Hello! Triple333 checking in. I have spent hours and hours looking at this forum. I love it! So much info!
im at that crossroads in life when life has thrown a curve ball. I'm ok/ used to that.
my reality is no one seems to want to employ me , a major hardware store included. And yet, on the group interview, I was the only one that knew what a stud finder was....and ladies, it's not to find men ;) hehe!
so my lovely home will soon be on the market. And I'm Ok with that. But since I made the final decision 2 days ago, I can't sleep, grrrrrrr.
All this will take 4 to 6 months ie selling the house etc. And getting the caravan up to spec so myself and 2 dogs can live comfortably, and not annoy others that don't really care for dogs. Annexe is number one.
I laugh and joke,but I'm anxious as hell too. And I like to plan ahead, so you will be hearing a lot more from me, techies corner etc.
and this forum has helped give me the confidence to say " just do it, you'll be right"!
I have a good set up, bought a year ago when things were different ;) I have. jayco pop top with shower so I can free camp
i like to think I have appositive attitude, yeah I def do!!!
I did a 4 month trial earlier this year, to see how it would be to travel with dogs ( they're big, 32 kg each) but probably better behaved than me ;) and one is 12 yo so I camt really leave him now that my circumstances have changed... Ok, I will never leave him!! And he loves all folk, kids the most. Oh, and I can hold them both on leashes in one hand, they're pretty well behaved ( she says, with a bit of bias and and lot of truth!)
i have a million questions, I won't bore you now, oh all right, just one...
how do you keep a caravan/ annexe warm in cold weather? When ur free camping? Apart from using a generator?
And, where do u hide in the January school holidays and Easter?
so that was two. Wait til you hear my techie questions.
i am soooo looking forward to my adventure, yes, some concerns ( ie a cousin saying never sell your house!!! But what do you do?) and most of ll, hoping to meet up with some fellow singles and just discuss stuff. Equally, I met lots of couple on my earlier travels, they were brilliant. But, as a single, I probably have more questions and anxieties.
ive waffled, I tend to do that. Sorry! And advice greatly welcomed
GypsyBob said
04:11 AM Oct 15, 2013
I really don't really know how to give advice to someone of your seniority? Do mobility issues affect you ability to camp?
All I can say is "Good on you" for considering it.
Happywanderer said
04:26 AM Oct 15, 2013
You must have changed your profile since I read this earlier. Could have sworn you were born in the 60s. Now you are 106.
If the first is right you are about the same age as my son in Geelong. He is having the same problems as you, hasnt had work for nearly 12 months, no one will employ him and yet he can turn his hand to anything.
I have been trying to talk him into exactly what you intend doing, but being of the younger age group he hasn't got the confidence to sell up everything, house, 2 vehicles, motorbike, etc, etc. The fear of having nothing to come back to overides the thrill of travelling.
Not that he hasn't already travelled, being a tour guide at Alice Springs some years back.
He thinks it's great what I'm doing and very supportive, but worries about the what ifs for himself.
I say just get out there and don't look back.Wish I had started a lot longer ago, don't think I'm going to fit it all in now.
Triple333 said
04:49 AM Oct 15, 2013
Ok , Gypsy Bob and Happywanderer.
I was born in the 60's. But I didn't want you you to think I wasn't grey enough. Good pick up !!! I will revert back to a real age!!
And much as I laugh , I'm considering some caravan options like easy hitch cos sometimes I reverse, hitch up straight away, and the rest, I get out of the car 10 times or more! And I have a few ailments, even for my youngish age!
I'm actually ok with the fear of nothing to come back to. I have a caravan ;) I wasn't able to have kids so, apart from pets, I'm letting no one down. And I'll just annoy mates if the worst happens!
Thanks for your input
:)
Oh, and coping with the cold suggestions will be appreciated ;)
Happywanderer said
04:55 AM Oct 15, 2013
Coping with the cold suggestions. North for the winter and south for the summer. Only way to do it.
Oh, and a hot water bottle just in case.
nomadic1 said
06:16 AM Oct 15, 2013
I'll second HWs suggestions of north in winter, south in summer but, if that doesn't work, at any good camping shop you can buy a little heater that works off butane bottles. Not the most efficient heating I've ever used but it's good enough to switch on for half an hour early in the morning to take the chill off the van.
Sheba said
08:09 AM Oct 15, 2013
Don't forget you've already got 2 Hot Water bottles with you.
Cheers,
Sheba.
beiffe said
03:30 PM Oct 15, 2013
If it is cold add some clothes if it is hot take some off (or as far as you are prepapred to go LOL.
Just get out there and leave the learning till you hit the road.
Dont buy THINGS that you might need, wait till you have needed them a couple of times and then perhaps buy them.
Safety gear and the tools you can use don't come into this criteria as you need to keep your self on the road.
Spare belts filters a good jack and a set of spanners and screwdrivers are essential, even if you cant use them someone else may be able to get you going if you have them.
Regards
Brian
GaryKelly said
04:09 PM Oct 15, 2013
Nothing to come back to? Maybe it should be everything to go forward to. I had a mate whose favorite word was "Next!"
spida said
06:35 PM Oct 15, 2013
I have never used my annex - in 17 months. If you are staying in warm areas why do you need it? Maybe just a light privacy screen? I find my caravan stays quite cosy in the cold, and always have an extra blanket & warm sox, track suit etc if needed at night.
Triple333 said
09:12 PM Oct 15, 2013
Thanks Brian. It not the chainsaw size so much as the fuel mix/ oils etc. and then summer hits and they all get hot and leak, like my grease gun in WA in 40 plus degrees everyday. Big mess And I had it wrapped in plastic. Hmmm.
Amd I didn't realise you could buy battery ones. Nice.
cheers,
Sal
PS. Im a sook in the cold, I burn heaps of wood at home in winter...
-- Edited by Triple333 on Tuesday 15th of October 2013 09:14:36 PM
jules47 said
09:39 PM Oct 15, 2013
Re hitching - there is a guy on the hints and tips section on here, I think, who has a reversing camera mounted down near his towbar - sounds good idea to me.
As for the cold - put more clothes on - I have a crocheted rug that goes over my legs, or I can wrap it right around myself - really snuggly. Or we just go to bed - I suppose you could buy flanny sheets for the winter, and pj's!!!!!
pawsoz said
09:56 PM Oct 15, 2013
Hi Sally
Yes more clothes on for cold weather, take em off (to a point) for hot weather works well, just think layering.
I have a little motorhome and this last winter did take a bit of re adjustment after a few years being Darwin based, but Whippets are very good snugglers and it's your van if really cold just curl up under the quilt! I do have 2 quilts - a light one for almost all year round down south and a heavy one that can be unrolled and added for the very cold nights when I just don't have enough Whippets!
I think your Chocoalte Labbie looks handsome, is the 2nd dog a Labbie too? I used to have Labradors for a number of years, the last one went to the rainbow bridge in 2011 and as with all my dogs that have gone before I miss him still.
Know what you mean about the work situation, I came back down to Melbourne when things went pear shaped in Darwin and after several years of really enjoying my work as a tenancy manager with the Government up there I cannot even get a look in down here, even tried taking my age off my resume but all the experiance sort of gives it away!
I am finnishing off some study now, parked up in a friends drive, volunteering as well, next year I have a trip to UK planned, just for 4 weeks or I'll suffer seperation anxiety for my 'boys' then once back off on the road.....work when I can find some, volunteer when I cannot and live cheaply but enjoyably.
see you out on the road some time!
annie
adreamer said
10:08 PM Oct 15, 2013
Yep, I am still waiting to do it!! My Ford Transit is still not ready after hitting the Kanga but have a new radiator, air conditioning and bumper but still waiting on some parts so will hope for this week-end. I did a lot of travelling after my husband died suddenly aged 36 and left me with a daughter and no money. I would put my daughter in the back of the car and throw in a few things and go camping for a few weeks, can't remember being hot or cold but we still remember the good times we had. I have lived in 3 States and 1 Territory but actually did'nt see much of the inside so that is my plan to visit all the old towns inland.
Don't worry about anything until it happens, so says me who was going to sell the van after hitting the Kanga but everyone yelled out 'No, No, No.......
You will get a lot of support on here and if you are selling your house to fund this option, What's the worse thing that can happen? I tell everyone in the Village where I live that I want to live in a cave eventually (some of them laugh and some look horrified) - just please yourself and enjoy every single day!
Hope to meet lots of the solo's when I eventually get going.
Helen
Triple333 said
10:48 PM Oct 15, 2013
Thanks Brian, I have most of that stuff already. Question..... should I take my chainsaw? I know folk do, but I'm not sure if I would use it enough on the road?
Cheers,
Sal
Triple333 said
11:06 PM Oct 15, 2013
Hi Annie,
thanks for the cold tips!
my lab is a great girl, but thinks emus need to be barked at. It happened twice inWA earlier this year, she's lucky to still be here :) they just came out the bush, straight for her while she was walking on a lead! The other dog is a rottie x, he's 12 and very gentle yet super alert.
ive decided my Ugg boots are coming with me for warmth and like ur suggestion of the second donna.
enjoy UK, im from there originally, some lovely pretty villages!
hope to meet u on the road one day!
Sal
Triple333 said
11:11 PM Oct 15, 2013
Thanks everyone for the responses and tips! Now the decision is made, I'm really excited. Think I need to buy me a GN stubby holder, just incase 😊
beiffe said
01:12 AM Oct 16, 2013
Gee to take your chainsaw is a leading question.
1 how big is it as it is storage space for the saw and the fuel.
2 how much wood to you intend to burn.
I carry a battery chain saw, lighter, no fuel, no noise and I use a 4.5 kilo gas bottle made into a cooker so use little wood. I can carry a days wood in my arms and that's in the middle of winter.
The battery one is slightly dearer to buy and I would get a lithium one as they give better power for longer and besides I need to go FULL lithium LOL.
Also for me I am changing all my tools to RYOBI Lithium so want all my tools to use the one battery.
At the moment I run my 18v B&D one from a 12v lithium boat battery and that is a good as the 18v just need to be sure I dont run it for too long or it will get the motor too hot.
I hope that helps, but remember there is no hard and fast rules what suits me might not suit you so go with your gut feeling
If you can spare the weight and the space by all means take it and you can sell or dump if it gets in the way.
I have left many things on rubbish bins for other travelers to pick up.
Regard
Brian
wendyv said
04:35 AM Oct 16, 2013
nomadic1 wrote:
I'll second HWs suggestions of north in winter, south in summer but, if that doesn't work, at any good camping shop you can buy a little heater that works off butane bottles. Not the most efficient heating I've ever used but it's good enough to switch on for half an hour early in the morning to take the chill off the van.
Be very wary of such a gas burning heater in an enclosed van.
done dreaming said
05:12 AM Oct 20, 2013
I was in real estate for 26 years and constantly saw elderly people who owned their home but only existed in life financially because they wanted the security of a home.they had lived a miserable retirement yet if they had sold up their life could have been so much better.
moblet said
06:15 PM Oct 21, 2013
jules47 wrote:
Re hitching - there is a guy on the hints and tips section on here, I think, who has a reversing camera mounted down near his towbar - sounds good idea to me.
My dad's got this setup, it works a treat. Decamping is now much easier on their marriage. Plus he gets to show off his reversing skills to other caravanners, who he doesn't tell about the camera!
Have you done the sums on letting vs selling your house? Only consider letting if you know a competent property manager since you won't be in town.
I read somewhere that up until the Industrial Revolution it wasn't unusual in winter for families to all pile into the one bed with the dogs, cats, and whatever as well to keep warm. You have 64kg of compliant(?) warm blooded company with you...
We lose a large amount of body heat through our heads, so pack a beanie too.
An axe and a handsaw are lower-maintenance alternatives to the chainsaw if you enjoy the exercise and want to travel lighter. Living outdoors you'll probably adopt a sleep routine that's closer to daylight hours, which reduces your demand for space heating unless you need to sleep in warm air.
The school holiday hordes can crowd out certain areas for sure, but not most places. Personally I find most families to be much better neighbours than pisshead bogans or senile generator owners who are afraid of peace and quiet - you'll hear the kids playing in daylight but it usually gets pretty quiet after dark. Strategies for avoiding them are to go to places that don't appeal to holidaymakers (e.g. away from the coast), choose campgrounds where there's lots of space, and choose those times to stay with any friends or family who want to put up with you. You could also pursue house-sitting, which is typically sought by people who are deserting their pets so your dogs may be acceptable.
navynurse said
04:48 AM Oct 31, 2013
Giday Sally,
I know you said that no one wants to employ you but have you thought of doing a certificate 3 in aged care. It takes 6 monthsay TAFE to complete and will give you acess to work all over Australia.
EG:- I just came back from Cape York and was offered work in all the hospital areas. The Cert 3 allows you to work in hospitals as an Assistant In Nursing and they are in demand in all rural and remote hospitals (more pay there).
Get the ticket and ring the state authority and ask availability for casual or short term contract shifts. The pay's not bad and you work as you go.
Just an option that is there hope to see you somewhere on the tracks
Allan
jules47 said
05:12 AM Oct 31, 2013
Since Triple333 posted here original post on here - she has been up at Greens Lake, Victoria, - with the nutters - came for three days, today is day 8 - I think she is getting used to this lifestyle! We love having her here as well - a great person - lots of fun, and very independent!!!!
Hello! Triple333 checking in. I have spent hours and hours looking at this forum. I love it! So much info!
im at that crossroads in life when life has thrown a curve ball. I'm ok/ used to that.
my reality is no one seems to want to employ me , a major hardware store included. And yet, on the group interview, I was the only one that knew what a stud finder was....and ladies, it's not to find men ;) hehe!
so my lovely home will soon be on the market. And I'm Ok with that. But since I made the final decision 2 days ago, I can't sleep, grrrrrrr.
All this will take 4 to 6 months ie selling the house etc. And getting the caravan up to spec so myself and 2 dogs can live comfortably, and not annoy others that don't really care for dogs. Annexe is number one.
I laugh and joke,but I'm anxious as hell too. And I like to plan ahead, so you will be hearing a lot more from me, techies corner etc.
and this forum has helped give me the confidence to say " just do it, you'll be right"!
I have a good set up, bought a year ago when things were different ;) I have. jayco pop top with shower so I can free camp
i like to think I have appositive attitude, yeah I def do!!!
I did a 4 month trial earlier this year, to see how it would be to travel with dogs ( they're big, 32 kg each) but probably better behaved than me ;) and one is 12 yo so I camt really leave him now that my circumstances have changed... Ok, I will never leave him!! And he loves all folk, kids the most. Oh, and I can hold them both on leashes in one hand, they're pretty well behaved ( she says, with a bit of bias and and lot of truth!)
i have a million questions, I won't bore you now, oh all right, just one...
how do you keep a caravan/ annexe warm in cold weather? When ur free camping? Apart from using a generator?
And, where do u hide in the January school holidays and Easter?
so that was two. Wait til you hear my techie questions.
i am soooo looking forward to my adventure, yes, some concerns ( ie a cousin saying never sell your house!!! But what do you do?) and most of ll, hoping to meet up with some fellow singles and just discuss stuff. Equally, I met lots of couple on my earlier travels, they were brilliant. But, as a single, I probably have more questions and anxieties.
ive waffled, I tend to do that. Sorry! And advice greatly welcomed
All I can say is "Good on you" for considering it.
If the first is right you are about the same age as my son in Geelong. He is having the same problems as you, hasnt had work for nearly 12 months, no one will employ him and yet he can turn his hand to anything.
I have been trying to talk him into exactly what you intend doing, but being of the younger age group he hasn't got the confidence to sell up everything, house, 2 vehicles, motorbike, etc, etc. The fear of having nothing to come back to overides the thrill of travelling.
Not that he hasn't already travelled, being a tour guide at Alice Springs some years back.
He thinks it's great what I'm doing and very supportive, but worries about the what ifs for himself.
I say just get out there and don't look back.Wish I had started a lot longer ago, don't think I'm going to fit it all in now.
I was born in the 60's. But I didn't want you you to think I wasn't grey enough. Good pick up !!! I will revert back to a real age!!
And much as I laugh , I'm considering some caravan options like easy hitch cos sometimes I reverse, hitch up straight away, and the rest, I get out of the car 10 times or more! And I have a few ailments, even for my youngish age!
I'm actually ok with the fear of nothing to come back to. I have a caravan ;) I wasn't able to have kids so, apart from pets, I'm letting no one down. And I'll just annoy mates if the worst happens!
Thanks for your input
:)
Oh, and coping with the cold suggestions will be appreciated ;)
Oh, and a hot water bottle just in case.
Don't forget you've already got 2 Hot Water bottles with you.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Just get out there and leave the learning till you hit the road.
Dont buy THINGS that you might need, wait till you have needed them a couple of times and then perhaps buy them.
Safety gear and the tools you can use don't come into this criteria as you need to keep your self on the road.
Spare belts filters a good jack and a set of spanners and screwdrivers are essential, even if you cant use them someone else may be able to get you going if you have them.
Regards
Brian
Thanks Brian. It not the chainsaw size so much as the fuel mix/ oils etc. and then summer hits and they all get hot and leak, like my grease gun in WA in 40 plus degrees everyday. Big mess And I had it wrapped in plastic. Hmmm.
Amd I didn't realise you could buy battery ones. Nice.
cheers,
Sal
PS. Im a sook in the cold, I burn heaps of wood at home in winter...
-- Edited by Triple333 on Tuesday 15th of October 2013 09:14:36 PM
As for the cold - put more clothes on - I have a crocheted rug that goes over my legs, or I can wrap it right around myself - really snuggly. Or we just go to bed - I suppose you could buy flanny sheets for the winter, and pj's!!!!!
Yes more clothes on for cold weather, take em off (to a point) for hot weather works well, just think layering.
I have a little motorhome and this last winter did take a bit of re adjustment after a few years being Darwin based, but Whippets are very good snugglers and it's your van if really cold just curl up under the quilt! I do have 2 quilts - a light one for almost all year round down south and a heavy one that can be unrolled and added for the very cold nights when I just don't have enough Whippets!
I think your Chocoalte Labbie looks handsome, is the 2nd dog a Labbie too? I used to have Labradors for a number of years, the last one went to the rainbow bridge in 2011 and as with all my dogs that have gone before I miss him still.
Know what you mean about the work situation, I came back down to Melbourne when things went pear shaped in Darwin and after several years of really enjoying my work as a tenancy manager with the Government up there I cannot even get a look in down here, even tried taking my age off my resume but all the experiance sort of gives it away!
I am finnishing off some study now, parked up in a friends drive, volunteering as well, next year I have a trip to UK planned, just for 4 weeks or I'll suffer seperation anxiety for my 'boys' then once back off on the road.....work when I can find some, volunteer when I cannot and live cheaply but enjoyably.
see you out on the road some time!
annie
Yep, I am still waiting to do it!! My Ford Transit is still not ready after hitting the Kanga but have a new radiator, air conditioning and bumper but still waiting on some parts so will hope for this week-end. I did a lot of travelling after my husband died suddenly aged 36 and left me with a daughter and no money. I would put my daughter in the back of the car and throw in a few things and go camping for a few weeks, can't remember being hot or cold but we still remember the good times we had. I have lived in 3 States and 1 Territory but actually did'nt see much of the inside so that is my plan to visit all the old towns inland.
Don't worry about anything until it happens, so says me who was going to sell the van after hitting the Kanga but everyone yelled out 'No, No, No.......
You will get a lot of support on here and if you are selling your house to fund this option, What's the worse thing that can happen? I tell everyone in the Village where I live that I want to live in a cave eventually (some of them laugh and some look horrified) - just please yourself and enjoy every single day!
Hope to meet lots of the solo's when I eventually get going.
Helen
Thanks Brian, I have most of that stuff already. Question..... should I take my chainsaw? I know folk do, but I'm not sure if I would use it enough on the road?
Cheers,
Sal
Hi Annie,
thanks for the cold tips!
my lab is a great girl, but thinks emus need to be barked at. It happened twice inWA earlier this year, she's lucky to still be here :) they just came out the bush, straight for her while she was walking on a lead! The other dog is a rottie x, he's 12 and very gentle yet super alert.
ive decided my Ugg boots are coming with me for warmth and like ur suggestion of the second donna.
enjoy UK, im from there originally, some lovely pretty villages!
hope to meet u on the road one day!
Sal
1 how big is it as it is storage space for the saw and the fuel.
2 how much wood to you intend to burn.
I carry a battery chain saw, lighter, no fuel, no noise and I use a 4.5 kilo gas bottle made into a cooker so use little wood. I can carry a days wood in my arms and that's in the middle of winter.
The battery one is slightly dearer to buy and I would get a lithium one as they give better power for longer and besides I need to go FULL lithium LOL.
Also for me I am changing all my tools to RYOBI Lithium so want all my tools to use the one battery.
At the moment I run my 18v B&D one from a 12v lithium boat battery and that is a good as the 18v just need to be sure I dont run it for too long or it will get the motor too hot.
I hope that helps, but remember there is no hard and fast rules what suits me might not suit you so go with your gut feeling
If you can spare the weight and the space by all means take it and you can sell or dump if it gets in the way.
I have left many things on rubbish bins for other travelers to pick up.
Regard
Brian
Be very wary of such a gas burning heater in an enclosed van.
I was in real estate for 26 years and constantly saw elderly people who owned their home but only existed in life financially because they wanted the security of a home.they had lived a miserable retirement yet if they had sold up their life could have been so much better.
My dad's got this setup, it works a treat. Decamping is now much easier on their marriage. Plus he gets to show off his reversing skills to other caravanners, who he doesn't tell about the camera!
Have you done the sums on letting vs selling your house? Only consider letting if you know a competent property manager since you won't be in town.
I read somewhere that up until the Industrial Revolution it wasn't unusual in winter for families to all pile into the one bed with the dogs, cats, and whatever as well to keep warm. You have 64kg of compliant(?) warm blooded company with you...
We lose a large amount of body heat through our heads, so pack a beanie too.
An axe and a handsaw are lower-maintenance alternatives to the chainsaw if you enjoy the exercise and want to travel lighter. Living outdoors you'll probably adopt a sleep routine that's closer to daylight hours, which reduces your demand for space heating unless you need to sleep in warm air.
The school holiday hordes can crowd out certain areas for sure, but not most places. Personally I find most families to be much better neighbours than pisshead bogans or senile generator owners who are afraid of peace and quiet - you'll hear the kids playing in daylight but it usually gets pretty quiet after dark. Strategies for avoiding them are to go to places that don't appeal to holidaymakers (e.g. away from the coast), choose campgrounds where there's lots of space, and choose those times to stay with any friends or family who want to put up with you. You could also pursue house-sitting, which is typically sought by people who are deserting their pets so your dogs may be acceptable.
I know you said that no one wants to employ you but have you thought of doing a certificate 3 in aged care. It takes 6 monthsay TAFE to complete and will give you acess to work all over Australia.
EG:- I just came back from Cape York and was offered work in all the hospital areas. The Cert 3 allows you to work in hospitals as an Assistant In Nursing and they are in demand in all rural and remote hospitals (more pay there).
Get the ticket and ring the state authority and ask availability for casual or short term contract shifts. The pay's not bad and you work as you go.
Just an option that is there hope to see you somewhere on the tracks
Allan
I think she will do well out on the road!!!!!