Hi everyone. I bought a coaster twelve months ago and find it hard to make a start. I lost my wife sixteen months agowe were planning to by a motorhome at the end of this year. Has anyone else found it hard making that first step. I've been away a couple of times two days to Dungog best rain in eighteen months, i went home depressed and lonely then I went to Forster (Booti Booti NP) good weather but lonely.
What's the best way to get started. Any advice. shero
billeeeeeee said
10:06 PM Sep 9, 2014
Howdyeee Shero, start chatting to nomads on the forum, go to a few meeting, if in your area, this forum has people from all walks of life, Singles, Married, its made up of some fantastic people , full time travellers, and part time Nomads, Weekend warriors, and most of all this forum is a very friendly place,,, soooooo see you out there some where in the play ground,,,, Billeeeeeee... Ps, Greens lake would be a good place to meet a whole bunch of Nomads this summer, we will be there..........
-- Edited by billeeeeeee on Tuesday 9th of September 2014 10:08:40 PM
Hi Shero, you have made the first and hardest move, you posted . Billeeeeeee is quite correct with his advice. As I struggled with some disability learning about our rigI have been sincerely welcomed to this GN community.
Aussie Paul.
SnowT said
10:18 PM Sep 9, 2014
If your Coaster is ready to go, as it's all Fitted Out..
Best step is to maybe try to hook up with a few of the other that are out there..
Pack the House up and do whatever you need to do to leave it for an extended time and just hit the Road...
The idea is to just get out there...
An idea have you thought of getting yourself a DOG...?
and yes you can take the Dog on the Road.. in fact there are quite a few on the road..
Juergen
Dougwe said
10:24 PM Sep 9, 2014
Some excited nutty nomads too Billeeeeeee (7e's).
Shero, I have been down there in depression land not that long ago my friend. My late wife and I talked about playing in the playground but when I lost her to Cancer I thought, that's it I'm out a here, just not worth it any more, just chuck the towel in.
HOWEVER, I found this great forum and 3 years later I'm about to fulfil the dreams and hit the road full time. I have been part time for 3 years so really looking forward to the big change. I am just about to decide on a what CV is going to be home and that's also exciting. I think my late wife is guiding me through this decision process too. Watch this space next week (final decision time).
Mate, just get out here and do it. As Billeeeeeee (7e's) said talk to people on the forum, meet them and enjoy. I have met some of the most amaizing people and formed great friendships here. There are a couple here that I wouldn't bother with but hey there are probably many that wouldn't bother with me, that's life, we are all different.
Feel free to PM any time mate. I always post in "General" where I will be heading or already are so keep an eye out and yell out.
Sharke said
09:13 AM Sep 10, 2014
Gday shero I was in the same situation and my daughter sujested I get a dog towhich my reply was no. One day out of the blue a small dog wandered in and changed my outlook on life I now had acompanion to care for. cheers jeff
-- Edited by Sharke on Wednesday 10th of September 2014 09:17:32 AM
jules47 said
10:08 AM Sep 10, 2014
Having a dog is a decision you have to make -write the pros and cons on a list and see what you come up with.
This would be my list -
Cons
Cost -food and vet
Can't go in National parks
Some caravan parks now charge for dogs
When it is hot & you want to go shopping or sightseeing, what do you do with the dog? Can't leave it in the van, you can be fined for that
What if it is a barker? People get upset with barking dogs
Same thing if it is a jumper
Where would it sleep? I don' like dogs sleeping in my bed, that' just for Billeeeeeee & me!
Pros
Company , but it can't talk back
That's my list anyway!
Take some of the advice from other posters, get in touch with some of the members on here whose posts appeal to you, go to Greens Lake this summer - there is a sub forum on here about it, including a map for the location!
Most of all, it is early days for you yet, take it easy, and plan to stay away from home longer ext time.
Nelly said
10:18 AM Sep 10, 2014
Hello there shero - I am in a different situation again. Hubby won't travel so I NEED to do this solo but I can see where you are coming from - taking that first step is a bit daunting. Read some of Shekon's posts - I met up with her - great lady. Another one that comes to mind is Frangipani. I am sure that the men also have their second thoughts as well but this site is a great place to be and a lot of like minded people will help you. I hope all works out for you and you can get out there and enjoy this great country. Keep well and happy travels.
Glenelg said
10:26 AM Sep 10, 2014
Hi Shero. i'm about to go in a few weeks , the last time i went camping was more than 50 years ago. now starting all over again, can't wait to see where it takes me. good luck on your travels and we may meet up some day.
Loki said
03:41 PM Sep 10, 2014
Hi Shero,
Like you, I lost my wife (3 1/2 years ago) and didn't cope well so I bought a camper and have since done the Loop - best thing I ever did. Many friendly people out there, so much terrific country to see and if you are set up for free camping it is very economical. I would be traveling still but have decided to help my son & his family as they have no family nearby and have two young children, one needing early intervention (I.e. a lot of time & help from Mum). So I've sold my camper, but getting restless again so am now thinking of a trip next year to WA, where I have a niece and will travel by car with a tent & gear I need. Not as comfortable but I won't be on the road for a long stretch as before - as I need to get from Tassie to SE Queensland I might as well take the scenic route!
Setting off the first time was very daunting but you soon find there are a lot of very nice people out there. The National Parks are fantastic, southern WA is strongly calling: I loved Cape Arid & Cape Le Grand as well as the forests. The Red Centre is fascinating and the Great Dividing Range thru NSW & Vic is great also.
Start taking trips of a few weeks and if you get on well, pick some spots that interest you and set off - it's only a few weeks driving to anywhere from anywhere, but it takes longer as you'll find so many interesting things along the way. Good luck!
spida said
04:56 PM Sep 10, 2014
Do you have a hobby? Read, fish, computer..... the best lesson as a solo is to learn to like yourself and be happy in your own company - NOT an easy thing for newly bereaved but a great asset you will hopefully develop over time. I have been alone a long time and as much as I enjoy company I also cherish my quiet times totally alone. I have met such lovely people on my travels.
You may need to think about why you want to travel? Was it something you - or she - really wanted to do? Are you living her dream or your own? If it is your dream then you will be fine once you seriously decide to get out there - unless you keep looking back at your home and wishing you were there? Can you rent out your house so it doesn't keep you needing to go back? Or is it just too soon to leave all the familiar things?
Take your time, find a nice spot to camp, relax, catch a fish, read a book - and sleep off the stress. It just keeps getting better.
Otherwise - as the others have said - join a group and travel with them.
Good luck and I hope you do come and join us in this amazing country.
Like the ad says "Just do it!" There is plenty to see and plenty do. I love to read but until I get going in the van I never seem to find the time to read anything. A dog may be an option, but maybe try growing some herbs in a pot. It will give you something to care for without the expense and limitations on where you can go. If you rent the house out it makes the choice to go back "home" unviable. Whatever you decide to do you know you can write on these forums and get varying opinions. Enjoy your decision. Get going.
eureka said
05:27 PM Sep 12, 2014
Hi Shero
I'm nearby if you want to talk.....'are you ok' Sent PM to you.
Helen
Blue said
08:04 PM Sep 13, 2014
I would suggest hitting the road...
even when I don't want to talk to anyone can keep to myself someone always seems to manage to come over and talk to me... I like it when that happens...
learn to free camp..
if you haven't the experience or confidence to do a big trip then do a trip that would take you say 1 or 2 weeks... and learn from mistakes.. what you over stocked on.. what you didn't have etc...
I luv being with the mrs but I also luv being out on my own... although, im almost antisocial... I always seem to end up talking to people quiet often...
head out into the outback... its different out there and we all rely on each other...
you can drive around in your local area and not one person will give you the time of day or even wave to you...
get out into the outback and wham!!! everyone is waving to you and talking to you... the change is amazing...
pawsoz said
12:59 PM Sep 15, 2014
Hi Shero,
I can understand where you are 'coming from'. You have managed the hardest bit, you have done a couple of week-ends away.
Have a look around on the www for an event built around one of your interests and make plans to get to that event - or perhaps decide upon a week or two week trip to an area that appeals to you...
Morning coffee out at a coffee shop or bakery often results in people to talk to, sit outside so you can say good morning to people as they walk past, I often find a local will stop for a chat!
The dog question is a very personal one but I do travel with my two and people will just about always talk to me about my 'boys', when I am out on my own people seem far more reluctant to talk.
If I had a dollar for every older country person who makes the comment 'used to have Whippets at home when I was a lad' I'd have enough money to buy myself a new motorhome!
Once you get into life on the road I am almost sure you will embrace the lifestyle!
Everyone here on the forum seems to be very supportive and any of us would be only to happy to 'talk' on line.
Annie
frangipani said
08:13 PM Sep 25, 2014
Hi Shero, I too am going thru grief, one day I told my daughter I have to get out of here, I'll be gone for a couple of weeks, that couple of weeks turned into 5 weeks, meet a lot of people on the road, got a lot of hugs from strangers, I just kept driving, crying, but driving., I loved being on the road, also meet some wonderful GN's, it did something to my soul, I came back stronger., am in the process of re vamping my seating area, then i'll plan another so called drive, but this time i'll take it slower and really enjoy it.,
Shero, take a big breath, get into your van and see where it takes you., may your angels guide you. - Fran
Hi everyone. I bought a coaster twelve months ago and find it hard to make a start. I lost my wife sixteen months agowe were planning to by a motorhome at the end of this year. Has anyone else found it hard making that first step. I've been away a couple of times two days to Dungog best rain in eighteen months, i went home depressed and lonely then I went to Forster (Booti Booti NP) good weather but lonely.
What's the best way to get started. Any advice. shero
Howdyeee Shero, start chatting to nomads on the forum, go to a few meeting, if in your area, this forum has people from all walks of life, Singles, Married, its made up of some fantastic people , full time travellers, and part time Nomads, Weekend warriors, and most of all this forum is a very friendly place,,, soooooo see you out there some where in the play ground,,,, Billeeeeeee... Ps, Greens lake would be a good place to meet a whole bunch of Nomads this summer, we will be there..........
-- Edited by billeeeeeee on Tuesday 9th of September 2014 10:08:40 PM
Hi Shero, you have made the first and hardest move, you posted
. Billeeeeeee is quite correct with his advice. As I struggled with some disability learning about our rig I have been sincerely welcomed to this GN community.
Aussie Paul.
Best step is to maybe try to hook up with a few of the other that are out there..
Pack the House up and do whatever you need to do to leave it for an extended time and just hit the Road...
The idea is to just get out there...
An idea have you thought of getting yourself a DOG...?
and yes you can take the Dog on the Road.. in fact there are quite a few on the road..
Juergen
Shero, I have been down there in depression land not that long ago my friend. My late wife and I talked about playing in the playground but when I lost her to Cancer I thought, that's it I'm out a here, just not worth it any more, just chuck the towel in.
HOWEVER, I found this great forum and 3 years later I'm about to fulfil the dreams and hit the road full time. I have been part time for 3 years so really looking forward to the big change. I am just about to decide on a what CV is going to be home and that's also exciting. I think my late wife is guiding me through this decision process too. Watch this space next week (final decision time).
Mate, just get out here and do it. As Billeeeeeee (7e's) said talk to people on the forum, meet them and enjoy. I have met some of the most amaizing people and formed great friendships here. There are a couple here that I wouldn't bother with but hey there are probably many that wouldn't bother with me, that's life, we are all different.
Feel free to PM any time mate. I always post in "General" where I will be heading or already are so keep an eye out and yell out.
Gday shero I was in the same situation and my daughter sujested I get a dog towhich my reply was no. One day out of the blue a small dog wandered in and changed my outlook on life I now had acompanion to care for.
cheers jeff
-- Edited by Sharke on Wednesday 10th of September 2014 09:17:32 AM
This would be my list -
Cons
Cost -food and vet
Can't go in National parks
Some caravan parks now charge for dogs
When it is hot & you want to go shopping or sightseeing, what do you do with the dog? Can't leave it in the van, you can be fined for that
What if it is a barker? People get upset with barking dogs
Same thing if it is a jumper
Where would it sleep? I don' like dogs sleeping in my bed, that' just for Billeeeeeee & me!
Pros
Company , but it can't talk back
That's my list anyway!
Take some of the advice from other posters, get in touch with some of the members on here whose posts appeal to you, go to Greens Lake this summer - there is a sub forum on here about it, including a map for the location!
Most of all, it is early days for you yet, take it easy, and plan to stay away from home longer ext time.
Like you, I lost my wife (3 1/2 years ago) and didn't cope well so I bought a camper and have since done the Loop - best thing I ever did. Many friendly people out there, so much terrific country to see and if you are set up for free camping it is very economical. I would be traveling still but have decided to help my son & his family as they have no family nearby and have two young children, one needing early intervention (I.e. a lot of time & help from Mum). So I've sold my camper, but getting restless again so am now thinking of a trip next year to WA, where I have a niece and will travel by car with a tent & gear I need. Not as comfortable but I won't be on the road for a long stretch as before - as I need to get from Tassie to SE Queensland I might as well take the scenic route!
Setting off the first time was very daunting but you soon find there are a lot of very nice people out there. The National Parks are fantastic, southern WA is strongly calling: I loved Cape Arid & Cape Le Grand as well as the forests. The Red Centre is fascinating and the Great Dividing Range thru NSW & Vic is great also.
Start taking trips of a few weeks and if you get on well, pick some spots that interest you and set off - it's only a few weeks driving to anywhere from anywhere, but it takes longer as you'll find so many interesting things along the way. Good luck!
You may need to think about why you want to travel? Was it something you - or she - really wanted to do? Are you living her dream or your own? If it is your dream then you will be fine once you seriously decide to get out there - unless you keep looking back at your home and wishing you were there? Can you rent out your house so it doesn't keep you needing to go back? Or is it just too soon to leave all the familiar things?
Take your time, find a nice spot to camp, relax, catch a fish, read a book - and sleep off the stress. It just keeps getting better.
Otherwise - as the others have said - join a group and travel with them.
Good luck and I hope you do come and join us in this amazing country.
I'm nearby if you want to talk.....'are you ok' Sent PM to you.
Helen
even when I don't want to talk to anyone can keep to myself someone always seems to manage to come over and talk to me... I like it when that happens...
learn to free camp..
if you haven't the experience or confidence to do a big trip then do a trip that would take you say 1 or 2 weeks... and learn from mistakes.. what you over stocked on.. what you didn't have etc...
I luv being with the mrs but I also luv being out on my own... although, im almost antisocial... I always seem to end up talking to people quiet often...
head out into the outback... its different out there and we all rely on each other...
you can drive around in your local area and not one person will give you the time of day or even wave to you...
get out into the outback and wham!!! everyone is waving to you and talking to you... the change is amazing...
I can understand where you are 'coming from'. You have managed the hardest bit, you have done a couple of week-ends away.
Have a look around on the www for an event built around one of your interests and make plans to get to that event - or perhaps decide upon a week or two week trip to an area that appeals to you...
Morning coffee out at a coffee shop or bakery often results in people to talk to, sit outside so you can say good morning to people as they walk past, I often find a local will stop for a chat!
The dog question is a very personal one but I do travel with my two and people will just about always talk to me about my 'boys', when I am out on my own people seem far more reluctant to talk.
If I had a dollar for every older country person who makes the comment 'used to have Whippets at home when I was a lad' I'd have enough money to buy myself a new motorhome!
Once you get into life on the road I am almost sure you will embrace the lifestyle!
Everyone here on the forum seems to be very supportive and any of us would be only to happy to 'talk' on line.
Annie
Hi Shero, I too am going thru grief, one day I told my daughter I have to get out of here, I'll be gone for a couple of weeks, that couple of weeks turned into 5 weeks, meet a lot of people on the road, got a lot of hugs from strangers, I just kept driving, crying, but driving., I loved being on the road, also meet some wonderful GN's, it did something to my soul, I came back stronger., am in the process of re vamping my seating area, then i'll plan another so called drive, but this time i'll take it slower and really enjoy it.,
Shero, take a big breath, get into your van and see where it takes you., may your angels guide you. - Fran