I realise this is a very broad subject but I've been wondering for a while what people do with their day when they live on the road full time. Especially when staying in one place for some time.
Would really like to hear your thoughts and experiences.
LLD said
11:42 AM Nov 16, 2018
Read magazines (hard-copy or on-line) and books (hard-copy, on-line or Kindle)
Walk a lot. Talk to others - locals or campers.
Still have to cook and wash-up.
Clean out van as dust seems to be a bigger issue than home.
Empty toilet.
Fill up water tank.
Beer o'clock with other campers.
Nanna nap.
Grocery shopping.
Reading & writing in forums (eg this one).
Keeping up with family and friends (eg Facebook, etc.)
Playing board games or cards.
Playing computer games (solitaire or games with Facebook - an internet connection is good but not required).
And then there are days you just want to rest & relax.
Can watch TV when we have both power & reception. In a recent 10 week trip I think all we watched about 3 AFL games.
Collect firewood if a fire is allowed.
Tend to get up and go to bed with the sun.
You'd be surprised how full your day is.
iana said
12:00 PM Nov 16, 2018
I talked to my neighbor a the last caravan park one morning, and asked him what he was up to, He said "nothing", I said " you did that yesterday" and he replied, "well! I didn't get it finished, did I"
2-Smiths said
02:30 PM Nov 16, 2018
iana wrote:
I talked to my neighbor a the last caravan park one morning, and asked him what he was up to, He said "nothing", I said " you did that yesterday" and he replied, "well! I didn't get it finished, did I"
Gold!
The thing is, if you're able to be out there - esp. full time - you at least have the choice.
Dougwe said
04:07 PM Nov 16, 2018
Heaps to do Lily, sleep in, have breaky, have a rest, sight see, have lunch, have a rest, yak to people, read, have a rest, have a drink, maybe three, have dinner, have a rest, watch a bit of the box, sleep. Wake up the next day and do it all again. I don't know how I had time to go to work in my previous life
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
LLD said
04:32 PM Nov 16, 2018
And when by a lake or river have your daily bath and freshen up. With your Fluoro hat on of course.
Dougwe said
04:40 PM Nov 16, 2018
You been purv'n Leo
Desert Dweller said
04:45 PM Nov 16, 2018
We only spend 6 months traveling but it never gets boring. We like bush walking, photography, reading & fishing.
Along with these things just keeping our camp functioning efficiently takes up much of our time.
We enjoy a chin wag with other campers & a few drinks always goes down well.
We also like trying new recipes & baking our own bread.
If we did live on the road all year round we wouldn't be bored at all.
LLD said
04:55 PM Nov 16, 2018
Dougwe wrote:
You been purv'n Leo
I have. Hope to be at Greens in about 10 days time.
Leo / Brian / Dicko / Spyderman & Toby the dog who catches mice & leaves messages under vans.
Lily2018 said
07:22 PM Nov 16, 2018
I'm loving all this! Meeting up with people like you lot is one of the great benefits I look forward to when I get on the road.
STRETCH ARMSTRONG said
07:48 PM Nov 16, 2018
It is amazing where the time goes!
Aus-Kiwi said
07:52 PM Nov 16, 2018
Sleeping , chasing the Mrs around . Prep meals . Beeer,,Take orders from Mrs !!
Dougwe said
08:16 PM Nov 16, 2018
Lily, you could always w..k. Nup, still can't bring myself to say that W word
Just get out here and enjoy the playground.
Dickodownunder said
11:00 PM Nov 16, 2018
When you stay in one place for a long time it is amazing how your half hour walk which originally used to take one and a half hours turns into a forty minute effort .. just take each day as it comes, there is always something to do. Enjoyment activity for many is very diverse. Just do it!
Izabarack said
07:16 AM Nov 17, 2018
I always get up with the sun in good weather. Coolest time of the day, birds singing to start the day, clean teeth and and make a cuppa to sit with for a moment while I enjoy my bliss. I don't know how many seconds I have left on earth so don't intend to waste any. A good start to the day is the best anti-depressant I know of. I also get up early in bad weather but may lay around watching the rain. As said, I don't intend to waste any of the time I have left.
If sand and surf is available, a walk on the beach can soak up a relaxing hour. If camped on a dam or inland river, a paddle in the kayak is magic. Taking the pushy down the local cycle path often ends at some coffee shop somewhere. A bit of physical activity every day is the second best anti-depressant known to Psychological science.
Once I'm right, camper and bedding and stuff gets tidy; standard habit before considering options for the day's activities. Then, walk to shops, wash clothes, talk to neighbours (depends on how interesting they are), go fishing, think about lunch, read the paper (online subscription to the Australian is worthwhile), make a coffee, Skype/Face Time with kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and friends, think about where to be next (neighbours are a good source of info to gather and exchange), visit local attractions, do a cost/benefit analysis on invites to Happy Hour (predictions on how interesting/toxic/opinionated/racist/negative they might be), check water, oil, fuel in the campervan, check house battery and solar is charging, visit the dump point, actively do nothing for an hour (Meditation and Mindfulness), nap, learn to play guitar, listen to a Podcast, Conversations on ABC Radio, web search history of local area, cook awesome lunch using local ingredients (trawlers are a great source of the freshest seafood), bed a bit after 8 for a solid 8 hours of sleep (noise cancelling headphones are worth the money). Feeling a bit buggered now so maybe a nap is called for.
Iza
mezza56 said
08:15 AM Nov 17, 2018
Sleeping , chasing the Mrs around . Prep meals . Beeer,,Take orders from Mrs !!
Do you ever catch her mate ?
Tony Bev said
12:29 PM Nov 17, 2018
Lily2018 wrote:
I realise this is a very broad subject but I've been wondering for a while what people do with their day when they live on the road full time. Especially when staying in one place for some time.
Would really like to hear your thoughts and experiences.
Travelling part time, is just like travelling full time, (in my opinion), just doing it in shorter periods of time
If I am travelling that day, I wake up early When staying in a camp for that day, I wake up when I have to, (that takes care of a few hours)
After breakfast, I usually walk around the camp, and pick up a bit of rubbish, (that takes care of some more hour/s) I do this firstly for a bit of exercise, and secondly in appreciation that someone has supplied a free camp for me
I talk to a few of my immediate neighbours, (that takes care of some more hour/s) I call it "Neighbourhood Watch" on wheels
While walking around the camp, I give a wave and cheery hello, to others in the camp If I see anyone struggling with anything, I will ask if they need assistance, and help were I can, (that sometimes takes care of some more hour/s)
In the afternoon, before the evening meal, I will once again clean up some rubbish, (that takes care of some more hour/s)
Five o'clock happy hour If I know the people, (especially if they are Grey Nomads from this forum), I shall have a beer, sometimes two, with them) If I do not know the people, I will explain that I am not a big drinker, and may just take a cuppa, or water with me, (that takes care of some more hour/s)
The rest of the time I will waste, just sitting around, reading a book, doing Sudoku puzzels, any maintenance, etc
Next morning if I am staying in that camp, will be a repeat of the previous day, except for perhaps extended yakking with different people Next morning if I am moving on, I will not look for rubbish to pick up, and will therefore not be disappointed, if there is new rubbish laying around
I have had no problems, so far, filling in my day I try to travel for half of the year, in two main stints, and then a few days/weeks here and there If I did not like travelling, then I would probably not do it
RosieW said
04:10 PM Nov 17, 2018
We went for walks, read books, I studied.
Currently we are caretaking, but still do all those things, just a bit restricted on where we walk (in the middle of nowhere on a cattle station, we just walk near the house, still plenty to see).
Mike Harding said
04:25 PM Nov 17, 2018
Tony Bev wrote:The rest of the time I will waste, just sitting around, reading a book, doing Sudoku puzzels, any maintenance, etc
Sorry to be picky Tony but I really have to say that reading a book is not a time wasting activity.
Tony Bev said
07:26 PM Nov 17, 2018
Mike Harding wrote:
Tony Bev wrote:The rest of the time I will waste, just sitting around, reading a book, doing Sudoku puzzels, any maintenance, etc
Sorry to be picky Tony but I really have to say that reading a book is not a time wasting activity.
It depends on the angle you are looking at it, Mike
When I am sometimes reading a book
After forgetting what the order of the day was, when I was officially supposed to be doing something else
Someone, who I will not mention, usually informs me that I am wasting time
Perhaps it is because I have always had the ability, to climb into the book I am reading, and become unaware of my surroundings
Aus-Kiwi said
08:31 PM Nov 17, 2018
Messa56 . Yes ! Then it starts all over again !! lol The thing is to slow down . I use to always wander what the next town or destination was like . With out resting and checking out where we already are ! Talking to the locals helps .
rockylizard said
08:43 PM Nov 17, 2018
Gday...
In many ways, Anne, finding things to do when travelling - either full-time or for short journeys - is quite the same as being home full-time.
There is ALWAYS something to do ... and when travelling you have the added advantage of being in new places either every day or every few days .... AND lots of new neighbours to chat to.
Cheers - jest do it ... you will NOT regret it - John
the rocket said
10:30 AM Nov 20, 2018
Every new town we like to explore. Love trying new foods. Opping is great. go see attractions. Ie. maryborough qld, thought would not have much but botanical gardens have a steam train ride and you get to see the river. Stayed at doonvilla soccer club for $10 a night and got to watch a soccer match at night and had a bar and everyone made us feel welcome. Dump point opposite airport. Watched a few planes come and go. Great restaurant meals for tea. drove to hervey bay and the beach. So many other attractions that i cannot remember. Stayed a week and could have stayed a month. housekeeping is much the same as being in a house only not as time consuming. Stayed in bundaberg for 6 week housesit and saw every beach, strawberry farm, cafes, shopping, So much to do and not enough time to do it. Every day is a new adventure. Cannot get that same feeling sitting and looking at 4 walls. Get out and live life. It is not a rehearsal, this is it.
-- Edited by the rocket on Tuesday 20th of November 2018 10:34:41 AM
Grubbygypsy said
06:58 AM Nov 23, 2018
Depends on the day for me.
I always start off with exercise for at least an hour though, usually a walk, but if the town suits I'll add either swimming or pump, yoga & Zumba classes.
Today I'll move. So when I get back from my walk, I'll have coffee and breakfast. I need to change my dunny seal, and I'll probably do a load of washing, shower then top up my tanks and prepare the van for departure. I'm not going far, so probably 3/4 hour drive. Be there by 1-1:30. Get set up again, have some lunch, clean, probably another shower (it's hot up here). Do more research and make some calls on my upgrades I want done. Watch some TV, then ring a grandkid for her birthday, then make dinner, probably another shower, then bed.
Life is as normal. I eat well and make most stuff from scratch, no two minute noodles or lazy food to be had in this 'camp'.
I've rarely got time for anything like Facebook/social media. I don't do a lot of chatting to people either. I'm always flat out.
My hobby is geocaching, so I have a blat at that when I've got time.
My mates coming to visit this weekend, so we'll be exploring and visiting a few people. We'll probably have dinner and see a movie too. I'll probably need to move again in a few days because the temperature is going to soar apparently, so it all begins again.
I realise this is a very broad subject but I've been wondering for a while what people do with their day when they live on the road full time. Especially when staying in one place for some time.
Would really like to hear your thoughts and experiences.
Walk a lot. Talk to others - locals or campers.
Still have to cook and wash-up.
Clean out van as dust seems to be a bigger issue than home.
Empty toilet.
Fill up water tank.
Beer o'clock with other campers.
Nanna nap.
Grocery shopping.
Reading & writing in forums (eg this one).
Keeping up with family and friends (eg Facebook, etc.)
Playing board games or cards.
Playing computer games (solitaire or games with Facebook - an internet connection is good but not required).
And then there are days you just want to rest & relax.
Can watch TV when we have both power & reception. In a recent 10 week trip I think all we watched about 3 AFL games.
Collect firewood if a fire is allowed.
Tend to get up and go to bed with the sun.
You'd be surprised how full your day is.
Gold!
The thing is, if you're able to be out there - esp. full time - you at least have the choice.
Heaps to do Lily, sleep in, have breaky, have a rest, sight see, have lunch, have a rest, yak to people, read, have a rest, have a drink, maybe three, have dinner, have a rest, watch a bit of the box, sleep. Wake up the next day and do it all again. I don't know how I had time to go to work in my previous life
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
You been purv'n Leo
Along with these things just keeping our camp functioning efficiently takes up much of our time.
We enjoy a chin wag with other campers & a few drinks always goes down well.
We also like trying new recipes & baking our own bread.
If we did live on the road all year round we wouldn't be bored at all.
I have. Hope to be at Greens in about 10 days time.
Leo / Brian / Dicko / Spyderman & Toby the dog who catches mice & leaves messages under vans.
Lily, you could always w..k. Nup, still can't bring myself to say that W word
Just get out here and enjoy the playground.
When you stay in one place for a long time it is amazing how your half hour walk which originally used to take one and a half hours turns into a forty minute effort
.. just take each day as it comes, there is always something to do.
Enjoyment activity for many is very diverse.
Just do it!
If sand and surf is available, a walk on the beach can soak up a relaxing hour. If camped on a dam or inland river, a paddle in the kayak is magic. Taking the pushy down the local cycle path often ends at some coffee shop somewhere. A bit of physical activity every day is the second best anti-depressant known to Psychological science.
Once I'm right, camper and bedding and stuff gets tidy; standard habit before considering options for the day's activities. Then, walk to shops, wash clothes, talk to neighbours (depends on how interesting they are), go fishing, think about lunch, read the paper (online subscription to the Australian is worthwhile), make a coffee, Skype/Face Time with kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and friends, think about where to be next (neighbours are a good source of info to gather and exchange), visit local attractions, do a cost/benefit analysis on invites to Happy Hour (predictions on how interesting/toxic/opinionated/racist/negative they might be), check water, oil, fuel in the campervan, check house battery and solar is charging, visit the dump point, actively do nothing for an hour (Meditation and Mindfulness), nap, learn to play guitar, listen to a Podcast, Conversations on ABC Radio, web search history of local area, cook awesome lunch using local ingredients (trawlers are a great source of the freshest seafood), bed a bit after 8 for a solid 8 hours of sleep (noise cancelling headphones are worth the money). Feeling a bit buggered now so maybe a nap is called for.
Iza
Sleeping , chasing the Mrs around . Prep meals . Beeer,,Take orders from Mrs !!
Do you ever catch her mate ?
Travelling part time, is just like travelling full time, (in my opinion), just doing it in shorter periods of time
If I am travelling that day, I wake up early
When staying in a camp for that day, I wake up when I have to, (that takes care of a few hours)
After breakfast, I usually walk around the camp, and pick up a bit of rubbish, (that takes care of some more hour/s)
I do this firstly for a bit of exercise, and secondly in appreciation that someone has supplied a free camp for me
I talk to a few of my immediate neighbours, (that takes care of some more hour/s)
I call it "Neighbourhood Watch" on wheels
While walking around the camp, I give a wave and cheery hello, to others in the camp
If I see anyone struggling with anything, I will ask if they need assistance, and help were I can, (that sometimes takes care of some more hour/s)
In the afternoon, before the evening meal, I will once again clean up some rubbish, (that takes care of some more hour/s)
Five o'clock happy hour
If I know the people, (especially if they are Grey Nomads from this forum), I shall have a beer, sometimes two, with them)
If I do not know the people, I will explain that I am not a big drinker, and may just take a cuppa, or water with me, (that takes care of some more hour/s)
The rest of the time I will waste, just sitting around, reading a book, doing Sudoku puzzels, any maintenance, etc
Next morning if I am staying in that camp, will be a repeat of the previous day, except for perhaps extended yakking with different people
Next morning if I am moving on, I will not look for rubbish to pick up, and will therefore not be disappointed, if there is new rubbish laying around
I have had no problems, so far, filling in my day
I try to travel for half of the year, in two main stints, and then a few days/weeks here and there
If I did not like travelling, then I would probably not do it
Currently we are caretaking, but still do all those things, just a bit restricted on where we walk (in the middle of nowhere on a cattle station, we just walk near the house, still plenty to see).
Sorry to be picky Tony but I really have to say that reading a book is not a time wasting activity.
It depends on the angle you are looking at it, Mike
When I am sometimes reading a book
Someone, who I will not mention, usually informs me that I am wasting time
Perhaps it is because I have always had the ability, to climb into the book I am reading, and become unaware of my surroundings
Gday...
In many ways, Anne, finding things to do when travelling - either full-time or for short journeys - is quite the same as being home full-time.
There is ALWAYS something to do ... and when travelling you have the added advantage of being in new places either every day or every few days .... AND lots of new neighbours to chat to.
Cheers - jest do it ... you will NOT regret it - John
Every new town we like to explore. Love trying new foods. Opping is great. go see attractions. Ie. maryborough qld, thought would not have much but botanical gardens have a steam train ride and you get to see the river. Stayed at doonvilla soccer club for $10 a night and got to watch a soccer match at night and had a bar and everyone made us feel welcome. Dump point opposite airport. Watched a few planes come and go. Great restaurant meals for tea. drove to hervey bay and the beach. So many other attractions that i cannot remember. Stayed a week and could have stayed a month. housekeeping is much the same as being in a house only not as time consuming. Stayed in bundaberg for 6 week housesit and saw every beach, strawberry farm, cafes, shopping, So much to do and not enough time to do it. Every day is a new adventure. Cannot get that same feeling sitting and looking at 4 walls. Get out and live life. It is not a rehearsal, this is it.
-- Edited by the rocket on Tuesday 20th of November 2018 10:34:41 AM
I always start off with exercise for at least an hour though, usually a walk, but if the town suits I'll add either swimming or pump, yoga & Zumba classes.
Today I'll move. So when I get back from my walk, I'll have coffee and breakfast. I need to change my dunny seal, and I'll probably do a load of washing, shower then top up my tanks and prepare the van for departure. I'm not going far, so probably 3/4 hour drive. Be there by 1-1:30. Get set up again, have some lunch, clean, probably another shower (it's hot up here). Do more research and make some calls on my upgrades I want done. Watch some TV, then ring a grandkid for her birthday, then make dinner, probably another shower, then bed.
Life is as normal. I eat well and make most stuff from scratch, no two minute noodles or lazy food to be had in this 'camp'.
I've rarely got time for anything like Facebook/social media. I don't do a lot of chatting to people either. I'm always flat out.
My hobby is geocaching, so I have a blat at that when I've got time.
My mates coming to visit this weekend, so we'll be exploring and visiting a few people. We'll probably have dinner and see a movie too. I'll probably need to move again in a few days because the temperature is going to soar apparently, so it all begins again.