Finished the first trip

Happywanderer · The Master

Finished the first trip

spida · Guru

I didnt manage to catch up with John - seemed to be following him everywhere - but I too have stopped for a bit. Did 10,000 km over 64 days from Perth to MacKay to stay with family for a while. Enjoyed it so much that I am going to keep going late August. I agree about taking more time and staying a while. Will also be easier on the pocket not travelling so often.
Will head south I think but need to check the weather over this side smile Am having to cope with cool damp weather for the first time! furious Then will head back across to Perth and do it all again next year. As a newbie solo it took me at least a month to slow down and relax. Amazingly I only met 4 other solos and they were all at the one camp and heading in the opposite direction to me!
I loved the isolation of WA and NT - and the roads! Quite a shock to hit QLD and find flood damage, culverts that threw you up in the air if hit too fast, and all that TRAFFIC on narrower roads.

It has been such a pleasure being one of the 'annual contibutors to the rural economy' and an absolute breeze. I was so aprehensive about doing this and had so many people telling me all the things I needed to carry 'just in case'! The only things they didnt recommend was a set of springs - so when I broke one near Timber Creek.... thanks goodness for a helpful camp caretaker and fellow nomad whe fixed it so I could get to Katherine. Now have a full set of new heavier springs! (strongly recommend Neil Engineering there)

To all of you thinking about this - JUST GO DO IT biggrin A wonderful way of life as long as you can relax. Some days it is nice to do nothing, go sight-seeing, do a quick tour, or just chat to the neighbours. I didnt plan the trip as such although knew each day how far I thought I wanted to travel - it is great to just stop somewhere that looks nice. There are roadhouses every 2-300km out west and north, with caravan parks or free camps nearby. Mostly I have used caravan parks but intend doing much more free camping once I get solar installed. I may decide to get a TV but my computer keeps me entertained. Not able to get internet everywhere of course disbelief

What I do want is to be able to find other Grey Nomads. As a solo woman I find that there are many couples who are a little distant although I have met some wonderful couples as well. Is there a flag or something we can use to signal membership? Dont really want to go around peering at everyones bumpers for a sticker evileye

Really looking forward to getting on the road again and hopefully meet a few more GNS

Yuglamron · Guru

Hi Spida,sounds like you have found some inner peace and go with the flow philosophy now.

Nice isn't it just do your own thing in your own time.

There was a suggestion made to fly a small triangle of grey to signify Grey Nomad membership but haven't heard much about that.Maybe we should ask Cindy if it could become something to consider.

There was also something about flying a red triangle if help was required.Maybe another Grey Nomad would have the skills that could help another GN in trouble although we all know help between travelelrs is always available in times of need.

Glad you are having a great time.

jetj · Guru

Well done Spida, good on you.

Happywanderer · The Master

Sounds like you are having a great time Spida, good on you. Where are you now?
There are quite a few Grey Nomads parked at Mareeba, at the Rodeo grounds. You will find solo nomads along the way now you are over this side and keep posting on here so others know where you are.
Someone did suggest a while back a grey ribbon tied to your aerial would signify you as a grey nomad.

spida · Guru

I feel as though I am in another country on this side - keep having to open google maps. WA was easy - I knew which state places were in for a start:) As a Kiwi this coast is all foreign so will look up Mareeba.
Thank you all for your comments - and I will go get a grey ribbon now - that sounds very sensible.

spida · Guru

I am in Seaforth parked on the son's lawn

Colls · Senior Member

What a great reporting. Congrats to you. I know how you feel about solo's in WA. Well done. aww

yeoeleven · Guru

Well done on your trip Spida.

If you are heading south later we may catch up, I will be heading north soon and will be posting my location so if we coincide we can meet up.

All the best for your next adventure,

John

spida · Guru

Happywanderer wrote:
As a kiwi I have no idea where Seaforth is. lol Mareeba is somewhere near Cairns.

-- Edited by Happywanderer on Wednesday 27th of June 2012 11:37:28 AM

30 min north of Mackay :) Hi Kiwi wink

spida · Guru

I am taking 3 weeks to go down to Brisbane for a friends b'day on 18 August then deciding where to go next...... volunteering could be interesting - Longreach, Toowomba....

KerryandBruce · Veteran Member

Spida, you are just so darn brave and must be a very confidant person. I admire you.

spida · Guru

KerryandBruce wrote:
Spida, you are just so darn brave and must be a very confidant person. I admire you.

AW shucks biggrin Thank you. Been alone a long time so have had to just 'get on with it' and being an ex farmer I am pretty practical. I must admit I was apprehensive but once on the road it was so easy. The thought of so many other nomads being on the road was also a huge confidence boost

dawa · Guru

Wow........great trip for you. Wonderful that you did meet up with fellow solo nomads as well.

There are other campers where I am now but they are couples.

I am finding a slower pace is better; better for me and my pocket but then I am not looking to do the 'big lap' either. I am just out here living in the long paddock......free camping.

cheers and hope we cross paths one day

Dawa