Have been a member for a few years now and although only replying on a few occasions or adding my opinions in the "Nomad News" on the web site, I do "check in" most mornings to see what's happening in the "Grey Nomad World".
We live on the Qld. coast, our play ground when at home is the "Great Sandy Straits", which is that stretch of water between the mainland and Fraser Island where we go fishing/sailing when not "on the road".
We "hit the road" every year, 5 months was the longest continuous stretch, but mostly we're away for 2 to 4 months and then home for a couple of months before the feet get itchy again and we have to "hitch up & haul out again !!", in pursuit of our other interests which is gold detecting, photography and yep !!, more fishing
A thought came to mind, that maybe the "Full Timers", that is those that are on the road full time, could tell us about their lifestyle.
For instance,
how long do you intend travelling full time, how long have they been a "full timer"what is your choice of a rig,. Do you own a house or property that is there for the future or, what is your "plan of attack" when the time arrives that it is simply too difficult given health, age or other circumstances to continue. Do you spend weeks, months in one area or move on regularly.
And why do you visit or stay in certain areas, for the scenery, the fishing,the bird watching, wild life, piece and quiet, walks, friends or relatives, or ???????????????.
Not wishing to pry too deeply into your personal lives, just an insight into what some would see as completely alien ------- personally, I think I would like the lifestyle although as my wife (Cyclone), would say, "so we have the best of both worlds now, why change what ain't broke ??, hate it when she's right.
Cheers for now,
Sundy.
P.S. Hope you all had a great Xmas and bets wishes for 2018
Dickodownunder said
11:22 AM Dec 30, 2017
Hi Sundy and Cyclone
What a great idea to have a dedicated area so that members concerned can read about others experiences.
After finally retiring we have just spent 10 months on the road and we absolutely loved it. We are back home now in SA and as we sit here we are now pondering what to do regarding our home to enable us to get out there again.
Our thoughts at this stage are to hang onto it for another year or so then make the big decision.
During our time on the road we soon realised that you dont get to see any area in a few days so it is our decision when next we travel to stay for longer in selected areas.
Staying longer is a saving on fuel money and this saving can generally more than cover the costs to do the tourist thing.
So far we have done a few free/low cost camping but we found as we got more into it that we were personally happier in parks and areas where we had the facilities to make each day just a bit more comfortable.
I dont believe that long term travelling on the road in Australia should be a competition to see how cheap one can live but more along the lines of lets do it as economically as possible while maintaining basic comforts.We are happy to spend money on park fees etc.
Due to a family member who is in an aged care facility we opted to stay in one town for a longer term so that we could visit her. We stayed in a van park and during this time we met some wonderful people, some of whom we have caught up with again since we departed.
When staying for that bit longer we found we got to know some locals and their friendship is invaluable in seeking out little gems around an area. We were treated to cheaper seafood, local knowledge of things to go and see, help with any repairs and local social activities. When it came time to head back home we were quite dissapointed that we were leaving our road adventures.
We can not wait to get back out there again.
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Saturday 30th of December 2017 11:25:10 AM
rockylizard said
11:39 AM Dec 30, 2017
Sundy & Cyclone wrote:
Morning all,
SNIP~~~
A thought came to mind, that maybe the "Full Timers", that is those that are on the road full time, could tell us about their lifestyle.
For instance,
how long do you intend travelling full time, as long as my health holds out or I get too decrepit to hitch/unhitch the van
how long have they been a "full timer"starting my ninth year
what is your choice of a rig 23ft tandem Golden Eagle, ATM 2,700Kg, 360W solar, 120Ahr battery, 3-way fridge towed by a 2006 LR Discovery 3 SE auto diesel
Do you own a house or property that is there for the future or, all I own is the van and Landy. Sold it all up and have it invested - just in case
what is your "plan of attack" when the time arrives that it is simply too difficult given health, age or other circumstances to continue. My initial plan was to set-up as a permanent in some inland van park and probably that is still mostly the plan. However, I just might sell the lot and either buy or rent a property until "the" day. Thankfully still 'healthy' so it could be a long time before those plans are put into action.
Do you spend weeks, months in one area or move on regularly. yes. It really depends on the area and what I want to do in that area. There have been many times I have planned to stay for a week or more at a particular place but when I got there I moved straight on to somewhere unplanned. Some overnight stops have turned into three weeks camped there.
And why do you visit or stay in certain areas, for the scenery, YES the fishing, Not my thing the bird watching, if they are about wild life YEP, piece and quiet OH YEAH ! - I avoid crowds of more than four, walks, my FAVOURITE pastime together with photography friends or relatives, not many friends to visit but if I happen to be in their area I will call in - I camp off the grid 95% of the time.
Not wishing to pry too deeply into your personal lives, just an insight into what some would see as completely alien ------- personally, I think I would like the lifestyle although as my wife (Cyclone), would say, "so we have the best of both worlds now, why change what ain't broke ??, hate it when she's right.
Cheers for now,
Sundy.
P.S. Hope you all had a great Xmas and bets wishes for 2018
Gday...
I was jest too lazy to write it all out so I jest populated your questions.
Cheers - and just keep enjoying wandering - John
mezza56 said
04:10 PM Dec 30, 2017
What a great topic , I was thinking along similar lines , I love talking to the old timers that I meet in the park and on the road . We started off on our "trip" nearly six years ago . It was going to be self funded as we are a while off retirement still. We fell into managing a park and have been doing so in different locations since . We love talking to people about their trips , we are thinking of not working at all for a year starting this winter . It kills us seeing all the grey tops going off each year ,for the last couple of years we have spent 6-8 weeks in the nth poking around , but this year we'll tag along and dabble our feet in the water (warm ) that is .I cant wait to wave goodbye to the grey skies of Vic for good.
Plain Truth said
07:06 PM Dec 30, 2017
I am not a "full timer",but how do you manage your Paper work.Like Rego's for tug and van,insurance and driving Licenses.
Do you have a relative where this stuff is forwarded too ,or is there another way.
rockylizard said
07:18 PM Dec 30, 2017
Plain Truth wrote:
I am not a "full timer",but how do you manage -
your Paper work.
Like Rego's for tug and van, easier since when I started out. Now registered online with Vic Roads - advice received by email when due for both and I pay online
insurance email advice when premium is due and then pay online
roadside assistance email advice when due, and paid automatically with direct debit
driving Licenses. same as rego. Renewal emailed advising renewal. However, my next renewal will require a new photo so I will need to come back into Victoria to an 'authorised' VicRoads licencing centre - for me that would have to be Mildura or Wodonga for temporary visit - otherwise if I am in Vic when it is due, then just go the nearest one.
bank statements emailed to me and then opened online
Do you have a relative where this stuff is forwarded too ,or is there another way. I have a friend whose address I use for my "residence" for garaging for insurance and rego ... and for a postal address for other stuff. They tell me if anything and then scan and email to me. I wouldn't get more than three pieces of snail mail each year these days.
Gday...
Once again ... jest too goddam lazy to type it all out in here - sorry ...
cheers - John
Desert Dweller said
07:51 PM Dec 30, 2017
Hi there! We're in a similar situation to you.
We spend a total of 6 months per year away enjoying our travels, bird watching, bush walking.
We love going away but our greatest pleasure is getting home to our beach side home south of Melbourne on Port Philip Bay. We prepay all our bills before going away on a trip.
The Gypsy life is not for us despite the million dollar offers from developers to buy our property & demolish it. Each to their own though.
Dougwe said
07:53 AM Dec 31, 2017
How, Sundy.
After losing my son then my stepson 3 months later then my wife 2 years after that I decided enough was enough and instead of being put in a room with rubber walls due to a breakdown I retired and purchased a Avan Camper Trailer and headed out in the playground for 8 at of 12 months for 3 years. I had a great time and met many people and made new friends some life long. No padded walls in sight.
After those 3 years I decided to sell base camp and get a bigger van, no I don't have a Jeep. I sold my unit in a village, got that bigger van and a new tug, see my signature below. I then turned that 8 months into full time on the road and have now been doing that for 3 years as a solo traveller. I have met many more people and formed more friendships.
I found this forum many moons back and enjoy playing here as well.
I have never looked back.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 31st of December 2017 07:54:27 AM
deverall11 said
02:31 PM Dec 31, 2017
Sundy & Cyclone wrote:
Morning all,
Have been a member for a few years now and although only replying on a few occasions or adding my opinions in the "Nomad News" on the web site, I do "check in" most mornings to see what's happening in the "Grey Nomad World".
We live on the Qld. coast, our play ground when at home is the "Great Sandy Straits", which is that stretch of water between the mainland and Fraser Island where we go fishing/sailing when not "on the road".
We "hit the road" every year, 5 months was the longest continuous stretch, but mostly we're away for 2 to 4 months and then home for a couple of months before the feet get itchy again and we have to "hitch up & haul out again !!", in pursuit of our other interests which is gold detecting, photography and yep !!, more fishing
A thought came to mind, that maybe the "Full Timers", that is those that are on the road full time, could tell us about their lifestyle.
For instance,
how long do you intend travelling full time, how long have they been a "full timer"what is your choice of a rig,. Golden Eagle Grandeur, 200 series Landcruiser.
Do you own a house or property that is there for the future. Yes just in case we decide to go back. or,
what is your "plan of attack" when the time arrives that it is simply too difficult given health, age or other circumstances to continue. Either go back to a house or dig a hole and fill it. have not given it any real consideration as yet.
Do you spend weeks, months in one area or move on regularly. Depends on what is going on at the time.
And why do you visit or stay in certain areas, for the scenery, the fishing,the bird watching, wild life, piece and quiet, walks, friends or relatives, or ???????????????. All of the above and also new friend we met on the road.
Not wishing to pry too deeply into your personal lives, just an insight into what some would see as completely alien ------- personally, I think I would like the lifestyle although as my wife (Cyclone), would say, "so we have the best of both worlds now, why change what ain't broke ??, hate it when she's right.
Cheers for now,
Sundy.
P.S. Hope you all had a great Xmas and bets wishes for 2018
Just another bit of insight.
Prefer to go from place to place as opposed to go back home and go again as you tend to travel over territory you have already covered to get to next place.
Larry
-- Edited by deverall11 on Sunday 31st of December 2017 02:33:09 PM
Morning all,
Have been a member for a few years now and although only replying on a few occasions or adding my opinions in the "Nomad News" on the web site, I do "check in" most mornings to see what's happening in the "Grey Nomad World".
We live on the Qld. coast, our play ground when at home is the "Great Sandy Straits", which is that stretch of water between the mainland and Fraser Island where we go fishing/sailing when not "on the road".
We "hit the road" every year, 5 months was the longest continuous stretch, but mostly we're away for 2 to 4 months and then home for a couple of months before the feet get itchy again and we have to "hitch up & haul out again !!", in pursuit of our other interests which is gold detecting, photography and yep !!, more fishing
A thought came to mind, that maybe the "Full Timers", that is those that are on the road full time, could tell us about their lifestyle.
For instance,
how long do you intend travelling full time, how long have they been a "full timer" what is your choice of a rig,. Do you own a house or property that is there for the future or, what is your "plan of attack" when the time arrives that it is simply too difficult given health, age or other circumstances to continue. Do you spend weeks, months in one area or move on regularly.
And why do you visit or stay in certain areas, for the scenery, the fishing,the bird watching, wild life, piece and quiet, walks, friends or relatives, or ???????????????.
Not wishing to pry too deeply into your personal lives, just an insight into what some would see as completely alien ------- personally, I think I would like the lifestyle although as my wife (Cyclone), would say, "so we have the best of both worlds now, why change what ain't broke ??, hate it when she's right.
Cheers for now,
Sundy.
P.S. Hope you all had a great Xmas and bets wishes for 2018
Hi Sundy and Cyclone
What a great idea to have a dedicated area so that members concerned can read about others experiences.
After finally retiring we have just spent 10 months on the road and we absolutely loved it. We are back home now in SA and as we sit here we are now pondering what to do regarding our home to enable us to get out there again.
Our thoughts at this stage are to hang onto it for another year or so then make the big decision.
During our time on the road we soon realised that you dont get to see any area in a few days so it is our decision when next we travel to stay for longer in selected areas.
Staying longer is a saving on fuel money and this saving can generally more than cover the costs to do the tourist thing.
So far we have done a few free/low cost camping but we found as we got more into it that we were personally happier in parks and areas where we had the facilities to make each day just a bit more comfortable.
I dont believe that long term travelling on the road in Australia should be a competition to see how cheap one can live but more along the lines of lets do it as economically as possible while maintaining basic comforts.We are happy to spend money on park fees etc.
Due to a family member who is in an aged care facility we opted to stay in one town for a longer term so that we could visit her. We stayed in a van park and during this time we met some wonderful people, some of whom we have caught up with again since we departed.
When staying for that bit longer we found we got to know some locals and their friendship is invaluable in seeking out little gems around an area. We were treated to cheaper seafood, local knowledge of things to go and see, help with any repairs and local social activities. When it came time to head back home we were quite dissapointed that we were leaving our road adventures.
We can not wait to get back out there again.
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Saturday 30th of December 2017 11:25:10 AM
Gday...
I was jest too lazy to write it all out
so I jest populated your questions.
Cheers - and just keep enjoying wandering - John
What a great topic , I was thinking along similar lines , I love talking to the old timers that I meet in the park and on the road . We started off on our "trip" nearly six years ago . It was going to be self funded as we are a while off retirement still. We fell into managing a park and have been doing so in different locations since . We love talking to people about their trips , we are thinking of not working at all for a year starting this winter . It kills us seeing all the grey tops going off each year ,for the last couple of years we have spent 6-8 weeks in the nth poking around , but this year we'll tag along and dabble our feet in the water (warm ) that is .I cant wait to wave goodbye to the grey skies of Vic for good.
I am not a "full timer",but how do you manage your Paper work.Like Rego's for tug and van,insurance and driving Licenses.
Do you have a relative where this stuff is forwarded too ,or is there another way.
Gday...
Once again ...
jest too goddam lazy to type it all out in here - sorry ... 
cheers - John
Hi there! We're in a similar situation to you.
We spend a total of 6 months per year away enjoying our travels, bird watching, bush walking.
We love going away but our greatest pleasure is getting home to our beach side home south of Melbourne on Port Philip Bay. We prepay all our bills before going away on a trip.
The Gypsy life is not for us despite the million dollar offers from developers to buy our property & demolish it. Each to their own though.
How, Sundy.
After losing my son then my stepson 3 months later then my wife 2 years after that I decided enough was enough and instead of being put in a room with rubber walls due to a breakdown I retired and purchased a Avan Camper Trailer and headed out in the playground for 8 at of 12 months for 3 years. I had a great time and met many people and made new friends some life long. No padded walls in sight.
After those 3 years I decided to sell base camp and get a bigger van, no I don't have a Jeep. I sold my unit in a village, got that bigger van and a new tug, see my signature below. I then turned that 8 months into full time on the road and have now been doing that for 3 years as a solo traveller. I have met many more people and formed more friendships.
I found this forum many moons back and enjoy playing here as well.
I have never looked back.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 31st of December 2017 07:54:27 AM
Just another bit of insight.
Prefer to go from place to place as opposed to go back home and go again as you tend to travel over territory you have already covered to get to next place.
Larry
-- Edited by deverall11 on Sunday 31st of December 2017 02:33:09 PM