I walked out of work tonight , the last time for 5 months , we leave on Monday for our first
attempt on doing a lap (well half a lap ) leaving Melbourne then through the centre turn left
at Darwin then through the Kimberly , down the West Coast , then home accross the Nulabor
taking as much time as possible to do this , its a strange feeling , I dont know weather I should be excited
or what , it seems so much to do in so little time , how did everyone else cope with the change ?
regards ,
Gary.
Bruce and Bev said
04:29 PM May 15, 2015
Hi Gary. You will LOVE it !!!
We started 10 months ago. The 1st few weeks was slightly apprehensive - have we done the right thing........then you calm down and relax.
My suggestions: 1) don't drive more than 3-4 hours max a day otherwise become a long distance truck driver and you wont see great Australia!! 2) Say calm and don't argue with your better half (even if you are tempted). If you argue - both have a quick sulk and then start talking again and forget what the bitching was about - it will get less as you get used to going from a large house to this tiny RV. 3) don't over plan where you are going - take it easy - remember you worked all your life for this, so don't turn it into a drama - relax and have a drink 4) if youre in a CP (caravan park) or free camping -smile and say hello to your neighbours. Many of them have been doing this for a long time and can give you great tips on where to go and your RV 5) take a camera and use it - you will see some great sights to show others 5) eat when you want to and eat what you want to - try to be healthy sometimes lol. 6) always go for a wander and look at others ideas who to rig up their rigs, especially awnings - we have learnt so much from just looking and most men are proud to tell you how clever they are with various ideas (that they probably got from others lol
Right now we're in Melbourne and the weather is crap. Just had a big glass of good red wine (from Dan Murphys) and wife had her glass of spirits - thankfully she doesn't drink red wine. About to cook tea - watch the TV and hit the bed.
But most importantly, take your time, don't rush, learn by your mistakes (and you will make plenty) and enjoy your new life - its GREAT !!!!!!!!
Friar Park said
04:32 PM May 15, 2015
Gary, firstly, dont COPE! KNOW that this is someting you really WANT to do. A little bit of trepidatiion is expected but enjoy it mate. There is nothing out there that matches the feeling of freedom when you are doing something you really WANT to do.
Enjoy yourself, dont be in a hurry. If you don't get there today, well, get there tomorrow.
Happy travels
Friar
Hey Jim said
05:10 PM May 15, 2015
Hi Bruce & Bev,
Here Here. Enjoy.
Hey Jim & Lambie
deverall11 said
05:37 PM May 15, 2015
We started 3 1/2 years ago for what we thought was one year. Still going and still enjoying it.
Larry
kandagal said
07:16 PM May 15, 2015
You'll be fine. We left on a 1 year trip 21 years ago & haven't found our way back yet. So be prepared. This lifestyle can grab you
rockylizard said
07:29 PM May 15, 2015
Gday...
As some have said, and I am sure others will also agree soon, it is not so much how to fill the time ... but how time goes so quickly and you will need to continue travelling to achieve seeing what you increasingly want to see.
You need to remember that it is the journey NOT the destination/s that matter. Absorb it all and enjoy it while doing so.
The apprehension will soon abate and the excitement will increase as you get further along. The meeting of "like-souls" as you move along will further enlarge your horizons.
You will quickly see that there is SOOOO much to see ... and SOOOO little time. You will just keep on going and going and going
Cheers - John
Gaz n Shell said
08:46 PM May 15, 2015
Your about to become addicted , once that travel bug bites there is no cure you'll become a travel junkie and want more ,we've been bitten and luv it
Enjoy ya trip .
See ya in the bush
Gaz n Shell
The Phantom said
08:58 PM May 15, 2015
Gary
Don't try and see everything. There is just too much to look at. Best to try and get a good look at several things rather than a brief glimpse of everything.
Don't be afraid to backtrack, there will always be something you missed.
Don't forget the sunscreen and fly nets.
Enjoy
The Phantom
ballast2 said
09:15 PM May 15, 2015
G'day. Do not try to cope just enjoy. As others have said it is all about enjoying your self. If you miss something this time there will be other chances. also agree that you will become addicted and there is no cure. Go forth and enjoy yourselves.
Cheers
DMaxer said
09:51 PM May 15, 2015
Just do it slowly, it is not a race. Take time to have a chat to those around you each night. Some you will like, others, just tolerate, it is just a night or two. Look about as you drive and think how much you looked forward to this. Bet you don't go back to work in 5 months.
Gundog said
12:33 PM May 16, 2015
Yesdear wrote:
Hi everyone ,
I walked out of work tonight , the last time for 5 months , we leave on Monday for our first
attempt on doing a lap (well half a lap ) leaving Melbourne then through the centre turn left
at Darwin then through the Kimberly , down the West Coast , then home accross the Nulabor
taking as much time as possible to do this , its a strange feeling , I dont know weather I should be excited
or what , it seems so much to do in so little time , how did everyone else cope with the change ?
regards ,
Gary.
Welcome to the site, I like you finished a couple days earlier ie 12th, all things falling into place we will be in the playground by the end of June.
Unlike you we have no plans which direction we will go from one hop to the next, we will have plenty of time without rushing around.
thedes said
10:31 PM May 17, 2015
Free that's how you should feel
madaboutled said
12:00 AM May 18, 2015
It's a big back yard to play in out there..... you'll soon realize that 5 months isn't enough and you'll want more..... LOTS MORE! The travelling becomes a disease that you never get sick of. And when you can't do it anymore you'll probably say "I should have done it sooner" and your other half will reply "Yes Dear".
-- Edited by madaboutled on Monday 18th of May 2015 12:08:50 AM
PeterD said
10:53 AM May 18, 2015
Yesdear wrote: leaving Melbourne then through the centre turn left
at Darwin then through the Kimberly ,
Don't do that. You will end up in the harbour.
You may consider turning left at Katherine, leave Darwin until another trip when you have more time on your hands. That way you will get more time in WA. If you do that you will have a more relaxed and enjoyable time in the west and will not have to go back in the next few years.
Hi everyone ,
I walked out of work tonight , the last time for 5 months , we leave on Monday for our first
attempt on doing a lap (well half a lap ) leaving Melbourne then through the centre turn left
at Darwin then through the Kimberly , down the West Coast , then home accross the Nulabor
taking as much time as possible to do this , its a strange feeling , I dont know weather I should be excited
or what , it seems so much to do in so little time , how did everyone else cope with the change ?
regards ,
Gary.
We started 10 months ago. The 1st few weeks was slightly apprehensive - have we done the right thing........then you calm down and relax.
My suggestions: 1) don't drive more than 3-4 hours max a day otherwise become a long distance truck driver and you wont see great Australia!! 2) Say calm and don't argue with your better half (even if you are tempted). If you argue - both have a quick sulk and then start talking again and forget what the bitching was about - it will get less as you get used to going from a large house to this tiny RV. 3) don't over plan where you are going - take it easy - remember you worked all your life for this, so don't turn it into a drama - relax and have a drink 4) if youre in a CP (caravan park) or free camping -smile and say hello to your neighbours. Many of them have been doing this for a long time and can give you great tips on where to go and your RV 5) take a camera and use it - you will see some great sights to show others 5) eat when you want to and eat what you want to - try to be healthy sometimes lol. 6) always go for a wander and look at others ideas who to rig up their rigs, especially awnings - we have learnt so much from just looking and most men are proud to tell you how clever they are with various ideas (that they probably got from others lol
Right now we're in Melbourne and the weather is crap. Just had a big glass of good red wine (from Dan Murphys) and wife had her glass of spirits - thankfully she doesn't drink red wine. About to cook tea - watch the TV and hit the bed.
But most importantly, take your time, don't rush, learn by your mistakes (and you will make plenty) and enjoy your new life - its GREAT !!!!!!!!
Gary, firstly, dont COPE! KNOW that this is someting you really WANT to do. A little bit of trepidatiion is expected but enjoy it mate. There is nothing out there that matches the feeling of freedom when you are doing something you really WANT to do.
Enjoy yourself, dont be in a hurry. If you don't get there today, well, get there tomorrow.
Happy travels
Friar
Hi Bruce & Bev,
Here Here. Enjoy.
Hey Jim & Lambie
Larry
Gday...
As some have said, and I am sure others will also agree soon, it is not so much how to fill the time ... but how time goes so quickly and you will need to continue travelling to achieve seeing what you increasingly want to see.
You need to remember that it is the journey NOT the destination/s that matter. Absorb it all and enjoy it while doing so.
The apprehension will soon abate and the excitement will increase as you get further along. The meeting of "like-souls" as you move along will further enlarge your horizons.
You will quickly see that there is SOOOO much to see ... and SOOOO little time. You will just keep on going and going and going
Cheers - John
Enjoy ya trip .
See ya in the bush
Gaz n Shell
Gary
Don't try and see everything. There is just too much to look at. Best to try and get a good look at several things rather than a brief glimpse of everything.
Don't be afraid to backtrack, there will always be something you missed.
Don't forget the sunscreen and fly nets.
Enjoy
The Phantom
Cheers
Just do it slowly, it is not a race. Take time to have a chat to those around you each night. Some you will like, others, just tolerate, it is just a night or two. Look about as you drive and think how much you looked forward to this. Bet you don't go back to work in 5 months.
Welcome to the site, I like you finished a couple days earlier ie 12th, all things falling into place we will be in the playground by the end of June.
Unlike you we have no plans which direction we will go from one hop to the next, we will have plenty of time without rushing around.
It's a big back yard to play in out there..... you'll soon realize that 5 months isn't enough and you'll want more..... LOTS MORE! The travelling becomes a disease that you never get sick of. And when you can't do it anymore you'll probably say "I should have done it sooner" and your other half will reply "Yes Dear".
-- Edited by madaboutled on Monday 18th of May 2015 12:08:50 AM
Don't do that. You will end up in the harbour.
You may consider turning left at Katherine, leave Darwin until another trip when you have more time on your hands. That way you will get more time in WA. If you do that you will have a more relaxed and enjoyable time in the west and will not have to go back in the next few years.