I am sure you have all had the comments directed at you, " How brave you are", " Wow you are amazing travelling on your own", etc etc etc,
Usually when people acknowledge me like this I dismiss it and say there are lots of us doing it and I am not doing anything different. However I have had a little change of mind, and would like to acknowledge myself and everybody else travelling solo.
We are extraordinary. Just think, we have to make sure EVERTYHING is done. There is no back up, no guidance to hitch up, unhitch, make sure it is stowed away, all ropes, pipes, cords are tidied and packed away in their right spot. This revelation came to me last night as I started to pack things away after spending 6 wonderful days with great friends. She sat and did her nails while he put in the awnings, started to pack up the outside stuff, then last night he sat and had a drink while she did the inside stuff. Now please understand I am not complaining, or upset in anyway, it was purely an observation and I thought about the singles that do it all as I did the outside and then came inside and started to stow for my journey today.
So singles, it is when the extraordinary becomes ordinary, because you are just doing it, so take a few seconds sometime today and acknowledge yourselves and give yourself a pat on the back. Then continue your journey.
__________________
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.
Hello Shekon - I have only mentioned that I am going away solo and I get the same 'gosh you are game', 'you are brave' etc. etc. and I haven't even gone yet. I often smile to myself when people say this because when I go to town for supplies I have to travel an hour one way and mostly on my own (and can happen more than one day a week for various reasons) and when I would go with the kids for sport etc it was quite often a lot longer - no one ever said I was brave then. I know being on the road fulltime is different but a lot of people travel solo for whatever reason around this great country so do you think the people that say these things never go far from home and/or would like to be able to be 'brave and become a solo traveller?' Just think of all the wonderful things you are seeing so yes Shekon and all you solo travellers you do deserve a pat on the back and good on you.
When I was talking about heading off on my solo full time trip, my mates called me other things than "Brlave and Exciting"
But I'd better not say them here. Ha ha ha
No, really they were all quite envious of me. Some would have liked to do the same, but health, family and other reasons stopped them.
We all do what makes us happy, especially us solo's. It's magic !!!!
Wow that's a bit of a statement Sharon ..I'm one of those people you seem to be referring to.i have on my travels passed a sincere compliment not only to those of the opposite sex than me but to others like john .pearl & others I think it is brave for a person to move out of their comfort zones & hit the playground .i would like to think when it comes to females I have complimented ..encouraged supported females to join my male dominated industry my love of bikes & now the freedom of open road . I never thought I would be dismissed for offering my positive compliments to spur all those who want to " DO IT ..
Highwayman, noooo, that is not what I meant at all. It's lovely to receive the compliment, and I know I don't think that I am doing anything extraordinary as it is my life. Just sometimes the universe shows us that we are all extraordinary at times and we to acknowledge it to ourselves.
I did not mean my words to be in any way dismissive or as I said complaining. Just how it is. Please don't think I was being negative in any way. Sorry if you took it that way.
__________________
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.
During 07 and 08, when I did the big lap, some thought I was crazy, the majority thought I was exceptionally brave.
Most people are frightened to go alone, and many feel "trapped" by work, family, and other commitments.
I stayed on the "straight and narrow" by sticking to main roads, and not drinking much alcohol, OK, perhaps boring!!, but my confidence grew, making me realize I'm more capable than I ever realized.
I grew from being a family member, daughter, Mum, Wife (widowed), to re-discovering Lesley all over again.
Give it a go, you can always return home if it's not your thing.
Thank you for your kind reply Sharon ..I only express my own opinions not being critical of yours ..sorry if I made you feel bad by them..I was taught by the old school....costs nothing to compliment someone ..if I was " Cracking on to you ..it may sound patronising or the very least flattering..hope this leaves you feeling ok between us ...cya out on the road
Lesley reading your post gives me hope that there are people out on the road who embrace growth who are prepared to learn I want to meet all such people hope they want to share & meet me too ...cya out there...
Being part of a married couple of Grey Nomads, I don't usually read the Solos threads, but having read these comments, can I say:
1. I admire you for having the courage and strength to nomad by yourself - doing all the things that couples take for granted and still squabble over (like hitching up a van)
2. Getting out and about new parts of Aust when it might be "safer" to lock yourself away where you might normally live and surrounded by neighbours who hopefully are friendly with you
I don't know if I'd have the strength to nomad by myself (a male) and I think i'd feel very lonely.
I applaud all you solos for getting out there and exploring and enjoying :)
__________________
Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
We are a couple, but have both been "solos" - we have many solo friends of both sexes, and yes they are wonderful people, this travelling life makes you realise who you are, you find your true self when you are the only one you can rely on.
We have, as most would know, several solo females on this site, and they are doing their
i'll put my two cents in.... I have only experienced one Solo trip, and yes I also received complemence., "oh how brave, ghee you've got balls, aren't you scared"., to which I always reply, no no no., I'm doing what I have to do., as I embark on my next journey no doubt more statements., I'm not doing this for glory, or to prove anything, Maybe I'm training to see if this life is for me...., or not....., where ever it leads me, this is the hand I'm dealt..
For all the full time solo's out there., its your thing, no doubt if you weren't capable you wouldn't do it...,
Happy travels to all, may your angels guide you...
Fran
__________________
"I'll know what I've been searching for, when I find it"
I too are proud of all the solo's that are out there.
I am especially proud of Shekon for taking the big step. She loves this life and I can remember where we were on the road and the discussion came up. I said you can do anything, make it your challenge and she did.
The thing that would be the hardest - to share something you had seen but as I say just dial a friend and we can share it over the phone.
As couples remember if you see a solo travelling, invite them over for a drink or tea as they also have so much to share.
Cheers to all you great Solos(:)
__________________
"No matter what happens travel gives you a story to tell"
Did my first solo trip last year and loved it. It was a bit scarey at first but my paw partners kept me company. Looking forward to joining up with some solo girls from Vic this year .
As a solo I drove halfway round Ausralia, and was on the road for most of the last 2½ years. Sure, I've moved on a couple of times when a campsite didn't feel right, and had a few too quiet evenings - but this is nothing considering the many lovely and welcoming people - solos, couples and families - I have met.
During 07 and 08, when I did the big lap, some thought I was crazy, the majority thought I was exceptionally brave.
Most people are frightened to go alone, and many feel "trapped" by work, family, and other commitments.
I stayed on the "straight and narrow" by sticking to main roads, and not drinking much alcohol, OK, perhaps boring!!, but my confidence grew, making me realize I'm more capable than I ever realized.
I grew from being a family member, daughter, Mum, Wife (widowed), to re-discovering Lesley all over again.
Give it a go, you can always return home if it's not your thing.
Hi Lesley, I know what you mean by rediscovering Lesley again. Last year I had 3 months holiday on my own in my caravan. I too, rediscovered me after a lifetime of being Wife and Mum. Now it is time for me. Strop was relieved when I came home though. Now we have sold up everything and live on the road full time. Wish we had done it sooner. regards. rocket.
I tried traveling with a friend and it was a disaster.I now travel on my own with my 2 dogs who can be the best companions,but I still enjoy meeting people on my travels.Next trip for me is Bendigo (home base) to Wagga Wagga for easter.Stone the crows festival.
__________________
Have a great day where ever you are. Happy Campers
Yes I did a trip with a friend and it ended badly too. I guess you don't really know people until you are in each others space a lot. I love to travel on my own most of the time. I find the free camps friendlier than CPs. They just seem more relaxed and I can give my two little dogs a bit of time off the lead. I reckon we should write a song about us tough little solos wandering the earth. Linzeelou
Been solo camping on and off for 30 years, and it's the only way to go for some years now. It's true that it makes me responsible for doing everything that needs to be done. But truthfully, I find that far less hassle than the compromises necessary to live with someone else. And there's never any argument about when or where to go or stay. Well, I always win the arguments with the dogs anyway.
Hi Sharon, hope you are enjoying your new housesit. I also found that friends and people I meet think I am brave for travelling alone. Granted I sometimes miss the company of others, but it means I don't have to be polite company when I feel a bit down. Then again there is no-one to share special discoveries. I don't think I am brave, I am just getting out to see this land of ours. Cheers Helen
__________________
Esmeralda
It aint over until the fat lady sings, and I dont feel like singing just yet!
