Vic. where I live, to Mildura and on to Broken Hill and back through Swan Hill. Took about three and a half weeks. Maybe a bit more but who's counting. That was in April. Now I'm "on the road again". Currently, sitting in Mildura typing this. Great caravan park at Buronga on the banks of the Murray north of Mildura. This is my third stay here. The gum trees, the birds, the river - magnificent. Tomorrow I'm heading into S.A. Will stay at Morgan and then continuing on to Wilpena Pound.

way to go, great trip, still a lot ahead of you and some fantastic scenery hope you have the batterys in the camera on full charge. not having any problems I hope, dont hurry through the little places some of lifes best journeys are the "sideshoots"

Hi Veronica.
Great to here your on the move again, I love the way you described the Murray, gum trees, birds, and the river, sounds like your having a fantastic time.

Have safe trip into SA and I look farward to your posts.

Cheers Frank.

-- Edited by Valderi at 15:38, 2008-10-24

Hi all can I just say the forum seems to be a lot nicer to read these days as we went through a patch where things were getting a bit bitchy. Now its back to its old self and full of good info sprinkled with a teeny bit of bull****...You cant get better than that. Keith

Thanks Valderi. I'll keep you posted and add some photos too. Will start a new post in the General forum because it's good to keep in touch with everyone when it's not just a matter relevant to solos.