Hi all, the reason I am writing is that I found the last time that I took a trip that I just don't enjoy being out there alone anymore. If I want to be alone in the bush I can stay home! But I would like to take a few more trips. So, I'm looking to get in contact with other solos who would like to do tag-along trips in their own vehicle. I am not interested in anything more than some company and friendship so that I can sometimes say "wow look at that!" without just talking to myself or the dog . Maybe play cards or scrabble or something, sit around a campfire at night, just share a chat and a cuppa, whatever suggestions appeal.
I haven't been on the road for a couple of years due to ill health, and I haven't spent much time on this site for two reasons. 1) the aforementioned ill health, and 2) the amount of vitriol spewed on the travelling with pets forum. I love my dogs (only have one old guy left now ) and I get upset when reading that forum, so I'll just ignore it from now on.
Is there anyone else who would be interested in trying to organise trips where we meet up at various campsites? Driving in convoy is a pain but there's no reason we couldn't arrange to meet at the next camping spot and camp in a small group at each site. Or even just meetup every so often on the way.
I'm hoping to travel from home (north of Bundaberg) down to Victoria and possibly across to Adelaide, including checking out the SeaCliff bridge on the way leaving somewhere around May. I have mobility issues now so don't even now how far I'll get, but I want to try.
Your thoughts?
-- Edited by HiAce98 on Thursday 1st of February 2018 01:51:42 AM
Conquester said
07:50 AM Feb 1, 2018
Theres stacks of Facebook groups for Solos who are always organising camps. Just type in Solos in the search bar and lots of groups will come up. If you are a CMCA member, same with them. They have a Solos chapter with lots of activities.
jules47 said
12:37 PM Feb 1, 2018
Another way to meet up with fellow travellers is to go where they congregate - We will be near Bundy in May - heading out to Boynedale Bush camp - behind Calliope - and there will be other GN's there for sure. Another place is Greens Lake in Victoria - go to the "Get Together" section on this forum and check it out - some of our members stay for weeks or even months there over the summer - toilets, water and dump point - 18k to shops - free. Travelling on convoy is not my idea of fun, we tend to veer off and see what's down a road - usually we are the last ones out of bed as well - so we organise the night before where we will meet up next day - couple of hundred k's - and all get there when we want. Found some great places this way.
I am in the same boat as you, i would love to travel along with someone else, i have my own van, i will keep an eye on your post,
the rocket said
10:25 AM Feb 3, 2018
jules47 wrote:
Another way to meet up with fellow travellers is to go where they congregate - We will be near Bundy in May - heading out to Boynedale Bush camp - behind Calliope - and there will be other GN's there for sure. Another place is Greens Lake in Victoria - go to the "Get Together" section on this forum and check it out - some of our members stay for weeks or even months there over the summer - toilets, water and dump point - 18k to shops - free. Travelling on convoy is not my idea of fun, we tend to veer off and see what's down a road - usually we are the last ones out of bed as well - so we organise the night before where we will meet up next day - couple of hundred k's - and all get there when we want. Found some great places this way.
Hi everyone, we will be in bundaberg all of may Too. Lets catch up.
jules47 said
11:29 AM Feb 3, 2018
Sure will -we are going to a memorial at Boynedale Bush Camp - out the back of Calliope on 10th May - late GN member's family have invited his friends to join them there to say goodbye to The Doc.(Rod Smith).
My niece lives in Bundy - on a nature reserve - we will camp up at her place when we get to Bundaberg.
HiAce98 said
01:37 PM Feb 6, 2018
Thanks Jules, Rocket and Nita. Good to know I'm not the only one. I'm usually quite self sufficient, but since I retired it's not unusual for me to have no-one but the dog to talk to (not much of a conversationalist ) days if not weeks at a time. So although I used to like camping alone when I was still working (de-stress time LOL) since I've retired things are different. And yes, I often do find company at various camps, but sometimes not and it would be nice to be able to arrange things and know that I will have someone to play a board or card game with, just sit around a fire and chat. in 2016 my brother spent 6 months with me. He had his own campervan but evenings we would meet up and even spent 2 weeks camped at Bingera. It was more fun than alone. I've found that some couples seem not so keen on having a single join in (don't get me wrong, many are) and also at many camps people already seem to have their group and will only say hi in passing. Maybe I'm just feeling a little less confident in my old age! LOL.
Anyway, I look forward to May. I live on 40acres near Baffle Creek and perhaps some of you would like to park yourselves here occasionally too. You would be welcome. Just PM me.
Cheers
Mike Harding said
03:17 PM Feb 6, 2018
> it's not unusual for me to have no-one but the dog to talk to
When my delightful little canine friend was alive I always enjoyed chatting with her - she didn't say much but her head movements and expressions indicated she always agreed with me :)
However: May I suggest you consider Amateur Radio? I have made more friends via AR than through any other mechanism in my life. Also it provides the ability to chat with people across the world from *anywhere* in Australia and, even better, you can turn them off when you feel inclined :)
The Foundation Licence is easy to obtain: http://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/about/
dundreamin said
07:46 AM Mar 7, 2018
Know exactly what you mean. I used to have my own motorhome & travelled around mainly SA & Vic but only for up to 3wks at a time as my Dad was very unwell. When I went away I found that I loved the driving (ex bus driver) & didn't even mind camping on my own with just my dog (best mate & almost human) for company but what I didn't like was going somewhere like a cruise & everyone else is in pairs or small groups. I always felt odd being alone in that situation, even at the CMCA rallies I went to. Everyone seemed to know everyone else & congregated in little groups & happy hours but I was never asked to join in. Lost both my dog & my Dad late last year within a month of each other & now all the loose ends are tied up I'm buying another motorhome & heading off within the next couple of months completely on my own this time as I'm not ready for another dog yet (maybe never).
pjwilco said
11:37 AM Mar 7, 2018
HiAce98 wrote:
Hi all, the reason I am writing is that I found the last time that I took a trip that I just don't enjoy being out there alone anymore. If I want to be alone in the bush I can stay home! But I would like to take a few more trips. So, I'm looking to get in contact with other solos who would like to do tag-along trips in their own vehicle. I am not interested in anything more than some company and friendship so that I can sometimes say "wow look at that!" without just talking to myself or the dog . Maybe play cards or scrabble or something, sit around a campfire at night, just share a chat and a cuppa, whatever suggestions appeal.
I haven't been on the road for a couple of years due to ill health, and I haven't spent much time on this site for two reasons. 1) the aforementioned ill health, and 2) the amount of vitriol spewed on the travelling with pets forum. I love my dogs (only have one old guy left now ) and I get upset when reading that forum, so I'll just ignore it from now on.
Is there anyone else who would be interested in trying to organise trips where we meet up at various campsites? Driving in convoy is a pain but there's no reason we couldn't arrange to meet at the next camping spot and camp in a small group at each site. Or even just meetup every so often on the way.
I'm hoping to travel from home (north of Bundaberg) down to Victoria and possibly across to Adelaide, including checking out the SeaCliff bridge on the way leaving somewhere around May. I have mobility issues now so don't even now how far I'll get, but I want to try.
Your thoughts?
-- Edited by HiAce98 on Thursday 1st of February 2018 01:51:42 AM
Hi
Im interested in meeting up if im still in Melbourne when you're travelling through Victoria. Im happy to travel within the state too to meet up if needed.
Please send me a private message closer to your departure and ill try and work out something with you. Im a solo traveller too and i know exactly what the issues that you have mentioned.
Cheers Pamela
HiAce98 said
12:21 PM Mar 7, 2018
Thanks for all the suggestions and supportive comments. It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one to feel this way sometimes. I have my 86yo mother staying for 3 weeks at the moment, and have had a few more holdups with the final council sign-off on my house. But the main thing that makes planning difficult is that the docs are now talking about giving me a hip replacement, don't know just when or even if it's definite! So for the moment I can't say for sure when I can take a trip. But when I do I will message you Pamela, and anyone who is near Bundaberg and would like to camp on my property at Baffle Creek for a while, just pm me and we can make arrangements
PS whatever else happens I intend to spend a week or so at Boynedale in May when some of you will be there and when it's closer I'll be in touch. Cheers
-- Edited by HiAce98 on Wednesday 7th of March 2018 12:24:39 PM
jules47 said
12:57 PM Mar 7, 2018
When you are at Boyndale - look for us - Conquest motorhome - Billeeee - tow a little car - come and introduce yourself - we have travelled with solos on and off since we set of six years ago - also with other couples, but - our teepee is always open - our pipes are always full!
IAN zzz said
09:31 PM Mar 23, 2018
Hi HiAce98
I think it's a great idea and I understand what you mean. I've met some solo travelers over recent years who try to do just that.
Unfortunately, I'm in WA, and I spend the winter months in the North of WA. So I guess I will not be part of your cohort this year :)
I haven't searched yet, but maybe a thread for this specific purpose could be started?
Stay safe
Tony Bev said
11:04 PM Mar 25, 2018
Hello HiAce98
Usual disclaimer
I am a married man, who sometimes travels on my own, and while travelling on my own, I do know some of the trials and tribulations, of the solo traveller
I most certainly wish you luck to join up with like minded travellers, in your part of the world, and to the places you wish to travel to
I mainly use the free, donation, and low cost camps, so can not comment about caravan parks
I usually talk to the people, in the nearest four or so vehicles around me
On the other hand in the cool of the morning or late afternoon, I like to exercise by picking up a bit of rubbish
I will then only give people who are not parked near me a wave, as I walk on by, with my pick up stick
I suppose what I am trying to say is that, if you do not manage to find people from your area, to travel with you
There is no need to be lonely when travelling solo, as long as you are prepared to say hello to others in the camp
JICK said
07:03 PM Mar 27, 2018
Hi there I too know what you mean and the feeling of isolation sometimes in busy areas. I am travelling over west in June but I live in SA on the Yorke Peninsula so if you get over here give me a yell and we can catch up.
Vic
HiAce98 said
07:08 PM Mar 27, 2018
Thanks for all the responses. I plan to start by going to Boynedale in May and meet up with some of you there. Then see how it goes
GannyontheGo said
03:29 PM Apr 1, 2018
Keeping an eye on these ideas. I'm also a solo traveller (with 2 dogs) and am a newby to the whole rv experience.
HiAce98 said
05:29 PM Apr 15, 2018
Well, May is getting closer and I'm looking forward to camping at Boynedale. But I also wanted to extend an invitation to any grey nomads (solo or not) to free camp on my 40acre property near Baffle Creek. I think I'd enjpy the occasional company when I am at home, and if it's not raining it is a good place to camp. Just private message me if you are interested
Magyar Connection said
10:22 PM Apr 16, 2018
Why dont you call in to a Mens Shed or two on your travels. They are in many small towns around the country and most are welcoming. I am a member of a Shed on the Central Coast and have called in on a couple of Sheds in Victoria. Always good for a cuppa and a chat. Just a thought.
HiAce98 said
10:55 PM Apr 16, 2018
Magyar Connection wrote:
Why dont you call in to a Mens Shed or two on your travels. They are in many small towns around the country and most are welcoming. I am a member of a Shed on the Central Coast and have called in on a couple of Sheds in Victoria. Always good for a cuppa and a chat. Just a thought.
Hmmm, Men's shed. Do they welcome women too?
Magyar Connection said
11:09 PM Apr 16, 2018
Oops sorry about that. I thought you were a male solo. I should have checked your profile. However, there must be other community womens or mixed groups that would also welcome casual visitors.
HiAce98 said
11:14 PM Apr 16, 2018
Magyar Connection wrote:
Oops sorry about that. I thought you were a male solo. I should have checked your profile. However, there must be other community womens or mixed groups that would also welcome casual visitors.
No probs
msg said
11:44 PM Apr 16, 2018
HI HiAce98, I'm solo too. I'll be with Jules & Billy at Boynedale. If I ever leave home. They dropped by for a few days to pick me up. We had two days travelling when I lost my wiki camps app and ereader. turned around and headed home to get them fixed and found out my batteries had died as well. waiting to get them replaced, then I will be good to go and hopefully catch Jules & Billy up. See you there.
HiAce98 said
03:25 PM May 3, 2018
Hi all, is anyone at Boynedale yet? Or in Bundaberg and on the way?
GannyontheGo said
12:28 PM May 14, 2018
I hear you! Solo traveller with 2 dogs, and although I'm happy in my own space, it would be good to share some time with others on the road. Mainly pootling around NSW in my motorhome at the mo; but will be travelling further afield by next year. I'll keep an eye on this post and hope to meet up with other solos here and there in the future.
HiAce98 said
03:08 PM May 20, 2018
Well, I don't know if the gods are trying to tell me something, but instead of going to Boynedale this month as I wanted to, I've been for a pre-admission interview at the hospital. Now as we all know hospitals are full of sick people, so I've come down with bronchitis!
Going by past experience that will be the next couple of weeks recovering at home for me. And I will probably have to defer my trip to hospital which is supposed to be on the 30th, because you can't have anaesthetic if you have a chest problem.
This is not the way I had hoped to spend May
Anyway, not much I can do about it.
So I'd just like to reiterate, any grey nomads who would like a free camp place just one block back from beautiful Baffle Creek, (with power and water if required for a nominal contribution) whether you are solo or not, have pets or not, I have 40acres and would love to see you. Just private message me.
Hi all, the reason I am writing is that I found the last time that I took a trip that I just don't enjoy being out there alone anymore. If I want to be alone in the bush I can stay home! But I would like to take a few more trips. So, I'm looking to get in contact with other solos who would like to do tag-along trips in their own vehicle. I am not interested in anything more than some company and friendship so that I can sometimes say "wow look at that!" without just talking to myself or the dog
. Maybe play cards or scrabble or something, sit around a campfire at night, just share a chat and a cuppa, whatever suggestions appeal.
I haven't been on the road for a couple of years due to ill health, and I haven't spent much time on this site for two reasons. 1) the aforementioned ill health, and 2) the amount of vitriol spewed on the travelling with pets forum. I love my dogs (only have one old guy left now
) and I get upset when reading that forum, so I'll just ignore it from now on.
Is there anyone else who would be interested in trying to organise trips where we meet up at various campsites? Driving in convoy is a pain but there's no reason we couldn't arrange to meet at the next camping spot and camp in a small group at each site. Or even just meetup every so often on the way.
I'm hoping to travel from home (north of Bundaberg) down to Victoria and possibly across to Adelaide, including checking out the SeaCliff bridge on the way leaving somewhere around May. I have mobility issues now so don't even now how far I'll get, but I want to try.
Your thoughts?
-- Edited by HiAce98 on Thursday 1st of February 2018 01:51:42 AM
Another way to meet up with fellow travellers is to go where they congregate - We will be near Bundy in May - heading out to Boynedale Bush camp - behind Calliope - and there will be other GN's there for sure. Another place is Greens Lake in Victoria - go to the "Get Together" section on this forum and check it out - some of our members stay for weeks or even months there over the summer - toilets, water and dump point - 18k to shops - free. Travelling on convoy is not my idea of fun, we tend to veer off and see what's down a road - usually we are the last ones out of bed as well - so we organise the night before where we will meet up next day - couple of hundred k's - and all get there when we want. Found some great places this way.
I am in the same boat as you, i would love to travel along with someone else, i have my own van, i will keep an eye on your post,
Hi everyone, we will be in bundaberg all of may Too. Lets catch up.
My niece lives in Bundy - on a nature reserve - we will camp up at her place when we get to Bundaberg.
Anyway, I look forward to May. I live on 40acres near Baffle Creek and perhaps some of you would like to park yourselves here occasionally too. You would be welcome. Just PM me.
Cheers
> it's not unusual for me to have no-one but the dog to talk to
When my delightful little canine friend was alive I always enjoyed chatting with her - she didn't say much but her head movements and expressions indicated she always agreed with me :)
However:
May I suggest you consider Amateur Radio? I have made more friends via AR than through any other mechanism in my life. Also it provides the ability to chat with people across the world from *anywhere* in Australia and, even better, you can turn them off when you feel inclined :)
The Foundation Licence is easy to obtain:
http://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/about/
Know exactly what you mean. I used to have my own motorhome & travelled around mainly SA & Vic but only for up to 3wks at a time as my Dad was very unwell. When I went away I found that I loved the driving (ex bus driver) & didn't even mind camping on my own with just my dog (best mate & almost human) for company but what I didn't like was going somewhere like a cruise & everyone else is in pairs or small groups. I always felt odd being alone in that situation, even at the CMCA rallies I went to. Everyone seemed to know everyone else & congregated in little groups & happy hours but I was never asked to join in. Lost both my dog & my Dad late last year within a month of each other & now all the loose ends are tied up I'm buying another motorhome & heading off within the next couple of months completely on my own this time as I'm not ready for another dog yet (maybe never).
Hi
Im interested in meeting up if im still in Melbourne when you're travelling through Victoria. Im happy to travel within the state too to meet up if needed.
Please send me a private message closer to your departure and ill try and work out something with you. Im a solo traveller too and i know exactly what the issues that you have mentioned.
Cheers Pamela
Thanks for all the suggestions and supportive comments. It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one to feel this way sometimes. I have my 86yo mother staying for 3 weeks at the moment, and have had a few more holdups with the final council sign-off on my house. But the main thing that makes planning difficult is that the docs are now talking about giving me a hip replacement, don't know just when or even if it's definite! So for the moment I can't say for sure when I can take a trip. But when I do I will message you Pamela, and anyone who is near Bundaberg and would like to camp on my property at Baffle Creek for a while, just pm me and we can make arrangements
PS whatever else happens I intend to spend a week or so at Boynedale in May when some of you will be there and when it's closer I'll be in touch. Cheers
-- Edited by HiAce98 on Wednesday 7th of March 2018 12:24:39 PM
I think it's a great idea and I understand what you mean. I've met some solo travelers over recent years who try to do just that.
Unfortunately, I'm in WA, and I spend the winter months in the North of WA. So I guess I will not be part of your cohort this year :)
I haven't searched yet, but maybe a thread for this specific purpose could be started?
Stay safe
Usual disclaimer
I am a married man, who sometimes travels on my own, and while travelling on my own, I do know some of the trials and tribulations, of the solo traveller
I most certainly wish you luck to join up with like minded travellers, in your part of the world, and to the places you wish to travel to
I mainly use the free, donation, and low cost camps, so can not comment about caravan parks
I usually talk to the people, in the nearest four or so vehicles around me
On the other hand in the cool of the morning or late afternoon, I like to exercise by picking up a bit of rubbish
I will then only give people who are not parked near me a wave, as I walk on by, with my pick up stick
I suppose what I am trying to say is that, if you do not manage to find people from your area, to travel with you
There is no need to be lonely when travelling solo, as long as you are prepared to say hello to others in the camp
Hi there I too know what you mean and the feeling of isolation sometimes in busy areas. I am travelling over west in June but I live in SA on the Yorke Peninsula so if you get over here give me a yell and we can catch up.
Vic
Keeping an eye on these ideas. I'm also a solo traveller (with 2 dogs) and am a newby to the whole rv experience.
Well, May is getting closer and I'm looking forward to camping at Boynedale. But I also wanted to extend an invitation to any grey nomads (solo or not) to free camp on my 40acre property near Baffle Creek. I think I'd enjpy the occasional company when I am at home, and if it's not raining it is a good place to camp. Just private message me if you are interested
Hmmm, Men's shed. Do they welcome women too?
No probs
I hear you! Solo traveller with 2 dogs, and although I'm happy in my own space, it would be good to share some time with others on the road. Mainly pootling around NSW in my motorhome at the mo; but will be travelling further afield by next year. I'll keep an eye on this post and hope to meet up with other solos here and there in the future.
Well, I don't know if the gods are trying to tell me something, but instead of going to Boynedale this month as I wanted to, I've been for a pre-admission interview at the hospital. Now as we all know hospitals are full of sick people, so I've come down with bronchitis!
Going by past experience that will be the next couple of weeks recovering at home for me. And I will probably have to defer my trip to hospital which is supposed to be on the 30th, because you can't have anaesthetic if you have a chest problem.
This is not the way I had hoped to spend May
Anyway, not much I can do about it.
So I'd just like to reiterate, any grey nomads who would like a free camp place just one block back from beautiful Baffle Creek, (with power and water if required for a nominal contribution) whether you are solo or not, have pets or not, I have 40acres and would love to see you. Just private message me.
Cheers