I was sitting in my shed thinking the other day(,not always a good idea,) after reading some posts on here and other forums about selling up and hitting the road,,i was thinking is this life style really all that it's cracked up to be, and is it for everyone ? well i guess the answer to the second question would be no it's not for everyone. For the past 20 odd years almost 30 infact i've sat behind the wheel of a truck traveling all over this country, and now i'm self employed (or trying to be) as a wide load pilot and I'm still travelling all over this country, so for me I guess it's nice to go away for awhile but hell it's nice to come home again, so maybe, just maybe this constant traveling life style isn't for everyone after all
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SOMETIMES YA JUST GOTTA TAKE YOUR COLTHES OFF AND ROLL IN THE MUD
We have also thought about it but after 40 years as a home owner I think we are probably stuck with owning a home although that not all bad its great to know you have somewhere to come home to if the travelling gets too much or you miss the family too much, although I must admit that when a paint brush is needed or I have mowed the lawn and done the edges for the fifth time in a month and the rates are due it becomes very tempting to sell up and go on the road, and then the dream is shattered when one of the grandchildren ring up and say pa can i come over for a sleep over. Decisions are not always best made when dreaming of greener grass in my case.
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Life was meant to be enjoyed Australia was meant to be explored
Happily doing both to the Max.
Life is like a camera, focus on what's important & you will capture it every Time
again out in the shed thinking,(i should stay out of there really) is it possible to do both maybe,, perhaps hit the raod for awhile, not that long that the hard work building a home turns to ****e while you're away but just long enough to feel like you've had a break from mowing the lawns and doing the edges,, sort of the best of both worlds or is that unreasonable,,it seems that the world isn't gunna end anytime soon after all so maybe see the country a bit at a time,,until health or the tax man says otherwise
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SOMETIMES YA JUST GOTTA TAKE YOUR COLTHES OFF AND ROLL IN THE MUD
I was sitting in my shed thinking the other day(,not always a good idea,) after reading some posts on here and other forums about selling up and hitting the road,,i was thinking is this life style really all that it's cracked up to be, and is it for everyone ? well i guess the answer to the second question would be no it's not for everyone. For the past 20 odd years almost 30 infact i've sat behind the wheel of a truck traveling all over this country, and now i'm self employed (or trying to be) as a wide load pilot and I'm still travelling all over this country, so for me I guess it's nice to go away for awhile but hell it's nice to come home again, so maybe, just maybe this constant traveling life style isn't for everyone after all
Before making the decission to sell , the first question you need to ask your self is; Where do I want to be when all the travelling is done?? eg, in a worn out van in an old caravan park or in a house.
JC.
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Be your self; there's no body better qualified ! "I came into this world with nothing , I still have most of it"
If it is by a tree I hope the fishing rod is out and bending and there is a bloody big fish waiting for me.
I had the choice to remain in my house and work till I died which was quickly coming or sell up and hit the road.
I now feel better than I did 20 years ago and I am loving every minute on the road.
I travel differently as I spend time do voluntary work and I often stay in one place for several months but I move on when I am ready and to where ever I want to.
We definitely would not all like the same life on the road but there is many ways to travel. Some run around like a cut rabbit and some like snails. Some stop for extended periods in a spot and some only stay a day in any place.
Some use caravan parks and other would not be seen dead in one.
So there is no standard life on the road. It is like your life in your castle, it is what you make of it. If you like your four walls and having family close to you and doing the same thing every day etc then yes stay home. if you like adventure and not knowing what you will do or see or who you will meet then the road is the best place.
That's just my take anyhow. VIVA life on the road.
Regards Brian
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11 Mtr house Boat based at Mannum hoping to travel up the Murray as far as I can get then drift back again
If it is by a tree I hope the fishing rod is out and bending and there is a bloody big fish waiting for me.
I had the choice to remain in my house and work till I died which was quickly coming or sell up and hit the road.
I now feel better than I did 20 years ago and I am loving every minute on the road.
I travel differently as I spend time do voluntary work and I often stay in one place for several months but I move on when I am ready and to where ever I want to.
We definitely would not all like the same life on the road but there is many ways to travel. Some run around like a cut rabbit and some like snails. Some stop for extended periods in a spot and some only stay a day in any place.
Some use caravan parks and other would not be seen dead in one.
So there is no standard life on the road. It is like your life in your castle, it is what you make of it. If you like your four walls and having family close to you and doing the same thing every day etc then yes stay home. if you like adventure and not knowing what you will do or see or who you will meet then the road is the best place.
That's just my take anyhow. VIVA life on the road.
Regards Brian
Sounds like you are having a good time of it Brian, I wasn't suggesting that you should stay at home more a matter of whether you wish to have a home to come back to when finished travelling.
If money is not an issue then sell, travell & settle when & where you wish, but for many this is not an option so thats a reason to keep the home.
JC.
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Be your self; there's no body better qualified ! "I came into this world with nothing , I still have most of it"
~~Intresting thread this, we have been planning to hit the road now for 2 years and we can now see light at the end of the tunnell and are were hoping to hit the road end of 2013, we had no grandchildren, then last year our eldest daughter produced a beautiful grandaughter after 8 years of trying my wife and i are bessotted with her but we still keep saying yes we will still go but keep a few dollars in a fly home fund to get home and visit, and this last week our youngest daughter informed us she is giving us a second grandchild in august next year this is killing us what do we do, so hard when you have a close family ralation ship
Neil
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you are never too old to set another goal or to dream another dream
~~Intresting thread this, we have been planning to hit the road now for 2 years and we can now see light at the end of the tunnell and are were hoping to hit the road end of 2013, we had no grandchildren, then last year our eldest daughter produced a beautiful grandaughter after 8 years of trying my wife and i are bessotted with her but we still keep saying yes we will still go but keep a few dollars in a fly home fund to get home and visit, and this last week our youngest daughter informed us she is giving us a second grandchild in august next year this is killing us what do we do, so hard when you have a close family ralation ship
Neil
Yes, a close family is a good thing so throw a few more dollars into that fly home fund so as to visit when you can. We have just received similar news so now we have to plan around that for next year.
You, like many of us have worked & raised a family, it's now their time to do the same while you have some well earned time out while you can.
My thoughts only.
JC.
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Be your self; there's no body better qualified ! "I came into this world with nothing , I still have most of it"
We too have given this situation some serious thought over the last 2-3 years. We decided to sell the big family home and downsized to a house half the size and have spent some time renovating and getting it to how we like it. I am still mid fifties but husband has just turned 60 and his work is very physical so looking at semi-retiring. I am not quiet ready to give up work yet. We don't think we could be on the road full time but we have hopefully done the house so we can lock it up and head off for 2/3/4/6 months at a time depending on where we are going (I know not everyone can do this). My concern would be where would we go once the travelling becomes too hard/difficult for us as we become older/sick.
We have met older people on our travels who do travel full time and I have asked them how they will manage as they become older/sick etc. Mostly they haven't given it a lot of thought but I guess it will work out for them in the end. We often travel large distances in a short time and find at times being on the road hard work especially when free camping as things aren't quite as convenient as when staying in a caravan park. After much discussion part time travel for us is the answer as we like to have a base to come home to BUT I can also see how having complete freedom on the road is very appealing. A very tough topic indeed!
-- Edited by leajoy on Friday 28th of December 2012 09:41:44 AM
We are looking to downsize to a small country town (with facilities) as yet to decide where then just hit the road.. Work if there is an opertunity and possibly rent the house out whilst we are away. I have 3 grandkids and another 2 on the way and will see them just as much when we are travelling as we do now (christmass, birthdays etc as the kids are always too busy to visit) I am hoping that travelling will create a new interest in life for me and open new doors meet new friends and allow me to finally free myself from most of those responsibilities that one creates for oneself over their lives. Will it work? who knows we have done serveral trips upto 5 months and have had a great time, can we afford it? only time will tell.. I do know that life is now slowing for me and I need to break out and do somthing before I fall into the hermit trap.
We are hoping to finally get organised sometime in 2013
I dont think this lifestyle is for everyone the same as being stuck with a house and a job isnt for everyone. When my wife of 40yrs died I found I lot interest in my business and the newly built house. I sat around feeling sorry for myself, I have kids but they have their own lives and families to look after, cant live my life in their pockets. So I sold everything bought a comfortable Motorhome and away i went. Loving it!!! As I said not for everyone but you never know till you try! I am lucky I guess that if I find somewhere that I want to live and give up travel I have the resorces to buy again but I dont think that will happen.
mmmmmmmmm,, looks like i opened a bit of a can of worms,, like i said i shouldn't do my thinking in the shed,,,,anyway the thread was just for me situation i guess,, but it seems that more than a few have simillar thoughts,, sure if it's what you want and you're happy with it then hit the road, so to speak, set sail and see where the wind takes you, a lot of us aren't in the finanical position to sell up, some of us are not emotionally about to sell up and just take off, family and other reasons too i guess,, but I think that being a part time nomad and taking off when time and money and whatever else allows us to go for as long as we can then thats not such a bad idea is it ? maybe there should be a section on here for part time nomads as well LOL,,each of us have our own idea on what is good for us and what may not be,,, yeh i guess it's fine to say "just give it a go,, sell up get out there, see what there is to see" but what do we do if we do that and for some reason we find after awhile that well maybe this gipsy life really isn't for me/us what do you do then, the home is gone everthing is gone, who the hell wants to start over again at 50 or 60 or70 or what ever?? again just my opinion and food for thought,, and i mean no offenece to anyone..
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SOMETIMES YA JUST GOTTA TAKE YOUR COLTHES OFF AND ROLL IN THE MUD
This is a very timely topic for me at present. I am beginning to think time is the enemy here, I was ready to go and all geared up to hit the road full time(in my head that is), until I was presented with a dodgy realestate agent and buyer. All plans were put on the back burner for a couple of months and now the house is on the market again, has been for the past 3 weeks. Now, that the initial time has passed I am starting to question my future plans again. Is this the right thing to do, will I be able to manage the travel etc on my own, maybe the city genes are too strong and roughing it will not be me after all. I personally think that time is my enemy as I had this all sorted.
I have tried the MH travel and life ableit for a short time and absolutely loved it. I have investigated, spoken to many, and thought about all manner of things and had it all sorted. Now after being for a trip down to the Glenelg River watching people fishing and hanging about the thoughts of doing that scared the bejesus out of me. So the thinking cap is on again.
As far as health and where to live in the future, none of us know that, we cannot predict those circumstances at all. We may live in a tent or in the Taj Mahal but in the end if we have to go to a nursing home or a care facility, we will all be treated the same, given the same care, food, room, medication. I do know from experience that life is short and if we continue to put off what we really want to do then regrets are the outcome. Each person has to decide for themselves what is right for them, travel fulltime, part time, or not at all. Plane, train, automobile, it is a personal choice and what makes only you happy.
As far as family and grandchildren, I have 4 grandies and one on the way, I love them dearly and you know what, they have their lives to live and to experience and all we can do as grandparents is to love them, spoil them rotten, and let them know that no matter what if needed we are there for them. Grandparents can be just as close and be a great source and experience even from a distance and these days it is much easier with the internet and social media.
So I guess as others have said, it is up to each of us to follow our own hearts and desires and if it doesn't work out then change tack and try another way. Best of luck to each of you whatever you choose. And my fickle brain might just choice again very soon.
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Sharon
Dream it, believe it, live it.
4WD with a ford ranger. The possibilities are endless.
We had been talking about "one day we will become grey nomads" for a few years so after Barry had a couple of health scares we decided "lets do it". Bought a 2 bed unit in a great position in Lakes Entrance where we would eventually live when caravan life palled or illness forced us of the road. We have not lived in it (have good tennants) so have no emotionl attachment to it with regards some-one living in "our house". But we know its there when/if we need it. Sold our Perth home, put the furniture and precious stuff in a container, and began caravan life in mid 2011. We loved our caravan holidays so knew about the confines and restrictions caravanning brings. But after 18 mths we still love the freedom and we plan on at least another 4 years of permanant travel - God willing.
We have Grandchildren in Perth as well as Lakes Entrance - in fact we are flying the Perth 10 yr old to Melb next week for 2 weeks- we did the same last January and we all had a great time together. You need a financial contingency plan for this and any emergencies that may necessitate airline travel as it can be expensive to fly in a hurry. Even when we do 'settle' in Lakes we anticipate going somewhere warmer for the winters until we are too old to travel. We are set up for free camping and over the last 6 mths have paid for 27 nights in C/parks - could not afford this life otherwise.
We even had a 6 week harvest job in mid QLD which was a bonus that filled the coffers and gave us a great experience - plan on doing same when in WA next year. I'd say "do it" but recognise its not for everyone
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Jenny and Barry
2009 Roma Elegance / 2013 Colorado. Permanent travellers 2011-2015 now just travel for 4-6 mths
@beachball57.... thank you for starting a really worthwhile post.
and, especially,
@fireheart.... re So I guess as others have said, it is up to each of us to follow our own hearts and desires and if it doesn't work out then change tack and try another way. Best of luck to each of you whatever you choose. ...
I have very few doubts that 'the answer' to a fulfilling grey nomad lifestyle is based as much on individual attitiude as it is on available finance or attendant obligation.
Well...I hope so anyway!
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A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. ~ Lao Tzu
Sold all. Full time travel. This first circuit we are doing all the tourist things. Then we will just go where we want to see. Visit family and friends when in their town. Don't know (or care), where we will end up. Health much better. Don't want another millstone around our neck. Just our thoughts.
.. What an interesting thread we have here. The diversity of life-styles of us all certainly does dictate a lot towards what we choose in our own world as GN's ..
For me, "home" is where the heart is ..
I take very few photos these days. The main reason is because I won't be taking them home to flick through as a memory of something in my past .. I'm already home and still doing what I enjoy. As a single/solo traveller, my chosen lifestyle can be ever so different to other singles/solos out there and much of it that is determined by our individual family and social ties of years long gone. Married for 34 years 'til my wife passed on due to Cancer, my priority was to see both my boys established happily in their own lifestyles which has now been achieved. Both now in their own homes, married and enjoying life. This has enabled me to now enjoy my own ventures at a more leisurely pace and to persue personal goals that have laid semi-dormant due to a lower priority .. and that's so good !
The choice of couples travelling would again be so different. I've been spoilt in that I didn't have to consider the comfort of a partner. I can selfishly make decisions that suit my needs without additional justification or qualification ..
.. Is it for everyone ? I don't think so .. anyone can "try before you buy" .. but once you have taken the step however and done some time as a GN on the road, you will know whether it's what you want .. be it either part-time, full-time or if your comfort zone really is with bricks and mortar in a more static situation. I chose to sell the house because firstly I was the only one in it and secondly because I didn't wish to have limitations placed on my mobility .. buying another smaller place wasn't, and still isn't, an alternative for me. I am really enjoying life on the road which provides me with so many enjoyable distractions which is why I'm still here ..
Jon
-- Edited by biggles on Saturday 29th of December 2012 08:17:16 AM
We left Brisbane 2 mths ago, rented our house for 4 years and we are having a ball.We have no desire to go back home and love the feeling of freedom,no stress although the glad wrap sometimes gets in a mess when tearing it off.
Had 6 weeks in Coffs helping out with our 1st grandchild. Back on the road again and skype is a wonderful thing. For Rod and I it has been our dream. We do have to work some of the time but that will be fun doing something we havent tried before.
Will do voluntary work at some of the missions. We all have different requirements but I say give it a go, other wise you will never know. Life is so short, enjoy,laugh and be happy.
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"No matter what happens travel gives you a story to tell"
My brother and sister in law, lived in their van for 4 years...rented house in Wollongong out...came home 5 years ago, both their children and brand new grandchild live in London, love skype.
Next year they are off again...new bigger van, with toilet, shr AND washing machine, new tug...bigger with plans for the next 4 years, still have house, will be rented out. Insurance does not like empty houses after 1 month.
Last big trip we did was 5 months in a campertrailer and we loved every minute. Left the house empty (have great neibours) however I always had that worry in the back of my mind is everything ok etc. I have heard both good and bad stories about renting. Having done extended trips in the past in a camper and now going to travel in a much larger vehicle I believe that we should be able to enjoy the life style the worry is always what happens afterwards then again in years gone by I dont think I concerned myself with what will I be doing in 10 years (it just happened). I really do like the idea of not having any ties and taking it as it comes. Is ending up in a small town caravan park (worst case senario) really that bad a life style. Cant convince my wife of that tho (she is 10 years younger than I) and still wants/needs a place to call home.
Maybe Jenny and Barry have it right with their Unit in lakes entrance.. Maybe Downsizing is the way to go (wifes prefered option) However I cant help but feel that the Jon's and Leevin's are the ones with real freedom.
If its what you choose to do .. and you enjoy doing it .. and it works for you .. then there is no right or wrong scenario .. its just time to be happy !
Thinking about your post BB, maybe its because you've been travelling for so long as a truck driver and now pilot, that you sometimes feel that travelling for leisure is a bit too much like work? Its much more fun for those of us who have had stationary jobs.
Thinking about your post BB, maybe its because you've been travelling for so long as a truck driver and now pilot, that you sometimes feel that travelling for leisure is a bit too much like work? Its much more fun for those of us who have had stationary jobs.
oh yes i have no doubt that being on the road for work for the past almost 30 years has played a big part in my way of thinking at the moment,,, i mustadmit i like my shed full of "toys" i like my big screen tv when I'm home but i like seeing new places and new things too so it, for me, is the part time nomad,,and I guess there's nothing wrong with either way of doing it,, full time or parttime,, I was staying on a caravan park in Goolwa here in SA and met a man who was from Melbounre that rode in on a 3 wheeled bicycle,, after having a chat it seems he sold up after splitting up with his wife and he said to me that 95% of the things you think are going to go wrong while on the road never do and the other 5% of things are usually problems that can be over come somehow,, thats somethig that has stuck in my mind for so long now....I think that the grey nomdas life style that is not for everyone, just like jumping in the deep end of the pool only to find you can't swim isn't for everyone either, but perhaps being a part time nomad isn't such a bad choise after all
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SOMETIMES YA JUST GOTTA TAKE YOUR COLTHES OFF AND ROLL IN THE MUD
We are all different so for some it is part time for some it is full time. For me I was working in and environment where it was killing me. I used to wake up in the morning and curse the fact I had woken up. I was vomiting at the workplaces I was at and I was physically getting run down. My body was dying. I had the choice to give up work sell the lot and hit the road and see what happened or keep working and see how long before I actually carked it or I helped it to happen. After nearly five years on the road I now feel great, I am having fun doing voluntary work and helping others while doing what I want when I want and going where I please and I am still alive and looking for each day and each new adventure. Would I go back into a house , NEVER For me I love the life style and I love the freedom to go where I like and move when I like and not worry about anything or anyone. My family are not interested in what I do as long as I don't spend the money they think I have, but they will get what I cant spend but gee I am having fun trying to get rid of what I have. So if you have family your want to spend time with then by all means do that, if you want to travel for 1 week or 6 months then do that. Don't let anyone tell you what you should do as it is your life and you decide where and what you do. My true families are not my birth families, I have families throughout the areas I travel and I can visit and stay while I like and then leave and move on. To me this is more important as these families that I have met through my travels are genuine friends. Many of us that travel the roads find these relationships either with fellow nomads or places where we stop and lend a hand in time of need or just through coincidence. So for me would I give up this life NEVER. Should every one do the same NO we are all different. Read some of the stories on this forum. Can we all keep up with the Johnathons and Billees etc No but we can do some of the things they do and get some of the thrills and still live the life. These fellas inspire us all and I hope many of us get to experiences some of the thrills these people relay to us but every little thing we do is to us an achievement so take those little steps and see where you end up. Remember nothing ventured nothing gained. Hope to meet some of you out the road whether you are full time or out for the day we are still following our separate dreams. Regards Brian
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11 Mtr house Boat based at Mannum hoping to travel up the Murray as far as I can get then drift back again
