October 13th, 2013, I left Mt Gambier, my home, friends and family and headed off into the great unknown on a completely different life journey. Now 12 months on I am living a dream life that I would not change for the world at this stage.
I have learnt about things that I did not know that I did not know about. I have learnt a new language that is particular to people travelling. I have learnt about my country, experienced wonderful sights that I never knew existed in real life, only to be seen previously on postcards or in a book. I have met the most amazing people and have made new life long friends. I have laughed, eaten and drank more than I have in a long time. I have learnt things about myself that I did not know about, and how much I am capable of, and where my limitations lay. I have learnt to ask for help and accept assistance. There are many more headings I am sure I could add, and may do as I continue to write.
As I pulled away from Mt Gambier 12 months ago, I had no idea where or how life would lead me to the future. All I can say now is "thankyou to the universe for having the stars, moons, planets and everything else aligned".
I vividly remember driving out of Mt Gambier towards Adelaide, and being waved to by a fellow motorhomer, I was so excited and suddenly felt part of a community that I did not know about. Tentatively I made my way to Adelaide, thinking how was I going to handle the hills and then the roads on my way to the CP at Westlakes. All good, took it slowly and found the CP, parked up(thank god for drive through sites), and set myself up. I was amazed that I actually remembered what I had to do and had the job done in fairly short time, although now it would be even shorter. I was ready to sit out on my chair, enjoy a cuppa and settle into my new life. I had a great weekend showing off Miss Daisy to friends in Adelaide using all that she had to offer inside, and was able to produce a nice BBQ lunch for them on the Sunday. I was very proud of myself. Now this extraordinary afternoon has become the ordinary and producing a meal or nibbles is of no concern at all. Amazing how little space and how few things I actually need to have life work for me.
Travelling out of Adelaide I made my way to Mildura, once again thinking I must get there in no time flat, travelling the highway at around 110(speed limit), thinking I was still in my car I guess, and wandering why a MH that I kept passing was going so slow, around 90 I guess. Could not understand it at all, at the time, however now, guess who travels at around the 90-95KPH, and on the back country roads I may be observed at travelling around the 70-80KPH. What is the hurry really, and there is so much to see and take in while travelling. Experience and time are great teachers.
I remember leaving Mildura, wanting to experience my first night at free camping, Rob from Wirraway had given me some ideas of where to stay, but the nerves got the better of me and I ended up staying at the CP in Charlton. Travelled nearly 5 hours to get there. Crazy woman. Still it was all good and I was able to catch up with my sister and brother inlaw, and that is where I discovered how easy it is to be trapped inside a MH, and how determination set me free. I managed to lock myself in my shower. I spent some time yelling for help until I realised that nobody could get in anyways because the doors were locked. I ended up pushing on the shower door and freeing myself, I stood and laughed at my predicament. I also now make sure the latch is turned to the side so it will not happen again. It makes for a good story and gives many a laugh.
So since that first furore into the wild blue yonder my adventures have been many. The roads I have travelled have been many. The people I have met have been many and varied, all with a story and all wonderfully inspiring people each in their own way.
I spend my time between Caravan parks and free camping. I love free camping and usually find that folk are much friendlier there and laugh and play more easily. Caravan parks are great for the amenities and to act as a base for further exploration of an area, some are good and some not so good. I have been known to spend up to three weeks in some caravan parks if the area calls me to stay. I have learnt that to free camp, my water saving techniques have been heightened, so I can stay out longer. This would come into the area of those things that I did not know I did not know about.
So some of those things are:-
15 amp power leads and plugs
The solar shower bag and 12 volt shower.
12 volt power.
A generator, how to use it and what it is for.
Solar panels, and the importance of them particularly when free camping.
Changing gas bottles.
A hitch to tow a car.
Weights in a vehicle. Who knew that had to be considered? I didn't.
Talking on a CB radio.
Anti vandal tap fitting.
Levelling ramps and a tiny spirit level to make sure all is on the straight and narrow.
The list goes on and on, there would be so many things that I thought amazing and had no idea about, and now it is part of my life and speech that it again falls into the ordinary category.
I have no sense of direction most times and this has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I have found myself in the most extraordinary places, that have been beautiful and different because I turned left instead of right. I took a road less travelled instead of following the main road. Each day is a new adventure and I never quite know where I will end up. Some days I even end up where I had planned on going, they are miraculous days. I have seen places that I did not know existed, places I knew about and have not particularly enjoyed, and yet each has their own beauty and uniqueness.
I could go on writing forever about my experiences, though that may also be boring to my readers, so I will only give an overview briefly. Suffice to say I am having the time of my life, and there is a lot more to and see yet.
People ask where is my favourite spot. I cannot tell you that really, each place has an attraction, some more than others, yet I can honestly say there has not been a place that I have not enjoyed. When I think about favourite spots there are a few that come to mind that I would certainly return to and have done so, and they are Greens Lake in Victoria, Dartmoor Victoria, and Murrurundi in NSW. These are a few of my favourite things, as the saying goes. Greens and Dartmoor are both free camps which I love. Have experienced both of these places with other people and on my own, each are very special to me. Murrurundi CP, is a unique place that is well worth the visit. A very calming and for me spiritual place. I ended up staying for 3 weeks, and was one of those places I had not planned on staying however not being able to find where I thought I would be going stopped here. Carol and Doug are the loveliest people and I so enjoyed my time there and will be back again. That is the thing, most of the places I have experienced in Winter over the past 12 months and now I want to experience them in other seasons.
The next question is the "What if" one. What if I get sick, what if I break down, what if I get scared, what if, what if, and the list can go on and on. I have never been one to think about the "What if's" too much, so I go ahead trusting that the world is a safe place and I will be just fine. I ask What if none of those things ever happen, then where would I be. Cooped up in a house watching life pass me by.
Thinking about the What if's, made me think some more and here is my answer to all the what if questions.
I use to work for a company called WOT IF, and for me it was very much a far more positive experience than not. So that Wot If question fills me with vision, hope and more fun.
I have learnt that I have been fortunate enough to have one of the most amazing MH's on the market. I travel in a Wirraway 260, and the support and encouragement from this manufacturer is amazing. I know that Rob is at the end of the phone if I ever need a question answered, his wife and staff are amazing as is their product.
I have called my MH MISS DAISY, and she is a beauty. She has a personality of her own and certainly lets me know when she is not happy and does not want to do something. How, I hear you ask... well she throw a tantrum by throwing books at me. I know, I am sure you are now thinking too much time in the sun, however even Cory my middle son has experienced this as he drove her into Brisbane for me. I love her and it seems as if all that meet her fall a little in love with her also. My grandchildren just think she is the bees knees and loved having a little holiday in her with me. Now I have a very exciting announcement. Miss Daisy has had a seedling. Yes MD gave birth to a beautiful little white Suzuki last Friday, called seedling. I am not sure if she knows about it yet, but life is about to take a different turn again. I will be towing Seedling so I can explore even further afield and create more adventures.
The adventures have been made even more special by the amazing people that I have met on the way. Each has had an impact on me in some way. Some more than others and so many have become life long friends. I look at my life now compared to what it was 12 months ago and it is unrecognisable, I am a different person, my outlook on life has not changed all that much with exceptional of not being so caught up in what others maybe thinking about me, I really don't care anymore. I know that I almost have a new family out here on the road and have experienced friendship, that will never have me being alone. I belong to a website called the Grey Nomads, and I stopped posting for about 4 weeks at one point, the call went out to make sure that I was OK and where was I. Now that is amazing. That is friendship and love.
So, while I have not posted anything on Travelling with Miss Daisy for awhile because I am house sitting, I am still here and in a couple of weeks the adventures will start again and there will be more to talk about.
In the meantime have a wonderful life everyone and if travelling is something you wish to do "one day", just get out there and do it now. The way I do it is not for everyone, it suits me, but there are many ways of doing it, you just have choose one for yourself.
Thank you to every one for your continued love and support over the past 12 months.
GREAT READING AND FINALLY FINDING ' YOU'.SAFE TRAVELLING. ALWAYS ON THE ROAD.
rosa said
11:38 AM Oct 13, 2014
seedling look's great Sharon see you at greens
PJK said
01:22 PM Oct 13, 2014
Sharon, your story is absolutely inspirational to anyone wondering if they should venture out on the road.
I hope you enjoy many more years as a happy Grey Nomad, and continue to write about them.
Seedling is a good choice of vehicle as well - just make sure you follow the manufacturers recommendations for flat towing.
Good luck with whatever direction you take in the future.
Peter
PJK
Nelly said
02:24 PM Oct 13, 2014
Thank you for your wonderful post - it is great. Little Seedling looks good too - congratulations.
Congratulations on your 1st anniversary of freedom, I love hearing your stories, I thankyou for your wisdom, I can proudly say you inspire me Shekon,.
I actually thought about being locked in the shower before I left on my trial run and put a scew driver with the two different heads in the ensuite just in case. Hahahaha.,
Hopefully I'll have the courage to let go one day., n follow in your footsteps. One day I will love to meet you - Fran
P.s. seedling is beautiful.
-- Edited by Frangipani on Monday 13th of October 2014 04:22:04 PM
Bare Rambler said
04:18 PM Oct 13, 2014
Hey Sharon
Loved your post and couldn't agree with you more ! It was a fabulous day at The Glen recently and we were so glad to meet several other GN's for a good meal, a few drinks and a whole lot of fun. Looking forward to catching up again very soon...we are heading to Hervey Bay next Tuesday for a week, then west to who knows where, down to Stanthorpe, Texas and slowly back towards Ballina.
Hope to catch up somewhere out there for lots more laughs,
Cheers for now....bye
Geoff and Suzie
GaryKelly said
08:01 AM Oct 14, 2014
You are indeed an inspiration, Shekon, and I really enjoyed reading your report. It answers a myriad of questions most of us newbies have. But I thought the outstanding sentence was this one: Cooped up in a house watching life pass me by.
TropicalRose said
10:37 AM Oct 14, 2014
Thanks Sharon for the inspiration. I am also cooped up in a house watching life pass me by but will be heading out soon. Wish me luck.
Mezzie said
06:09 AM Oct 16, 2014
Great Read! All of it.. I can't wait to get out there, the land is calling me
Kisha said
06:51 PM Oct 16, 2014
Hey Shekon great Post, very informative and interesting, a joy to read. Keep enjoying those travels and the natural beauty the Universe has to offer, I know I do and most often have a smile from ear to ear....Kisha
October 13th, 2013, I left Mt Gambier, my home, friends and family and headed off into the great unknown on a completely different life journey. Now 12 months on I am living a dream life that I would not change for the world at this stage.
I have learnt about things that I did not know that I did not know about. I have learnt a new language that is particular to people travelling. I have learnt about my country, experienced wonderful sights that I never knew existed in real life, only to be seen previously on postcards or in a book. I have met the most amazing people and have made new life long friends. I have laughed, eaten and drank more than I have in a long time. I have learnt things about myself that I did not know about, and how much I am capable of, and where my limitations lay. I have learnt to ask for help and accept assistance. There are many more headings I am sure I could add, and may do as I continue to write.
As I pulled away from Mt Gambier 12 months ago, I had no idea where or how life would lead me to the future. All I can say now is "thankyou to the universe for having the stars, moons, planets and everything else aligned".
I vividly remember driving out of Mt Gambier towards Adelaide, and being waved to by a fellow motorhomer, I was so excited and suddenly felt part of a community that I did not know about. Tentatively I made my way to Adelaide, thinking how was I going to handle the hills and then the roads on my way to the CP at Westlakes. All good, took it slowly and found the CP, parked up(thank god for drive through sites), and set myself up. I was amazed that I actually remembered what I had to do and had the job done in fairly short time, although now it would be even shorter. I was ready to sit out on my chair, enjoy a cuppa and settle into my new life. I had a great weekend showing off Miss Daisy to friends in Adelaide using all that she had to offer inside, and was able to produce a nice BBQ lunch for them on the Sunday. I was very proud of myself. Now this extraordinary afternoon has become the ordinary and producing a meal or nibbles is of no concern at all. Amazing how little space and how few things I actually need to have life work for me.
Travelling out of Adelaide I made my way to Mildura, once again thinking I must get there in no time flat, travelling the highway at around 110(speed limit), thinking I was still in my car I guess, and wandering why a MH that I kept passing was going so slow, around 90 I guess. Could not understand it at all, at the time, however now, guess who travels at around the 90-95KPH, and on the back country roads I may be observed at travelling around the 70-80KPH. What is the hurry really, and there is so much to see and take in while travelling. Experience and time are great teachers.
I remember leaving Mildura, wanting to experience my first night at free camping, Rob from Wirraway had given me some ideas of where to stay, but the nerves got the better of me and I ended up staying at the CP in Charlton. Travelled nearly 5 hours to get there. Crazy woman. Still it was all good and I was able to catch up with my sister and brother inlaw, and that is where I discovered how easy it is to be trapped inside a MH, and how determination set me free. I managed to lock myself in my shower. I spent some time yelling for help until I realised that nobody could get in anyways because the doors were locked. I ended up pushing on the shower door and freeing myself, I stood and laughed at my predicament. I also now make sure the latch is turned to the side so it will not happen again. It makes for a good story and gives many a laugh.
So since that first furore into the wild blue yonder my adventures have been many. The roads I have travelled have been many. The people I have met have been many and varied, all with a story and all wonderfully inspiring people each in their own way.
I spend my time between Caravan parks and free camping. I love free camping and usually find that folk are much friendlier there and laugh and play more easily. Caravan parks are great for the amenities and to act as a base for further exploration of an area, some are good and some not so good. I have been known to spend up to three weeks in some caravan parks if the area calls me to stay. I have learnt that to free camp, my water saving techniques have been heightened, so I can stay out longer. This would come into the area of those things that I did not know I did not know about.
So some of those things are:-
15 amp power leads and plugs
The solar shower bag and 12 volt shower.
12 volt power.
A generator, how to use it and what it is for.
Solar panels, and the importance of them particularly when free camping.
Changing gas bottles.
A hitch to tow a car.
Weights in a vehicle. Who knew that had to be considered? I didn't.
Talking on a CB radio.
Anti vandal tap fitting.
Levelling ramps and a tiny spirit level to make sure all is on the straight and narrow.
The list goes on and on, there would be so many things that I thought amazing and had no idea about, and now it is part of my life and speech that it again falls into the ordinary category.
I have no sense of direction most times and this has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I have found myself in the most extraordinary places, that have been beautiful and different because I turned left instead of right. I took a road less travelled instead of following the main road. Each day is a new adventure and I never quite know where I will end up. Some days I even end up where I had planned on going, they are miraculous days. I have seen places that I did not know existed, places I knew about and have not particularly enjoyed, and yet each has their own beauty and uniqueness.
I could go on writing forever about my experiences, though that may also be boring to my readers, so I will only give an overview briefly. Suffice to say I am having the time of my life, and there is a lot more to and see yet.
People ask where is my favourite spot. I cannot tell you that really, each place has an attraction, some more than others, yet I can honestly say there has not been a place that I have not enjoyed. When I think about favourite spots there are a few that come to mind that I would certainly return to and have done so, and they are Greens Lake in Victoria, Dartmoor Victoria, and Murrurundi in NSW. These are a few of my favourite things, as the saying goes. Greens and Dartmoor are both free camps which I love. Have experienced both of these places with other people and on my own, each are very special to me. Murrurundi CP, is a unique place that is well worth the visit. A very calming and for me spiritual place. I ended up staying for 3 weeks, and was one of those places I had not planned on staying however not being able to find where I thought I would be going stopped here. Carol and Doug are the loveliest people and I so enjoyed my time there and will be back again. That is the thing, most of the places I have experienced in Winter over the past 12 months and now I want to experience them in other seasons.
The next question is the "What if" one. What if I get sick, what if I break down, what if I get scared, what if, what if, and the list can go on and on. I have never been one to think about the "What if's" too much, so I go ahead trusting that the world is a safe place and I will be just fine. I ask What if none of those things ever happen, then where would I be. Cooped up in a house watching life pass me by.
Thinking about the What if's, made me think some more and here is my answer to all the what if questions.
I use to work for a company called WOT IF, and for me it was very much a far more positive experience than not. So that Wot If question fills me with vision, hope and more fun.
I have learnt that I have been fortunate enough to have one of the most amazing MH's on the market. I travel in a Wirraway 260, and the support and encouragement from this manufacturer is amazing. I know that Rob is at the end of the phone if I ever need a question answered, his wife and staff are amazing as is their product.
I have called my MH MISS DAISY, and she is a beauty. She has a personality of her own and certainly lets me know when she is not happy and does not want to do something. How, I hear you ask... well she throw a tantrum by throwing books at me. I know, I am sure you are now thinking too much time in the sun, however even Cory my middle son has experienced this as he drove her into Brisbane for me. I love her and it seems as if all that meet her fall a little in love with her also. My grandchildren just think she is the bees knees and loved having a little holiday in her with me. Now I have a very exciting announcement. Miss Daisy has had a seedling. Yes MD gave birth to a beautiful little white Suzuki last Friday, called seedling. I am not sure if she knows about it yet, but life is about to take a different turn again. I will be towing Seedling so I can explore even further afield and create more adventures.
The adventures have been made even more special by the amazing people that I have met on the way. Each has had an impact on me in some way. Some more than others and so many have become life long friends. I look at my life now compared to what it was 12 months ago and it is unrecognisable, I am a different person, my outlook on life has not changed all that much with exceptional of not being so caught up in what others maybe thinking about me, I really don't care anymore. I know that I almost have a new family out here on the road and have experienced friendship, that will never have me being alone. I belong to a website called the Grey Nomads, and I stopped posting for about 4 weeks at one point, the call went out to make sure that I was OK and where was I. Now that is amazing. That is friendship and love.
So, while I have not posted anything on Travelling with Miss Daisy for awhile because I am house sitting, I am still here and in a couple of weeks the adventures will start again and there will be more to talk about.
In the meantime have a wonderful life everyone and if travelling is something you wish to do "one day", just get out there and do it now. The way I do it is not for everyone, it suits me, but there are many ways of doing it, you just have choose one for yourself.
Thank you to every one for your continued love and support over the past 12 months.
Brilliant post Sharon, you have captured the nomadic lifestyle so well.
Looking forward to catching up again at Green's,
John
And congratulations to Miss Daisy on the safe arrival of Seedling.
I hope you enjoy many more years as a happy Grey Nomad, and continue to write about them.
Seedling is a good choice of vehicle as well - just make sure you follow the manufacturers recommendations for flat towing.
Good luck with whatever direction you take in the future.
Peter
PJK
Thank you for your wonderful post - it is great. Little Seedling looks good too - congratulations.
Congratulations on your 1st anniversary of freedom, I love hearing your stories, I thankyou for your wisdom, I can proudly say you inspire me Shekon,.
I actually thought about being locked in the shower before I left on my trial run and put a scew driver with the two different heads in the ensuite just in case. Hahahaha.,
Hopefully I'll have the courage to let go one day., n follow in your footsteps. One day I will love to meet you - Fran
P.s. seedling is beautiful.
-- Edited by Frangipani on Monday 13th of October 2014 04:22:04 PM
Hey Sharon
Loved your post and couldn't agree with you more ! It was a fabulous day at The Glen recently and we were so glad to meet several other GN's for a good meal, a few drinks and a whole lot of fun. Looking forward to catching up again very soon...we are heading to Hervey Bay next Tuesday for a week, then west to who knows where, down to Stanthorpe, Texas and slowly back towards Ballina.
Hope to catch up somewhere out there for lots more laughs,
Cheers for now....bye
Geoff and Suzie
Great Read! All of it.. I can't wait to get out there, the land is calling me
Hey Shekon great Post, very informative and interesting, a joy to read. Keep enjoying those travels and the natural beauty the Universe has to offer, I know I do and most often have a smile from ear to ear....Kisha