Hi everyone. After living in Broome for 9 years, I hitched up my 20ft caravan to my 80 Series Landcruiser and hit the black top heading south. I lived in a van park in town for most of that time. I'm a solo traveller and I just love it. It's great to meet other travellers along the way. The UHF is a great "travelling companion" hearing about road and traffic conditions, and comparing travel notes with truckies. I was 57 when I began this adventure, to fulfill a 30 year dream to explore the Daintree in the dry season of 2008. And I did it! Now I'm in Cairns for a while, and reading about other nomads' adventures. I'm also planning my next adventure wherever the pin lands in the map, seasons and school holidays taken into account. Safe and happy travels. See you on the road, and stay upright. Cruising Granny
well christine, a big hi!! right back at you, and may I say how delighted I am to see one of "us" make it, a lot dream of doing it, but never do, some do a little but not fully and then some do it part time and "pretend" to do it full time, you of course are the true "NOMAD" and well done to you, perhaps you could let our solo nomads know, in a descriptive fashion how you are getting along, we have some here that are a bit fearfull
you have a good match with the cruiser and the 20 footer, you have comfort and good old fashioned "grunt" and a rig that will pass the test of time easily, well done you, hope to see you on the highway one day and swap travel yarns, you do of course hail from what I describe as gods own country and as near to heavens gates as it is possible without being dead, the mighty kimberleys
Cruising Granny said
06:12 PM Nov 24, 2008
Thanks Dave06. My van is my home, and I live where er I'm parked. I did have a bit of experience with caravans, and towing a tandem trailer full of stores to feed cattle station hands and ringers. I set out on my own because there was no alternative if I wanted to do this. If I sat around and waited for a travel partner, I would be a grumpy old lady, feeling totally frustrated because I didn't do it. Anyone wanting to set out, whether alone or with your mate, get advice if you're not sure of anything involved in long-term travel. Look up 4WD sites and caravan and motorhome sites where there is unlimited information, and opportunities to get more advice. Just make sure your tow vehicle is up to the job of towing the size of van you tow. Before I set off in my second hand, 10 yo van, I made sure the wheel bearings were in good condition and freshly greased up. I added a few modifications to the van adding a split system rc airconditioner on the back bumper. An additional spare wheel for the cruiser and the van. There are a lot of k's between roadhouses in WA and along the Nullarbor, in the back blocks of NSW NT, and Qld. Get some towing practice if you tow a van, backwards and forwards. If it's a motorhome, check you height and always be aware when it comes to tree clearance and sign posts. I've seen extensive damage on cab roofs. There are training courses available in some places. All I can say is, be prepared. My Landcruiser has been put to the test many times, and "Rosy" hasn't failed me yet. She's a good girl - we're a team.
Bubs said
10:12 AM Nov 25, 2008
Hi Christine! You are an inspiration and I admire the PMA you have. I think that is the key to it. If you have a positive attitude then your today, and in turn your future, can't help but be positive as well. The future is an illusion, and you can conjure up a negative picture created by fear, or create a positive picture and enjoy the ride. I'm working on mine and losing the fear, or at least feeling it and doing it anyway. Thanks for the post!
Cruising Granny said
11:59 PM Nov 28, 2008
Keep cruising, and the more you do, the more you'll want to do, with confidence. Then just sit behind the wheel, hold your head up high, drive as carefully as you know how, according to the conditions, and allow for the other bastard's stupidity. Some people just don't want to share the road, so if you keep a look out for them, you'll be sweet. Safe and happy travels. Granny
After living in Broome for 9 years, I hitched up my 20ft caravan to my 80 Series Landcruiser and hit the black top heading south. I lived in a van park in town for most of that time.
I'm a solo traveller and I just love it. It's great to meet other travellers along the way. The UHF is a great "travelling companion" hearing about road and traffic conditions, and comparing travel notes with truckies.
I was 57 when I began this adventure, to fulfill a 30 year dream to explore the Daintree in the dry season of 2008. And I did it!
Now I'm in Cairns for a while, and reading about other nomads' adventures. I'm also planning my next adventure wherever the pin lands in the map, seasons and school holidays taken into account.
Safe and happy travels.
See you on the road, and stay upright.
Cruising Granny
-- Edited by Cruising Granny at 20:51, 2008-11-23
-- Edited by Cruising Granny at 20:53, 2008-11-23
-- Edited by Cruising Granny at 20:55, 2008-11-23
I set out on my own because there was no alternative if I wanted to do this. If I sat around and waited for a travel partner, I would be a grumpy old lady, feeling totally frustrated because I didn't do it.
Anyone wanting to set out, whether alone or with your mate, get advice if you're not sure of anything involved in long-term travel. Look up 4WD sites and caravan and motorhome sites where there is unlimited information, and opportunities to get more advice. Just make sure your tow vehicle is up to the job of towing the size of van you tow.
Before I set off in my second hand, 10 yo van, I made sure the wheel bearings were in good condition and freshly greased up. I added a few modifications to the van adding a split system rc airconditioner on the back bumper. An additional spare wheel for the cruiser and the van. There are a lot of k's between roadhouses in WA and along the Nullarbor, in the back blocks of NSW NT, and Qld.
Get some towing practice if you tow a van, backwards and forwards. If it's a motorhome, check you height and always be aware when it comes to tree clearance and sign posts. I've seen extensive damage on cab roofs.
There are training courses available in some places. All I can say is, be prepared.
My Landcruiser has been put to the test many times, and "Rosy" hasn't failed me yet. She's a good girl - we're a team.
You are an inspiration and I admire the PMA you have. I think that is the key to it. If you have a positive attitude then your today, and in turn your future, can't help but be positive as well. The future is an illusion, and you can conjure up a negative picture created by fear, or create a positive picture and enjoy the ride. I'm working on mine and losing the fear, or at least feeling it and doing it anyway.
Thanks for the post!
hi christine i am matthew ru on face book