Today marks exactly 6 months since I rolled out of my driveway in Collie WA and headed north on my lap+ of this beautiful country. It has been an awesome adventure so far. As I write this I am camped up at Robbie Robbins Reserve in Darwin. Unfortunately I need some mechanical work done on my home, but thats ok, it could be worse, I could be stuck on the side of the road somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
Apart from the beautiful sunsets I have experienced, the amazing places I have camped at, paid and otherwise, apart from the magnificent tours I have done of those bucket list items, apart from the beautiful weather I have experienced and continue to experience, the best part about this trip is the people I have met. There is a saying that goes strangers are just friends you havent yet met is so true.
Its the people that i have met along the way, some I now am proud to call friends, that have made this past 6 months so enjoyable. People that travel are just so damn friendly and genuine. Yeah Ive met a few loud mouths, every society has some of those, but the overwhelming majority of travellers are just genuine people who are out to have the best life they possibly can.
So as I sit here having a quiet beer before thinking about making something for tea, I just wanted to say cheers to all you travellers out their for making me feel welcome.
Life is bloody good.
Tony Bev said
07:23 PM Aug 2, 2019
I am of the same frame of mind as you, Ray
It is not the places we go to, but the people we meet on the road, and at the destination
Hope that there are many happy road trips ahead of you
the rocket said
09:14 PM Aug 2, 2019
where r u now?
rayaroundoz said
09:22 PM Aug 2, 2019
Thanks Tony.
Rocket still at Robbie Robbins Reserve Darwin.
rayjudesmith said
09:38 PM Aug 2, 2019
Ray, here you are celebrating 6 months on the road, yet it doesn't seem that long ago when you first talked about wanting to do it. Can't remember exactly but I think you still had about 2 years before you were planning to leave. We are soooooo pleased that you are having such an amazing time and making great friendships. Hope the mechanical work doesn't slow you down too much. Good luck and safe travels.
Dougwe said
09:19 AM Aug 3, 2019
Well done Ray.
You are right in saying meeting other like minded travellers is all part of the enjoyment of being in the playground. I have met many members of this forum over the years and have formed many friendships, some life long. Many of us keep in regular contact and we often come across each other as we move around. I have also met many other GN's or even young families. Out of all of those I have met I only need one hand to count the ones that are not what you would hope.
Only a couple of days ago I met up with 'Kaid' here in Townsville. The last time we met was at Greens Lake, Nth Central VIC. I can't wait for the next time we meet up because Kath now has a new pet, a 'Bin Chicken' and I will get to see it.
Keep enjoying the playground and what it offers. Keep doing it as you want and you can't go wrong but,
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Saturday 3rd of August 2019 12:49:36 PM
Eaglemax said
12:07 PM Aug 3, 2019
Hi Ray. Glad you are enjoying it.
3 years ago we went on our lap and 60km west of Katherine we nlew a engine main seal in our hyundai i30 diesel towing an 11ft caravan we built.
Our friends had sped ahead and out of mobile range but we'd passed a roadside stop 300 meters ago, did a u-turn and pulled in.
We have RACV total care but we had a phone out of range. A caravanner offered to drive me to Katherine where all was organised with RACV for the tow and accommodation - that service is gold.
4 days later on the road again. You really meet some great people on the road.
Tony
Farmhat said
12:49 AM Aug 4, 2019
Hi Ray. Glad you are loving it. We knew you would. :)
You are right, it's the people that make it. Without those folks ---- a campsite is just a campsite.
Take care, Joe & Co.
Branchie said
03:22 AM Aug 5, 2019
Hi Ray, its people like you with a great mind set and friendly nature, that makes travelling this country all worthwhile.. Safe travels mate, see you on the road somewhere...
Lily2018 said
10:35 AM Aug 5, 2019
Such a great read Ray and happy you're finding life on the road so fulfilling.
rayaroundoz said
08:46 PM Aug 5, 2019
Thanks for the positive comments everyone. Look forward to meeting some of you along the way.
Today marks exactly 6 months since I rolled out of my driveway in Collie WA and headed north on my lap+ of this beautiful country. It has been an awesome adventure so far. As I write this I am camped up at Robbie Robbins Reserve in Darwin. Unfortunately I need some mechanical work done on my home, but thats ok, it could be worse, I could be stuck on the side of the road somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
Apart from the beautiful sunsets I have experienced, the amazing places I have camped at, paid and otherwise, apart from the magnificent tours I have done of those bucket list items, apart from the beautiful weather I have experienced and continue to experience, the best part about this trip is the people I have met. There is a saying that goes strangers are just friends you havent yet met is so true.
Its the people that i have met along the way, some I now am proud to call friends, that have made this past 6 months so enjoyable. People that travel are just so damn friendly and genuine. Yeah Ive met a few loud mouths, every society has some of those, but the overwhelming majority of travellers are just genuine people who are out to have the best life they possibly can.
So as I sit here having a quiet beer before thinking about making something for tea, I just wanted to say cheers to all you travellers out their for making me feel welcome.
Life is bloody good.
It is not the places we go to, but the people we meet on the road, and at the destination
Hope that there are many happy road trips ahead of you
where r u now?
Rocket still at Robbie Robbins Reserve Darwin.
Well done Ray.
You are right in saying meeting other like minded travellers is all part of the enjoyment of being in the playground. I have met many members of this forum over the years and have formed many friendships, some life long. Many of us keep in regular contact and we often come across each other as we move around. I have also met many other GN's or even young families. Out of all of those I have met I only need one hand to count the ones that are not what you would hope.
Only a couple of days ago I met up with 'Kaid' here in Townsville. The last time we met was at Greens Lake, Nth Central VIC. I can't wait for the next time we meet up because Kath now has a new pet, a 'Bin Chicken' and I will get to see it.
Keep enjoying the playground and what it offers. Keep doing it as you want and you can't go wrong but,
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Saturday 3rd of August 2019 12:49:36 PM
Hi Ray. Glad you are loving it. We knew you would. :)
You are right, it's the people that make it. Without those folks ---- a campsite is just a campsite.
Take care, Joe & Co.
Hi Ray, its people like you with a great mind set and friendly nature, that makes travelling this country all worthwhile.. Safe travels mate, see you on the road somewhere...