I am an oldie, well sort of, if I admit to being an oldie then I limit myself to what Oldies think that they can do….or can’t do!
I am pushing 75 years and out on the road having a great time, with my car and this caravan that keeps following me wherever I want to go.
We only have a few windows in life that allow us to do whatever we want, and I believe that my age is now the perfect time to get out and just do it. I get concerned when I hear so many older people saying “oh, I couldn’t do that” well of course you can’t if you say you can’t…why not say….I CAN do that.
I do not travel on unsealed roads, because I want to take care of my caravan and tow vehicle.
I do not stay in caravan parks unless I am completely out of water or absolutely need to. Free camping is great, there are so many places to pull in for the night, and I have rarely been on my own…..other free campers pull in when they see you already there. Besides this is a great time to meet new people, enjoy a drink together, and exchange you’re travelling stories. Campers are so very very friendly.
You may be thinking about safety….well, I always take care, but I have never had any occasion to feel uncomfortable in a free camp, even if on my own. And I have travelled thousands and thousands of kilometers without problem.
A few of my suggestions,
- I leave a dog chain and dish outside,
- I leave a very big pair of men’s boots outside the door
- My niece made me a most valuable CD of a big dog barking, and it is in the CD player all the time (just in case I feel at risk) not yet though!
This is my second time to travel around Australia, and I manage to do so entirely on the Age Pension.
This time I have purchased a caravan that has electric legs, so that as the knees or back think it is time to start causing trouble, I will still be able to get out there and do it a lot easier.
I just hope that I can inspire you now to give it a go.
Would love to see more single ladies on the road, it is not only men that can do these things…..I am not blokey, I am still a lady at heart.
Safe Travels
Ah, Val, a lady after my own heart. I travelled (mostly solo) around the world for 12 months and sadly many people said the same as they have said to you and were amazed that I could do it. I started a blog telling my travel stories hoping to inspire people of my era (I’m 64) to get out of their doors. Might I suggest you do too? The more people who hear our stories of travel the more might believe that they can do it too, in their own way. Keep on travellin, inspiring and writing.
Hi Helene, Thanks for your support. You too sound like you have an amazing story to tell. We would love to read your blog, so can you please send us the link. Regards Rob & Michelle FRC
Free Range Camping Great to hear from you and very happy to share my blog site, the more the merrier. Only some of mine is in Australia a bit on an amazing week in the Outback and a Melbourne and Queensland trip. None of it is camping but it is about solo travel around the world hostelling. When I did most of my Aussie travelling there was no such thing as blogs, have to get out there and do lots more to advertse our beautiful country. Anyway, here is the link to my stories (I’m still trying to catch up on them but I’m getting there, slowly) http://www.goldenoldietravel.wordpress.com I hope you enjoy.
Love Vals story. Any story that gets people moving and connecting with all the wonderful people and places is so very worthy. Keep them coming.
We are on our first trip, at bega at the moment going to head back to sa via the great ocean road, hopefully free camping on the way, we are in our early seventies too, hope oneday we will see you on the road oneday. willie and mick.
Hi Helene, Thanks for your support. You too sound like you have an amazing story to tell. We would love to read your blog, so can you please send us the link. Regards Rob & Michelle FRC
Free Range Camping Great to hear from you and very happy to share my blog site, the more the merrier. Only some of mine is in Australia a bit on an amazing week in the Outback and a Melbourne and Queensland trip. None of it is camping but it is about solo travel around the world hostelling. When I did most of my Aussie travelling there was no such thing as blogs, have to get out there and do lots more to advertse our beautiful country. Anyway, here is the link to my stories (I’m still trying to catch up on them but I’m getting there, slowly) http://www.goldenoldietravel.wordpress.com I hope you enjoy.
Mum was into her 70’s and loved getting away in her caravan. She did it all herself and often put other men to shame when they would come over and offer to back the van into a tight spot for her. She politely declined their offer and placed it in one go better than they could have. Travelling was her escape. She was looking at upgrading to a self contained motor home and tackle the big lap when lung cancer took her. It was quick, with 8days between diagnosis and gone. She is now travelling the big blue with dad and no doubt enjoying it all!