The Grey Nomads Forum

UPDATE (2 Months)

Dougwe said
06:59 AM Dec 15, 2014

Shut the front gate!!

I can't believe it, it's now been two months I have been on the road "full time". Yep, two months, where did that time go ? Blowed if I know.

I got away from base camp for the last time as my base camp is now wherever I am at any given time, great feeling too. I made my first port of call Killarney, about 20km West of Warrnambool down on the South VIC Coast. I camped next to TCP 99, Terry for 7 days and was good to catch up with him again.

From there headed to Greens Lake for a few weeks and had the place to myself for a few days when Rocky Lizard, John arrived and set up camp near me. We spent many hours chatting and enjoyed his conversation and company for about 10 days, thanks Rocky. Then it was time to head across to Milton, South NSW Coast to do a short house sit for friends there.

After the house sit it was time to head to Melbourne and pick up the new Den, "Chief, Arrow". Hooked up and back to Greens Lake to test all the Solar and 12v system out. All going as planned too. I have had a few teething problems with the van but all sorted now so enjoying my new "Digs", my aluminium tent.

After having the Avan Camper for 3 years and great times It is taking a bit of getting used too but I am starting to enjoy the extra space and storage. I need a cut lunch and water bottle to go from the front of the van to the back now and I tell you that for free.

The weather here at Greens Lake has been a mixed bag really with extremely strong winds, a couple of days of 100kmh and rain, some very heavy. I have the awning anchored down really well now so has survived all that which is good. Some people reckon the van will take off before the awning.

There are many GN's from the forum and others here and the weekends are getting busy as. I am sure the Xmas crowd will be arriving soon too. I will be spending Xmas at Greens this year and really looking forward to that. Should be great.

I am having some trouble with my left leg and ankle swelling up and quite a bit of pain so have been to the local Hospital and waiting for scans etc to sort that out as it is limiting my movements around this great place, Greens Lake. Still doesn't stop me going out in the big bath though during the day and again at night before bed. I'm sure things will get sorted soon though.

Now even after just two months I am actually starting to think this life is not for me after all, as in my previous work life I got weekends off, public holidays, sick leave and annual leave but this full time grey nomad thing is 24/7 with not even a break, bugga. I might just keep trying to settle in for a but longer.

Not sure what I will do or where I will go from here and why plan anyway ? No need to these days cos I have the rest of my life to travel this great playground. I do know I want to spend some time in Byron Bay around end March and see my grandchildren and daughter in Townsville during winter 2015. I have also been asked to do another house sit over on the South NSW Coast so will try and fit that into my heavy GN schedule as well.

Well this was just going to be a 'bring you up to date' update so better sign off for now before I bore you to tears if I haven't already.

A few pics are included as usual.

Enjoy the playground everyone and have great festive season's.

DOUG

From this

To this

Then this

As I said, a bugga of a life.

-- Edited by Dougwe on Monday 15th of December 2014 07:12:48 AM

Kaid said
08:07 AM Dec 15, 2014

Struggle on Dougwe wink wink wink wink wink wink

dazren said
09:13 AM Dec 15, 2014

smile Dougwe, ''Stop ya Bitchin'' wink You told me long ago, on the old GN forum that this type of life would be to tough for me !! and that as Mate You would make the sacrifice in My Place, hmm , and I thank you for taking the pressure off me,

However, if it is getting a little much, I am retired now , and can do some of my own traveling, If it takes off some off your burden, biggrin biggrin

Nelly said
09:20 AM Dec 15, 2014

Thanks Dougwe for your update - so sorry that you are doing it tough!!! lol!!! Your setup looks very impressive and comfortable - even got the washing on the line. Merry Christmas to you and hope you have a great 2015.

Glenelg said
09:35 AM Dec 15, 2014

Dougwe forgot to tell all of you out there that his leg is hollow , all that scotch he knocks back.. It's called gout. All have a Good Christmas , cos we will at greens. Cheers to Santa.

-- Edited by Glenelg on Monday 15th of December 2014 09:36:22 AM

thedes said
09:45 AM Dec 15, 2014

hi doug glad your trying to enjoy such a hard life lol smile

Gerty Dancer said
10:33 AM Dec 15, 2014

Goodonya Doug, keep up the hard work!! thanks for your updates, always interesting.

Phil C said
11:16 AM Dec 15, 2014

Mate you have to give up being a GN. It's way to stressful on you. Just think of the joy of earning money, paying rent, taxes and rates. DAMN!! What's wrong with me? So happy you are enjoying yourself, hope the clod hopper gets better soon.

We are off to greens next year after my hip replacement so hope to see you out there.

Take care my friend and have a great Xmas

NOTHING. Crap there it is again, must have that looked at NOTHING.

subaru said
11:45 AM Dec 15, 2014

biggrin biggrin Thank you Doug for your very informative update.it is great to hear that you are still enjoying

the great outdoors, hope you have the leg problem fixed a.s.a.p.

i would like to wish you and all other forum members a happy and safe christmas and new year.cheers. smile smile

Plendo said
12:18 PM Dec 15, 2014

Thanks for the update Doug.

It must be wearing you out getting from one of the van to the other, then having accommodation with a huge bath straight of the living room, how much tougher can it get!

I can understand the trouble you are having with the lack of breaks, but I suspect there might be a few who would be happy to swap with you.

Keep on enjoying it Doug.