I have a problem, boredom.

iana · Guru

I have a problem, boredom.

the rocket · Guru

iana wrote:

Yep, I have no projects labeled as urgent, everything on board is working. Even going to a caravan show today, nothing to buy, just look. I may do some home work on a lithium up-grade to our batteries, but its not urgent. Just serviced the van, here's to another nap!

One of the reasons we sold our home and live on the road full time Now. A new day, a new place, something different, nice people. i have to use my brain, planning where to go, what to eat, where to shop, grocery list to last in the wilderness for 2 to 3 weeks, wheres the dump points, what places have a pool, etc, etc as oposed to sitting in a house looking at 4 walls, all the nieghbours working during the day and their dogs barking. No brainer really. Get out and enjoy life. This is it, not a rehearsal. Just go. Life is good.

iana · Guru

But ! But ! we are on the road full time. At the caravan park we are at, the other patrons sit outside --- facing their caravan wall. Communication in this camp is nil!

Dougwe · Chief one feather

G'day Ian and Rocket.

I have been known to just go up to those people from the side and say "It's a hard life isn't it!" Before I know I am sitting down chatting to them. Not all the time though. Maybe just try that Ian.

Now, as for the 'topic' well, I don't get bored as I am happy enough in my own company or that of others, doesn't bother me. I love listening to talk back radio so find that entertaining. I am often streaming my favourite programs if none available. I also read a lot so that keeps my mind busy. Because I spend a lot of time in the northern states I am often called a Mexican so make sure most days I sneak in a Siesta.

I have found since being a full time GN I am busier that when I w....d, nope, still can't say that word sorry. Us GN's actually have it harder too because we never get weekends, public holidays, annual leave, sick leave or RDO's. Never. Yep, it's harder.

I am 'grounded' as we speak (due to health reasons) and have never been 'grounded' since I was a kid yet still, so far, not bored. Even though I can't drive much I have books, radio, music, movies to watch and OH! That afternoon Siesta. I even have permission form the GP for that, as he told me I have to rest every day.

Yep, it's hard out here but we all cope. So Ian, too much to do to get bored mate.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

Santa · Guru

Morning Iana,

Buy yourself a ukulele and learn to play it, you would be surprised at the number of people who stop for a chat when you sit outside your van practicing.

Plenty of free instructional material available on YouTube.

Getting started isn't difficult. smile

the rocket · Guru

iana wrote:
But ! But ! we are on the road full time. At the caravan park we are at, the other patrons sit outside --- facing their caravan wall. Communication in this camp is nil!

Hi iana, sounds like you are in a rut. Best thing for that is to move. Go visit somewhere else. Plan to go somewhere new. Go shopping n buy ingredients for a dish you have never had before. Last week i bought junket tablets. Have not had that since i do not remember when. Today i made potato salad. Been 20years at least since i last made it. In the last week we have gone out for fish and chips at the beach. Had a paddle in the water at dusk until i noticed the blue bottles and jelly fish. Tonight we are going to watch the sunset at bribie island. Do some housesitting. A dog for a few weeks gives much pleasure. We are doing that right now. Possibilities are endless. Get back to us in a few days and let is know what new things and adventures you are going to do. Cheers. Rocket

banjo · Senior Member

We travelled full time for 6 1/2 years, I and my wife were never bored, I fished, walked my dog, rode my push bike, and generally had a ball.

My wife loves reading, walking, playing word games on her iPad, and often went "walkabout" on her own where we would then meet up and have a coffee and sit and "people watch" for an hour or so.

We now live in a quiet retirement village and I got bored too, I am not a socialite and do not enjoy the village type of social rubbish, so I bought myself a project, an ex ambulance that I am converting to a camper. I don't have time to get bored now, I am 95% finished and then we will be off travelling again only short trips, but doing what we love once again.

As a necessity I bought myself a tig welder to weld up some bed frames from aluminium, I've mig welded for years but this is going to be a new hobby I can see, as it's a big learning curve.

The answer to your question is just do something, or find something that stimulates the mind and enjoy, life's way too short to be bored.

Another after thought, are you ok ? depression can creep up on you like a fog, been there done that, maybe a trip to a good listening doctor and explain how you feel.

Tony Bev · Guru

Usual disclaimer, I have met Ian a few times, and look upon him and his wife, as friends

Hi Ian, as others have already said, life is just too short to be bored

I am sure that you will soon find something to occupy your time, because like me, you have an inquisitive mind, and mechanical aptitude

Whenarewethere · Guru

When were the solar panels last cleaned, the 10kg to dirt under the caravan, fridge cleaned, seat covers cleaned, cleaned bugs out of the radiator, cleaned fly screens, give the vehicle/s a proper wax, cleaned inside of windows, replace out dated items in first aid kit, give ABE fire extinguisher/s a bash & a good shake so they will actually work if needed, check spare wheels psi, chuck out things that haven't been used for years to reduce weight, cleaned awnings of dirt or mould, gave everything a proper vacuum.

Dirt gets everywhere:

Mike Harding · Guru

I have a solution: Amateur Radio.

http://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/about/

KevinJ · Senior Member

Try Geocaching. It can become addictive but fun at no cost.

https://www.geocaching.com/play

iana · Guru

Yeah, but hey its started a thread going biggrin .

So lets throw something in the ring, now I don't believe I am the only one, in fact I believe there is a group of Guys out there that although they say they are enjoying the life, in fact can't wait to get on the road and drive from A to B, then from B to C ASP, then from C to etc. as quick as they can, I know I meet them on the road !

Now Dougwee, I'm across there near you I believe, we are at Mittagong atm. Bearing in mind I am as deaf as, the TV and radio is out. Reading yes, sleeping yes, and happy hour yes!

Sad to hear you are grounded, but it may interest you to know I have a heart problem, my specialist told me that I mustn't drink any more, Phew! I thought she was going to say I mustn't drink at all. I am keeping to her advice.

Rocket, those are girlie things, a fellow doesn't need a dump point just a tree.

Santa, the last thing you would want to hear is me on the wrong side of a ukulele.

banjo, if you can gas weld, you can TIG, easy as. P.S. I am surrounded by bloody doctors. Daughter and wife for one.

Hi Tony, while at Kangaroo island, we stayed at a park that was home to the resident Auto and solar electrician. He had a look at our rig and said we needed to change to a MPPT solar controller. For doing some work for them I got a controller as part of the package, having installed it, we have a much better system. Now I know Terry is on to me about this, but for now, I can say we are no longer sitting in the dark at night. Hopping you are well and all that.

Now whenarewethere, I am worried about you, you will be in the same boat when you have all your projects up to date. Its a bugger being a constant thinker. PS the fire extinguisher got a shake as part of the service, that's not counting my driving.

Ian

Eaglemax · Guru

Hi

Firstly, great to see men care about others mental health. Thanks Banjo (Brian). Im on a mental health forum as a peer advisor and its pleasing to read the words of care.

A passion is essential but it must come from the person. I had model airplanes years ago. Now they sell some that are virtually indestructable, you can even stand on them and they bounce back into shape.

Then I got busy building two caravans. I'm tinkering these days on the vintage looking car and improving the van but essentially I'm looking for things to do. Today I made a removable external mount for my soon to buy joolca HWS.

I have to agree with cooking new foods. Currys, chinese dishes, pies and pasties, vegie patties, roast pork with apple sauce.

I'm off to the kitchen...

Tony

Dougwe · Chief one feather

iana wrote:
Yeah, but hey its started a thread going .
So lets throw something in the ring, now I don't believe I am the only one, in fact I believe there is a group of Guys out there that although they say they are enjoying the life, in fact can't wait to get on the road and drive from A to B, then from B to C ASP, then from C to etc. as quick as they can, I know I meet them on the road !
Now Dougwee, I'm across there near you I believe, we are at Mittagong atm. Bearing in mind I am as deaf as, the TV and radio is out. Reading yes, sleeping yes, and happy hour yes!
Sad to hear you are grounded, but it may interest you to know I have a heart problem, my specialist told me that I mustn't drink any more, Phew! I thought she was going to say I mustn't drink at all. I am keeping to her advice.
Rocket, those are girlie things, a fellow doesn't need a dump point just a tree.
Santa, the last thing you would want to hear is me on the wrong side of a ukulele.
banjo, if you can gas weld, you can TIG, easy as. P.S. I am surrounded by bloody doctors. Daughter and wife for one.
Hi Tony, while at Kangaroo island, we stayed at a park that was home to the resident Auto and solar electrician. He had a look at our rig and said we needed to change to a MPPT solar controller. For doing some work for them I got a controller as part of the package, having installed it, we have a much better system. Now I know Terry is on to me about this, but for now, I can say we are no longer sitting in the dark at night. Hopping you are well and all that.
Now whenarewethere, I am worried about you, you will be in the same boat when you have all your projects up to date. Its a bugger being a constant thinker. PS the fire extinguisher got a shake as part of the service, that's not counting my driving.
Ian

Ian, if was able to drive that far I would come visit but I am only allowed to drive the 7km from the farm into town and back for some time yet.

Whenarewethere · Guru

For 20 years I haven't been able to get back into my Z gauge railway. Including machining grooves in the wheels for traction tyres & custom built carriages like the ICE Bord Restaurant carriage.

This one I built most of it, 6 metres long, all the rail I silver soldered to remove joins.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ILdK3omSzj8

BW · Senior Member

Ian , have you been down to the Aircraft Museum at Albion Park ? not far from there . Where they landed that 747 , on about a km of strip , took them heaps of hrs in the simulator to practice it . The home of Connie and Catalina and many others .

iana · Guru

BW looking it up now, soon on the agenda. Thanks

BW · Senior Member

They may be looking for volunteers , a couple of my brothers work there on the aircraft.

Edit: Yes they are , looking for volunteers . Become a HARS member , they will take you in a flash Ian .

Historical Aviation Restoration Society . Albion Park Rail.

-- Edited by BW on Friday 8th of November 2019 08:50:07 PM

BW · Senior Member

Are you or a friend interested in joining our tour guide and reception/shop
staff ranks? We are actively looking for volunteers to join these
areas.lots a laughs and mateship guaranteed .maybe you and your
partner have a few spare days a month?our next briefing session
will be held on Saturday 9th November at 11:00am at the HARS Museum

iana · Guru

BW, I get the impression you have read my profile.
But I agree it would be fun to go back to that. We recently went to an open day held by the Canberra War Memorial, of all the equipment not normally shown to the public. There is so much there to see.

Whenarewethere, down load "Railway Empire" from "Steam" you will have fun.

BW · Senior Member

Ian . Just a warning , the mountain pass down from Moss Vale to Albion Park is one of the longest and steepest in the country , it used to have a couple of bad hair pin bends , I would say it still would . The one down to Nowra is not as bendy , but still step , and is cut into two sections with Kangaroo valley in the middle .

iana · Guru

We are going to Kangaroo valley tomorrow. Are there pull offs on the way down so the brakes can cool ?

Rob Driver · Guru

Many rural and country areas have local Mens Sheds and although I am usually busy enough entertaining myself with different projects I did go along to one with another Nomad last year and found the visit quite interesting.
We were both made feel welcome and I enjoyed meeting and chatting to the guys as well as checking out their little projects.

During my working life I spent long hours at work but have always had some time aside for fishing. Now I am retired I am happy to put a bit more time into dangling a line as not working has given me the flexibility to take advantage of weather and tide situations.

I must admire Whenarewetheres model railway as ZGuage is a unique hobby on its own.
In my very junior years I was into model railroads but I was on the level of 00 and H0 scales.
We would not have room in our van for any model railway and as we are spending less and less time at home this hobby is not practical for me. I think Angie is pleased that my model railway days are over.

I admit I was worried about what I would do with my time when I retired but I seem to be busy most days and generally retire to bed quite early as I am tired at the end of most days.

I also value exercise time and I am pleased to have reasonable health to do this as light exercise is important for well being.

In any case take care of yourself

Regards

Rob

Baggy Bums · Veteran Member

From Canberra Id go via Bungendore and Neriga to Nowra. Kangaroo Valley very steep even in the car

BW · Senior Member

Ian . Yes there is a pull over, one on the first grade and one on the second , best use your gears where possible take it easy and don't let people push you , as they will . There is a caravan park just on the other side of the town only a hundred mts. from town . Just past the Police station. The showground is also just past the police station next to the caravan park . It was a couple of years ago .

bgt · Guru

Whenarewethere what if I model in On30?

Whenarewethere · Guru

I think one needs some sort of physical thing to do & the planning & building is the best part.

There is absolutely no reason you couldn't do a tiny layout in a caravan. Years ago someone I knew was in the Navy & was allowed to have a small item of interest or hobby. He had a tiny Z gauge layout, but it had to fit in the space he was allocated on a submarine.

Whenarewethere · Guru

This little project took a long time so being bored is not an option. "Turbo charging" Z gauge. Cutting 2 locomotives almost in half & joining them together to make a twin engine locomotive with masses of torque & adding lead to increase weight & traction tyres. A lot of work to say the least.

A brass locomotive I milled in one piece & then cut into its 3 sections.

The electrical work was very time consuming & is still a very long way from finished. At the rate I'm going it probably will never be finished. Designing & building has been rewarding so if it is not finished I'm not actually that worried, it's the journey.

IMG_20191109_133840046~3.jpg

KJB · Guru

A lot of satisfaction there.

Having everything finished and cleaned up and then sitting and waiting to die is not the aim of the game.

With any hobby you must have a challenge and the need to push the boundaries a bit - keeps you thinking and occupied and creates a lot of satisfaction in the end.

I am generally well into thinking about the problems that could arise with the next "project" before I complete the one I am working on !

Warren-Pat_01 · Guru

Hi Ian,
Have you tried bird watching? A pair of binoculars & a book/app & check out what is in each area that you visit. There's too many interesting ones out there to get bored.
And as some species are seasonal, check the locations twice a year.
DD/Olive-oil could add some hints too.