Well instead of just talking about it I got off my backside.
This year I had to change to solo for any further camping in the caravan. So now I have had four nights at a local caravan park to see how it is solo. I went to a local cp not far away.
Although it was an easy and large site to reverse into, doing it the first time by myself was a bit nerve racking. Didn't realize before just how much you come to rely on having the other person making it easy to back in. Like making sure you are not going to hit the tree behind etc.
Even when packing up, you tend to rely somewhat on the other person to make sure everything is hooked up properly etc. I guess it's no drama doing it on your own, just noting that especially this first time, the reliance I always had was not there.
I did find I was a bit lonely, even though there were others to talk with. At the end of a conversation you still end up there with only yourself for company. I guess you get used to that. A sad trip for me but one I had to get past. Loneliness and sitting there twiddling my thumbs a bit, aside , I also found it refreshing in a way, just relaxing by myself watching the world go by.
I can do this.
Onwards and forwards.
Cheers, John
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"My mind is made up. Please don't confuse me with facts."
Hi John, Hopefully as you travel further (even though now on your own} you will make lots of new friends & have very enjoyable times. Go for it. Cheers Alice
Hi John - take the bit by the teeth, and head over to Greens Lake, 70k East of Bendigo in Victoria - quite a few of us here, and we are a friendly bunch!!!!
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
John, you will find over time that you will have a routine and the packing up and unpacking will become easier. I have to agree with Jules, head over to Greens and meet up with the crazy bunch there. They will be welcoming and take you under their wings and it is a wonderful step out there in the big wide blue yonder.
A tough time, however over time while it can be lonely at times, it does become more tolerable and easier. Early days for you as yet.
Take care.
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I am fun and adventure. So much to see, so much to do, so many people to meet. Will see, do, and meet all that I can.
Nothing wrong with your own company. At least you always win the arguments.
I find backing the van, if the car & van is angled to the right I can park it on a penny. if it's angled to the left I have to get out & check several times. Practice when you've got a bit of space & can't do any damage.
Good one John, yes, its hard, but also exciting., just keep talking to your other half, it helps., I don't care who hears me anymore, I also talk to Sam, suppose I'll start worrying when he replies , Well you've taking that first step., plan your next trip, I also found my first real camp with the nutters at Green Lake Corop Vic., really helped., lots of ppl in the same situation and they really care and want to help. - cheers Fran
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"I'll know what I've been searching for, when I find it"
Slightly different scenario but on a similar vein.
Due to a health problem I had to take early retirement in 2003, my wife wanted to keep working for a few years as she had a good well paid job, so I was stuck at home all day twiddling my thumbs or just walking the dog !
After a year I nearly went crazy, so one day we were talking it over and my good lady said "Why don't you head North to do a bit of fishing maybe on your own" anyway after giving it some thought I left in the May with the caravan alone, and headed North.
The first few stops were a little daunting and I nearly bailed out and turned around and went back, but after arriving at my destination 80 mile beach in WA, I was immediately accepted into the fishing crowd and became good mates with many including couples. I stayed for 3 months !
My wife had the kids nearby and the grandkids to keep an eye on her.
Now my wife has retired we travel together which is great, but traveling alone although daunting at first is ok and it is amazing how many friends you can make by having a hobby or pastime that others also do. Just don't sit in the van expecting them to find you. You have to get out there and socialise to make new friends.
Some of the couples I met whilst on my own, have now become very good friends of my wife too.
Just get out there and do it, life is not a rehearsal and we should live every moment as if it is our last, because one day it will be.
Thanks everyone for all your replies. It is heartwarming to have that level of kindness and good wishes from others that you haven't even met yet. I hope to meet each and everyone of you along the way sometime.
Yes it is early days. As is often the case, the thought of doing something is scarier than it really is. So at least I have made a tentative start, and found that it was ok.
As to getting all the way over to greens is probably off the books just now, I would love to eventually get there. Are there particular times of the year that sees greens more populated?
Are there any places in SA that sees similar group migrations at this time of year?
Thanks
Cheers, John
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"My mind is made up. Please don't confuse me with facts."
The Southern summer John - from October till March, or even Easter - then the northern migration takes to the roads, all over the country - some who have met at Greens travel together often, this nomadic life is a great place to meet people, who are like minded.
As for SA - I would think some of the fishing places would have people who go there every year, Haslem could be a place like that - Eyre Peninsula.
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
, Well you've taking that first step., plan your next trip, I also found my first real camp with the nutters at Green Lake Corop Vic., really helped., lots of ppl in the same situation and they really care and want to help. - cheers Fran
