Looking to start a new life early next year as a permanent traveller. Mainly free camping as it looks like I'll be on a restricted budget for a while.
Researching campervan or pop up van. Problem is I've never towed anything before. My biggest dread is losing my 20-30 minute hot showers. Not sure if I can cope with being "unclean".
This seems to be a good group to run things past.
Terry
Ma said
04:44 PM Nov 22, 2011
When you compare the lifestyle you will achieve and the wonderous things you will see a 30 minute shower doesn't even equate.
Welcome to the forum Terry,
There is always a basin and a dipper and have showers like we used to do when we were kids before there was hot water systems and shower cubicles.
Nothing like the stress free and easy life of being on the road.
Rip and Rosie said
05:33 PM Nov 22, 2011
We went to Tow-ed as towing (almost) virgins. Highly recommend it.
Towing isn't difficult, its the set up and the safety stuff that is vital.
Welcome to the world
Rosie
beiffe said
08:59 PM Nov 22, 2011
Hi if you want to bush camp and you get near a river then just boil the billy and you can shower outside with the birds for as long as the water last. I have a bucket and I sometimes boil that over the wood fire and then have the extended shower, but you will find that you will worry less about showers when you are too busy enjoying the scenery around you.
One thing to remember is that we all are relaxed on the road and no one will judge you as you should not judge others. I worked in offices etc where I had to shower and shave every day and wear the stiff shirts etc and now I wear shorts and Tshirts have a beard etc and shower when I need it "PHEW whats that smell" naw every couple days in winter and most days in summer. A good wash down with a flannel works wonders in the summer as well when you are conserving water and if you are a swimmer then dunk in the river but don't go catching MY fish OK.
Just remember when you hit the road there is no room for worries or moods or negative thinking and no point worrying. Enjoy every thing that you can and don't worry about what you have not got, just what will I see or do tomorrow.
Regards Brian
Elle on Wheels said
09:12 PM Nov 22, 2011
Welcome Terry
after lots of good advice from here and doing my own research I decided on a pop top. There's also another debate about poptop vs full van but that's probably only relevant if you have the funds to buy a fairly new van.
I had towed a great little camper trailer 10 yrs or so ago and loved it. Brought it across the Nullabor and it was really great. No fuel consumption and lots of room for me and the dogs.
But now I will be on the road full time and need more space and less hassles as I am 10 yrs off a pension and will have to rob petrol stations to buy dog food. So I can't afford to have to replace canvas or have too many things go wrong. And I don't think a camper trailer is ideal for full time living although others will think differently and be very happy with their campers.
I was really worried about towing a caravan as I could not even reverse my camper trailer but could manipulate it by hand because it was so light.
Anyway I took the plunge and bought a grand old lady Viscount and have just recently taken her on a caravan training weekend followed by a week of living in her and it was great.
The course involved a lot of theory plus lots of reversing practice and an over night stay in a caravan park travelling about 100km in convoy.
I am now fully confident about reversing and towing but am fully aware of being very green.
I've sorted out the shower issues with a pop up tent and a 40lt solar bag plus another nifty thing that works off the battery. But in any case long showers are not ideal in this era of diminishing resources.
I hit the road in March/April but have the great opportunity of going for short trips with another nomad who will be staying at my place for a while.
Anyway people here are very helpful and have lots of wisdom so good luck and you've come to the right place.
Happywanderer said
09:17 PM Nov 22, 2011
Its amazing how many days you can go without a shower. There are bird baths, body washes, standing in a bucket in your shower tent or even baby wipes. The solar shower units, battery ones are a bit up market if you want to go that way, which I will soon. Or you stop at toilet shower blocks along the way for a shower as you travel.
Vic said
09:43 PM Nov 22, 2011
Welcome to the forum Terry, all good advice given in the posts. Also most roadhouses have showers and will allow you to have one for a small fee, usually a few dollars unless you are a truckie who get them free.
I usually combine my free camps with stops in town for shower, stock up on food and fuel, and then drive onto the next free camp, works well for me.
In a pinch, some hot water heated in a kettle or saucepan on a gas or spirit stove, put in a container (ice cream containers are good or small dish) and use a face cloth for an all over wash. Starting at the head and working down of course. If it is after dark and you are not near someone else and hidden from view you can usually stand outside your van/campervan and have it if you wish otherwise stand on a towel inside.
Baby wipes are also good for a body wash as well. The scented ones make you smell like a baby that's just had it's nappy changed, but who cares, at least you smell nice, lol !
tcp99 said
09:59 PM Nov 22, 2011
Looks like my shower fetish should have been kept under wraps!
I can live with a hot or cold wash if neccessary so if I start getting withdrawal symptons I'll have to venture to a CP.
Thanks for the kind words and I will be sure to keep in touch.
One thing I am doing is going through the entire forum and cutting & pasting anything that looks interesting.
Terry
Elle on Wheels said
10:02 PM Nov 22, 2011
Maaaate
if you drop a hint of any sort of fetish on here, you will have all the jokers giving you a hard time.
tcp99 said
10:04 PM Nov 22, 2011
A hard time?
tcp99 said
10:12 PM Nov 22, 2011
Re: fetishes this quote sums it up.
If your sexual fantasies were truly of interest to others, they would no longer be fantasies.
Elle on Wheels said
10:18 PM Nov 22, 2011
Yeah right - depends on what you are looking for mate
Vic said
10:49 PM Nov 22, 2011
tcp99 wrote:
Looks like my shower fetish should have been kept under wraps!
I can live with a hot or cold wash if neccessary so if I start getting withdrawal symptons I'll have to venture to a CP.
Or a roadhouse.....some CP's also allow non stayers to use their showers for a fee as well.
Cruising Granny said
11:14 PM Nov 22, 2011
If you buy fuel and food at the roadhouse they'll usually let you use the showers for free. I use them all the time as I'm in the transport industry but not a truckie. Baby wipes work well for the day between showers. You'll find personal hygiene is relevant but not the priority when you get out there. Just like the hairdryer and makeup. I do still wonder at the "girls" who spend ages in front of the mirror grooming and preening with the hair dryer and the makeup every morning, not just or special occasions. These days for me it's moisturiser on the cool days, and nothing when it's hot. A lesson learned in the Kimberley heat. Anyway, welcome to the Grey Nomads. I hope you enjoy your stay.
gold dandelion said
01:21 AM Nov 23, 2011
dont worry about the showers to much mate as someone suggested do a towing course or something as you might not need a shower.
Looking to start a new life early next year as a permanent traveller. Mainly free camping as it looks like I'll be on a restricted budget for a while.
Researching campervan or pop up van. Problem is I've never towed anything before. My biggest dread is losing my 20-30 minute hot showers
. Not sure if I can cope with being "unclean".
This seems to be a good group to run things past.
Terry
When you compare the lifestyle you will achieve and the wonderous things you will see a 30 minute shower doesn't even equate.
Welcome to the forum Terry,
There is always a basin and a dipper and have showers like we used to do when we were kids before there was hot water systems and shower cubicles.
Nothing like the stress free and easy life of being on the road.
Towing isn't difficult, its the set up and the safety stuff that is vital.
Welcome to the world
Rosie
One thing to remember is that we all are relaxed on the road and no one will judge you as you should not judge others. I worked in offices etc where I had to shower and shave every day and wear the stiff shirts etc and now I wear shorts and Tshirts have a beard etc and shower when I need it "PHEW whats that smell" naw every couple days in winter and most days in summer. A good wash down with a flannel works wonders in the summer as well when you are conserving water and if you are a swimmer then dunk in the river but don't go catching MY fish OK.
Just remember when you hit the road there is no room for worries or moods or negative thinking and no point worrying. Enjoy every thing that you can and don't worry about what you have not got, just what will I see or do tomorrow.
Regards
Brian
after lots of good advice from here and doing my own research I decided on a pop top. There's also another debate about poptop vs full van but that's probably only relevant if you have the funds to buy a fairly new van.
I had towed a great little camper trailer 10 yrs or so ago and loved it. Brought it across the Nullabor and it was really great. No fuel consumption and lots of room for me and the dogs.
But now I will be on the road full time and need more space and less hassles as I am 10 yrs off a pension and will have to rob petrol stations to buy dog food. So I can't afford to have to replace canvas or have too many things go wrong. And I don't think a camper trailer is ideal for full time living although others will think differently and be very happy with their campers.
I was really worried about towing a caravan as I could not even reverse my camper trailer but could manipulate it by hand because it was so light.
Anyway I took the plunge and bought a grand old lady Viscount and have just recently taken her on a caravan training weekend followed by a week of living in her and it was great.
The course involved a lot of theory plus lots of reversing practice and an over night stay in a caravan park travelling about 100km in convoy.
I am now fully confident about reversing and towing but am fully aware of being very green.
I've sorted out the shower issues with a pop up tent and a 40lt solar bag plus another nifty thing that works off the battery. But in any case long showers are not ideal in this era of diminishing resources.
I hit the road in March/April but have the great opportunity of going for short trips with another nomad who will be staying at my place for a while.
Anyway people here are very helpful and have lots of wisdom so good luck and you've come to the right place.
Welcome to the forum Terry, all good advice given in the posts. Also most roadhouses have showers and will allow you to have one for a small fee, usually a few dollars unless you are a truckie who get them free.
I usually combine my free camps with stops in town for shower, stock up on food and fuel, and then drive onto the next free camp, works well for me.
In a pinch, some hot water heated in a kettle or saucepan on a gas or spirit stove, put in a container (ice cream containers are good or small dish) and use a face cloth for an all over wash. Starting at the head and working down of course. If it is after dark and you are not near someone else and hidden from view you can usually stand outside your van/campervan and have it if you wish otherwise stand on a towel inside.
Baby wipes are also good for a body wash as well. The scented ones make you smell like a baby that's just had it's nappy changed, but who cares, at least you smell nice, lol !
Looks like my shower fetish should have been kept under wraps!
I can live with a hot or cold wash if neccessary so if I start getting withdrawal symptons I'll have to venture to a CP.
Thanks for the kind words and I will be sure to keep in touch.
One thing I am doing is going through the entire forum and cutting & pasting anything that looks interesting.
Terry
if you drop a hint of any sort of fetish on here, you will have all the jokers giving you a hard time.
A hard time?
Re: fetishes this quote sums it up.
If your sexual fantasies were truly of interest to others, they would no longer be fantasies.
Or a roadhouse.....some CP's also allow non stayers to use their showers for a fee as well.
Baby wipes work well for the day between showers.
You'll find personal hygiene is relevant but not the priority when you get out there. Just like the hairdryer and makeup.
I do still wonder at the "girls" who spend ages in front of the mirror grooming and preening with the hair dryer and the makeup every morning, not just or special occasions.
These days for me it's moisturiser on the cool days, and nothing when it's hot. A lesson learned in the Kimberley heat.
Anyway, welcome to the Grey Nomads. I hope you enjoy your stay.