Hi all.  I am a long time viewer of the GN forum in particular the Greens Lake and Solo Traveler forum.  I have finally decided to join up as I aspire to be a Grey Nomad, which due to the state of the economy (not old enough to retire but apparently too old to be gainfully employed,  ridiculous but such is the circle of life) will happen sooner rather than later.  So if I have posted this post in the wrong place sorry - still navigating my way around the site.

I thought I would say Hello............"Hello" all. The name Polar Bear is because all my friends say I hibernate in winter (I am a Melbourneite, don't laugh or apologize lol)  and they cant find me in summer, I am usually out swimming, fishing, eating and sleeping - what could be better? Oh wait I know doing those things where it is summer all year round.   I travel a  bit with my sister and her rig and love it, cant wait to venture further out.

I have loved reading your posts especially the stories and full rundown from Yeoelevens' travels.  It gives me confidence I can do a trip on my own and it is not as scary as everyone tries to tell me it is, and that there are people to help with advice, suggestions, tips and hints if so desired. Oh yeah and maybe some new friends to be made along the way.   Through reading your posts I have now heard of places and campgrounds I did not know existed -  very helpful.

Anyhow that's my brief intro and I hope to be an active member/contributor.

Thank you

Polar Bear.

Welcome Sharon.   You'll find lots of helpful tips here, and probably make at least a few friends as well.

Just one tip from me already.  Don't only look at those two threads, or you'll miss out on a lot of useful information.

And just because you might be one, doesn't mean you can only post in the Solo's thread.

Cheers,

Sheba.

Hello Shaz, I just love this life, I am smiling every day, doesn't get any better than that  Enjoy, from Patty.

Hi Polar Bear,

Just want to say hi. Your intro letter was very interesting. Will you get your own van soon or continue to travel with your sis?  

I too read a lot from different parts of this forum and have collected quite a few ideas and  tips. It's a great resource. 

I hope you enjoy your future travels. Some people will always think you've got rocks in your head for wanting to be a solo explorer, I'd rather have rocks under my wheels though.  

All the best and enjoy your future,

Panther.

Hi Sharon...and welcome.

I am a bit of a polar bear too cos' I usually hibernate for the winter. This year though, I decided to head to the tropics for winter. So far...so great. 

Hope to catch up with you on the road sometime.

Cheers.

Hi all.

Thank you all for your intros and welcomes.

Allan - yes that thing called work does get in the way, but funds the short trips we do now. I call it the learning time so hopefully will almost be an expert by the time I get on the road. Lol.

Patty - I have read some of your posts/replies and it seems as though you are having a great time and enjoy your life. Its the smile every day that I am missing and so desperately need to get back. In fact I'm a little jealous.

Panther - Eventually I will get my own van but it is still two or three years off yet, as it will be my permanent home I want to take the time to make a good decision, hopefully I wont get to impatient to hit the road and take the first thing I see so until then I will continue to travel with sis. Your right when people say I have rocks in my head being a solo traveler, but my reply to them is "if backpackers can do it so can I."  I am looking forward to the future.

Travel bug - Thank you. You lucky thing in the tropics for winter whilst some of us are in 11 & 12 degrees as the top daytime temp. Love your pic.

Thanks again everyone and like you all, hope to catch up on the road sometime.

Hi Sharon and welcome, it won't take long and you will feel right at home. Fell free to ask questions as there are many on here ready to help out.