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In this issue: •‘Let it go? Not me!’ •Camper trailer appears out of thin air •Paradise found

Grey nomads know that life on the road doesn’t come without risks. There is always the possibility of an accident on the road, or the onset of ill health, or unexpected me-chanical failures. Travellers can at least make contingency plans for these worst case scenarios, but what they can’t legislate for are those silly, freakish million-to-one moments that can throw the best laid plans into chaos and leave Big Lap dreams in tatters.Keith and Marguerita C bought their first ever caravan last November and, before set-ting off on ‘the big one’, took a few short trips to familiarise themselves with the van and with towing.As their confidence grew, they headed off on a four-week trip with friends, and all was going brilliantly as they stopped at a beachfront grass site at Roll-ingstone Big 4, an hour north of Townsville.It was the third day of the trip and Marguerita says, having settled in, she was planning to pamper herself by taking a hot shower, shampooing her hair, and doing her nails before taking a relaxing swim.However, what started out as an idyllic day ended up being

anything but.“I was heading into the van with the washing and, for some reason, turned to say something to our friends and my foot slipped between the van and the pull-out step,” said Marguerita. “I knew I was in big trouble before I hit the ground ... everyone heard the sound as my Humerus bone broke in half!”Instead of enjoying a shampoo and a swim, Marguerita laid in agony for 55 minutes while an ambulance came from Townsville. She was adminis-tered pain relief to allow the paramedics to move her arm in towards her body so that she could be transferred to Townsville General Hospital.While she has nothing but praise for the emergency staff, Marguerita says having bro-ken bones manipulated into place not once but twice due

Something as simple as stepping into your caravan

can change your Big Lap

Issue 142: March 10, 2017

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to her shoulder dropping at the end of the first procedure was ‘unbelievably painful’. At one stage it was so bad she blacked out.After being discharged, Mar-guerita and Keith moved their van into Townsville so they could be close to the hospital for follow-up appointments.Marguerita says her husband has been amazing. “With no use of my right arm and, any movement of my left arm hurting my sore arm, he had to help me with everything,” she said. “When I became upset and frustrated he was so supportive and positive.”The couple’s daughter, Anne-Mari, also flew up from Syd-ney and rented a unit in the caravan park. Their son was to do the same the following week, but Marguerita was de-termined to get home as soon

‘Take nothing for granted’

Maguerita (left) recovering from a freak accident. X-rays (above) show the nasty break in her arm.

Times

as physically possible.“I was definitely feeling the love, though,” she said.Now back at home and on the slow road to recovery, Mar-guerita remains philosophical.“The moral of the story is ‘be careful, don’t take life for granted and let each other and your family know how much you love them’,” she said. “You never know what is going to happen!”Marguerita’s arm will require intensive physio and it could be 12 months before it regains full strength. So, is the Big Lap dream over?“I have been reluctant to continue caravanning in the future,” said Marguerita. “Al-though my family tell me not to make any decisions while feeling emotional ... and that’s probably good advice.”

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‘We’ve had our dramasbut it’s been amazing’After suffering a couple of health scares in 2011, Jenny and Barry M reasoned ‘if we don’t do it now, we might never do it’ ... and so they hit the open road.The following six years have been jam packed with adven-tures, friendships, unforgetta-ble experiences and a truck-load of challenges, but they wouldn’t change a thing.Aged 60 and 57 at the time they sold their Perth home for an endless grey nomad ad-venture, the couple had loved their many previous caravan ‘holidays’ ... but this was a dif-ferent kettle of fish.“We bought a satellite phone for emergencies but have used it once in six years,” said Jenny. “We were also concerned about regular blood testing for warfarin use so bought our own testing machine and strips – expensive but gives peace of mind when we are not near medical facilities.”After an extended stay near Maryborough in Queensland, the novice grey nomads fell in love with free camping.“There is nothing like sitting by a campfire which draws fel-low travellers over for a chat,” said Jenny. “This is the place to learn about great campsites and people’s experiences.”The couple stayed on rivers like the Paroo, Cooper and Thompson, caught some fish, hit some tracks, shredded some tyres, and lived the life. But they also needed to sup-plement their finances.They searched for backpacker farm jobs and were happy to accept low wages because they generally included meals. “Luckily, I’ve been a hotel cook and cleaner and Barry is famil-iar with farm machinery so we have had no trouble finding work,” said Jenny. “We have

gone back to these same farms to work in following years and made lifelong friends.”In 2013, they went to WA’s Pardoo Station for six weeks ... and stayed six months.“Mostly I cooked breakfasts for up to 60 construction workers, then did even-ing meals when chefs took holidays,” said Jenny. “Barry did van park maintenance and the weekly stores runs to Port Hedland and helped with cattle mustering ... again, some lovely friendships made.”Even the 43 degree days in October were all part of a wonderful experience ... at least until the air-conditioning in the caravan failed!Besides the wonderful expe-riences – like working on a sheep property at Katanning, beef farming in Albany, help-ing at a cattle station near Bur-dekin Dam, and milking cows on a dairy farm on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria – there have also been challenges, like getting bogged at Isisford and needing to be pulled out by a farmer’s tractor.

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And, in 2015, on a prop-erty near Burdekin Dam in Queensland, a horse tried to eat the bonnet and side panels of the couple’s car. There have also been medical dramas. Barry was hospital-ised with Q Fever in 2013, then he contracted shingles. The couple has also had to seek emergency attention for a moth in an ear at Isisford, a dislocated shoulder at Nar-rabri, and a badly sprained ankle at Karratha. Rather than dwell on their misfortunes however, the couple prefers to count their blessings.All of that’s just part of life, says Jenny.Barry and Jenny have recently moved into a unit in Victoria but will be heading north to help out one of their ‘farm families’ in June.“Our days of ‘big’ travel are probably over but as we say ‘all plans subject to change at short notice’,” said Jenny. “After all, our favourite song is: ‘We’re on the road again’.”Click to comment

Issue 142: March 10, 2017

Surprise bovine visitors at a camp at Oma waterhole, Isisford (above); and Jenny (third left) and Barry (fifth left) with their ‘farm family’ at Glenmorgan (left).

QUIZ CORNERLast week’s picture puzzle solution: The winning entry was sent by Sandra H.

Pot hole

Win 2 grey nomad bumper stickers!

Email the solution to the pic puz-zle. Winner drawn from entries and announced in Issue 143. CLUE: If you’ve got a large rig, you’ll love one of these ...

Do You Know1. This rural locality in WA wheat country is the only place in Aus-tralia with a name that starts with X. What’s it called?

2. The tiny Queensland town of Banana was named because:

a) It was immediately identified by early settlers as having the per-fect climate and soil for establish-ing banana plantations.

b) Explorer Charles Sturt broke his collar bone in a fall here. He noted in his log book: ‘I swear ’twas when I stood upon the skin of that strange yellow fruit of these parts that my body took leave of its senses and I defied the laws of gravity.’ He later not-ed the fruit was called banana, and the area took the name.

c) Local stockmen used to use a yellowish coloured bullock nicknamed Banana to help them herd more troublesome cattle into the yards.

3. Be Dry (anagram). This Kimberley town might have been named after a horse race ... but it wasn’t.

4. I’m in the Queensland town where the Bunya Highway, Warrego Highway and Moonie Highway meet. Where am I?

5. Shortest road distance between the Queensland towns of Char-leville and Miles. a)252km b)321km c)408km

(Answers on p. 8)

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The best laid plans

Planning for a long-term grey nomad adventure is abso-lutely critical ... but it can only take you so far.In the end there is simply no substitute for getting out there and finding out what works for you and just, as impor-tantly, what doesn’t. It is perhaps the ultimate ‘learning on the job’ experi-ence.Even those who have had a near-lifetime experience of camping and caravanning on short trips can be ‘surprised’ by how different their needs are when they are on the road full-time.So, what are the common mistakes that novice travellers make? Barry and Jenny M spent six years on the road and below they share some of the biggest lessons they have learnt since pulling out of their driveway in 2011.

Our biggest lessons

• Lids on screw top jars can un-screw on rough roads!

• Always double check that the fridge and cupboard doors are locked.

• We do not need to carry enough supplies to feed an army.

• Going into a caravan park at 6pm and leaving at 8am is not good value for money.

• Check weather reports. If rain is predicted move before it rains or be prepared to stay a week or more after it stops raining.

• If it’s windy, roll up the awning. Nothing worse than having to do it in the middle of the night.

• Your travel partner needs to have enough confidence to tow the van in an emergency.

• Having top cover with a motoring organisation is also good insurance if problems arise.

• Be flexible with travel plans. We rarely book ahead and rarely stay in caravan parks. We love camping on rivers and waterholes.

• And finally the ‘six de-

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grees of separation’ theory is certainly true. We have met ‘friends of friends’, struck up a conversation with a stranger only to find we shared great grandparents and worked on a property that a previously unknown great uncle worked on in the 1930s which led to searching for, and meeting, other cousins.

Perhaps another lesson that grey nomads learn is that no two trips are the same and no two travellers have exactly the same needs. What works for one solo or couple may not work for another. And that’s what makes life on the road so interesting!

•What lessons have you learnt on your journey that you wish you had known when you first set out?

Click to comment

Issue 142: March 10, 2017

Most grey nomads quickly discover that they must

plan to change their plan

Rain check needed for most readers Heavy rain and flooded roads can be a major pain for grey nomads, with some 56.7% of respondents to our recent poll on the subject having had their travels disrupted.“Sure have,” said Peter R. “Once last year in Long-reach, and in Winton four years ago ... both times for a week.”Ian S remembers being trapped on the old Bruce Highway between Sarina and Rockhampton.“No problems though as I had a car and trailer, Pri-mus, and plenty of food for just such an emergency,” he said. “I sat between flooded creeks for several days ... no worries.Chris N found his plans to head from Albany to Esperance were scuppered recently when the road to Ravensthorpe was washed out, and he had to head north instead to Merredin, across to Kalgoorlie, and then down to Esperance.“It was a detour of over 1000kms when it should have only been 400kms,” he said. “But we didn’t mind as we wanted to see Kalgoorlie as well, and we enjoyed the different coun-tryside.”

Click to comment

No need to stock up for months before embarking on your trip

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Our story about Phil C – a grey nomad at war withlitter – touched a nerve:I’ve been doing the cleanup thing for the past five years while travelling full time. I even bought myself a set of those pick up-things to save having to touch the rubbish that the thoughtless leave be-hind. It never ceases to amaze us just what pigs some people can be!

BrianAs a future grey nomad, we will certainly be one of those who will clean up. I cannot understand it. If people are like that at a caravan park or a free park, it makes you question what they are like at home.

Gae MIf we want to continue to en-joy our beautiful country, we all must take responsibility for keeping it clean. Councils will not continue to bear the cost of cleaning up simply so some out-of-towners can spend time in their community. I have found that people treat their environment as they find it – If they find the place look-ing like a pig pen, they will act like pigs. But, if the environ-ment is clean and tidy, they will respect that area.

Geoff KWe were amazed at just how good some grey and some young nomads are. When camping on the Upper Goul-

burn in Victoria, the site was left spotless on the Monday morning after a busy weekend.

Steve MUnfortunately, most people will take the attitude: ‘some-one else will clean it up, why should I bother?’ As a nomad, my belief is ‘what you bring in, you can take out’.

Max SMy wife and I carry a supply of the orange bags provided by various shires with sponsor-ship from Rio Tinto that include a set of tongs. We usu-ally have no problems filling a bag within a few minutes. If there is no empty bin handy it’s secured to the A-frame until we find a bin with space.

Peter SSo why are full bins not emp-tied? Isn’t that the council’s fault?

Fred KI have seen the mess left in some campsites and they are nothing that compares to what some/most backpackers leave!

Bazza

Unfortunately, we can’t do anything about the grotty ac-tions of others. However, with the aid of a pair of throwaway gloves and a garbage bag we can make our campsite more pleasing.

Moy MFines are great but how do you fine those people from overseas who repeatedly treat our great country as a tip? I don’t know the answer other than to use people power to move them on to another camp where they will prob-ably do the same. At Cockatoo Creek in North Queensland, the litter was so bad we just moved on to the next camp.

Sandra BWe have just returned from a seven-month stint towing a self-contained van. In WA, some information centres provide free pick-up litter packages including a pair of barbecue tongs, disposable gloves, and various litter bags. We spend at least 10 minutes cleaning our campsites. At one freebie on the Nullarbor,

a nearby camper commented that we were the ‘only’ other campers, besides themselves, that they had seen in all their years of travelling that cleaned up other people’s messes!

Geoff & Julie Thanks Phil for your com-ments on litter. We have done lots of free camping and do exactly this ... pick up after lazy campers who think it’s their right to litter. I do think councils need to monitor rub-bish levels and place extra bins and do extra pickups.

Carol PI have litter pick-up tongs which I use to pick up litter in bush camps. We were at Babinda camp once when there were a lot of free camp-ers using this facility and piling rubbish up around full bins. When I challenged them, I was told it was not their problem! Well, people it will be your problem when coun-cils close these free facilities!

Mick MWhile we are pro grey nomads tidying up, it does not solve the problem. How to educate the squalid? Setting a good example and to a limited extent preach ‘clean up after yourself’ (but don’t get into an altercation) may help. We will continue to do little clean-ups as it is the costs borne by local councils who ultimately bear the burden and will close or reduce such facilities.

Rob T (aka Quog)

Issue 142: March 10, 2017

What a load of rubbish! Have you seen a sight like this?

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Issue 142: March 10, 2017

Re: Barmah Forest Virus (GNT: 141). I became ill at Streaky Bay, SA, after catching Barmah Forest Virus while travelling in WA. Initial treatment did nothing to relieve the pain in both my hands and hold-ing the steering wheel while struggling back home to the Sunshine Coast was such a painful experience. I was prescribed Mobic (Moxicam 7.5) and this removed the pain after a couple of weeks and treatment continued for three months. It still erupts now and then and I go back on the medication for three weeks each time.

Reg RLast November, we visited Moree, NSW, going via Bro-ken Hill. On the way home at Barmera, hubby woke up one morning unable to move. He had Ross River Virus. He has just recov-ered but it took nearly four months. Everywhere was flooded but we were always careful when it came to mosquitoes. It isn’t putting us off travelling, though. We have spoken to people here on the Yorke Peninsula who have contracted the virus without going anywhere.

Julie WBarmah Forest Virus is somewhat like Ross River Fever and Dengue Fever. There have been many cases of it and symptoms can re-cur without another mozzie bite. It is debilitating. It took me nine months to start to come good. I’ve never been the same since getting it.

Dan S

Steve M is thrilled with his second-hand van

‘Mozzie-borneviruses changedour trips, too!’

Re: letters in response to the story of the passing of my wife (GNT:141). I would like to send my heartfelt thanks to everyone who wrote in. It was difficult to hold back the tears while reading the replies from everyone. It’s difficult to respond to so many for their well wishes, their thoughts, their love and support. It’s so wonderful to know that the bond of love and friendship is alive and well among all grey nomads. Thank you all.

Robert King Re: second-hand rigs (GNT 141). Too often folk reckon the caravan/motorhome is the fo-cus of the trip. Fair enough, if you’ve spent $150 grand for a rig it could be seen as a pretty important part ... to you. Not so for people like us who can take our wagons anywhere we like and, if we do break it, we’ve lost very little. No good having the off-road ‘block of flats’ parked up in Kununurra because the Gibb will lower the resale value, is it?

Glenn CWe bought our Jayco poptop second hand (pictured) and love it to bits. It was a try-it-and-see idea of my wife and we have had a few great years out of it. We are still too scared to stop working but we get away as often as we can.

Steve MWe have a second-hand 12’ 1963 Viscount. We love it ... even if it needs a bit of TLC.

Viki TMy wife bought our second-hand van from a car yard while I was at work. She was petrified I would say it was no good. Luckily, it is perfect for us – and eight years later – it’s 20 years old and we have had so many happy trips, espe-cially bush camping, in it.

Stuart M

Re: Big Lap misfortunes (GNT: 141). We spent an un-scheduled month in Whyalla, SA, with ‘himself ’ in hospital to have intravenous antibiotics for an infected foot after drop-ping the towing bar at pressure onto it. Then his heart went funny, so he had to go on war-farin and be monitored. De-spite all that, we really enjoyed Whyalla and stayed in a great place beside one of the local league clubs ... very reasonable at $10 a night. We did have a few laughs about our predica-ment and realised ’tis all a few steps in the Big Lap’s tapestry.

Anna LRe: e-health (GNT: 141). I joined and was told the uptake among doctors and patients was so low that it was never going to get off the ground.

Tony LI had assumed that, after registering for e-health, the government would upload my medical records. That is not so. Personal doctors have to do the uploading. Hence, there is virtually nothing in my e-health record – not much of a help in an emergency!

Daniel SRe: Cooling fabric (GNT 141). I wish we had this when it was 41C in Albury, and the van park we had booked at wouldn’t let us in until 3pm!

Ken G

This product sounds a good thing to counteract the heat when travelling in your van. 20 degrees sounds great inside your van. I can also see a use for tilt factories with tin roofs which get so hot inside. Lining the roof might eliminate the need for air-conditioning.

Michael HI can imagine the massive price hike on vans if manufac-turers start using this. After sale fitting by the owners are probably not cheap either.

Dick PYou can use half of that film technology now. By adding microspheres (I use Q-Cel) to your paint, you can have the insulating effects men-tioned. My motorhome roof has an outer layer of outdoor water-based paint. In every litre is two cupfuls of Q-Cels that are insulating and abra-sion resistant. It’s worth the effort. Buy them at a fibreglass supplies place and ensure you wear a breathing mask as you pour them into the paint. Mix well. Prepare your surfaces and fix all leaks and seals before you paint.

Dale TRe: Charters Towers (GNT 141). We loved it. Ensure you check into the information centre and hire their self-drive CD and tour at your own pace.

Carol P

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Camper trailers get a breath of fresh air

While many grey nomads find the light weight and fuel-sav-ing aerodynamics of travel-ling in a camper trailer to be appealing, there has always been one major drawback ... the hassle factor!After all, after a long day on the road, who really wants to pull up in paradise and then spend the next what-seems-like-an eternity, pulling, tug-ging, cranking, winding and sweating in order to get your rig ship shape? And all the while the chilled-out caravan-ners and motorhomers are giggling away over Happy Hour drinks.Well, the camper trailer set-up ‘nightmare’ just became more of a dream thanks to the arrival of the inflatable Air Opus trailer tent. The luxuriously appointed camper trailer comes with integrated Air Poles, which deliver ‘your-camp’s-already-set-up’ convenience in no time flat. Opus has simply stripped out the hard tent frame from its previous camper trailer de-signs and replaced it with the Air Poles that inflate courtesy of an integrated electric pump powered by a 12-V battery.It means that travellers will

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be able to flick a switch and then sit back and watch the pop-up tent inflate to life in just 90 seconds. Before you get too excited though, it has to be noted that the Air Opus still requires happy campers to carry out a few manual steps both before and after turning the electric pump on. None-theless, the manufacturers insist that, the entire set-up process for the 4.1-metre-long, six-berth Air Opus model, including laying out the interior equipment, takes a paltry five minutes. And, in case you are wondering, there are quick-release valves that let the air out so the camper can be folded down as quickly as it went up for when it’s time to hit the open road again.An add-on inflatable exten-sion awning that fills from the Air Opus’s electric pump is also available.Importantly, as well as its

inflatable technology, the Opus camper trailer is a well designed vehicle, and com-bines the benefits of a com-pact travelling size and good gear-hauling space with a very well-equipped interior. The Air Opus will be on the market soon and will cost around US$20,000 for a com-plete basic trailer.

Click to comment

Website highlights

Cable car up in the airRecently our websitewww.thegreynomads.com.au reported that the latest proposal to build a cable car ride up the face of Mt Wel-lington/Kunanyi on Hobart’s doorstep looks like it might actually happen. However, the attraction and associated plans to build a visitor centre and restaurant at the moun-tain’s pinnacle have not gained universal support … and have once again exposed the divide between those keen to encourage more commercial activity in Australia’s beauty spots and those who think it might kill the goose that lays the golden egg.Click here to read more

Other website must-reads:

Silo artTown makes a big statement

How much?Top dollar for Birdsville shop

Free for allNew campsite a winnerOver and outShortwave radio turned off

SURVEYDo you think the Hobart

cable car is a good idea? YES NO

Issue 142: March 10, 2017

Inflatable rig sets up in no time flat

C A R A V A N S T O R A G ESTRONGROOM

www.strongroomcaravanstorage.com.au

Internal structure pumped up

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Paradise found in Eden

Surrounded by gorgeous national parks and spectacular coastline, it’s easy to see why the tranquil town of Eden on the south coast of New Wales is such a popular place for grey nomads to stop.And the great beaches, great fishing, superb walks, unbe-lievable whale watching, fasci-nating history, and genuinely warm welcome ensure that it is a lot more than just a ‘quick, over-nighter’ for travellers.Set in Twofold Bay – the third deepest natural harbour in the southern hemisphere – whal-ing ships began operating in the area way back in 1791.To really get to grips with how whaling shaped the area, visi-tors can hit the Killer Whale Trail and visit places such as the old Davidson Whaling Sta-tion and Boyds Tower from where whalers used to first spy the whales swimming by. Back then, killer whales or orcas were used by the whalers to herd the humpbacks into the harbour to be killed. The Eden Killer Whale Museum tells the full story of this amazing era, and its displays include the skeleton of Old Tom, a legend-ary herding killer whale.Whales are still bringing people to Eden, but now just to observe the annual migration. There are a number of whale watching cruises offered by local operators, or you can find

your own vantage point. The Rotary Park lookout is a favourite spot to view the whales and also to take in panoramic views over Twofold Bay to Mt Imlay. There are rugged cliffs on the coastline to the south, and the wide and sandy Aslings Beach to the north. Snug Cove is the place to watch the fishing boats bring home their catch, and there are many cafes at the wharf in which to relax.While grey nomads may swell the population in season, Eden has just 3,000 or so permanent residents. However, it has a proud history and flourished during the 1859-1860 gold rush when prospectors would land here, gather supplies, and then head to Kiandra in search of their fortune. Although it no longer serves as a pub, one of the hotels from this era, the Crown and Anchor, which was first licensed as a coaching inn in 1845, still stands. One historic pub that is very much

still in business however is the Great Southern Inn, and other interesting buildings include the Court House, the Sur-veyor’s Office, and St George’s Uniting Church.As a tourist town, Eden is well serviced with shops, restau-rants and, of course, excellent caravan parks, and even a fascinating wildlife park.A little further afield are some great national parks, including Ben Boyd National Park with its superb beaches and rugged coastline, and the heavily for-ested Mt Imlay National Park. Nadgee Nature Reserve, and the ‘fisherman’s paradise’ of Wonboyn Lake are also within easy striking distance. Legend has it that the strategi-cally located Eden was once considered as a site to build Australia’s national capital. A whole host of happy grey nomads here are no doubt very relieved that they chose Canberra instead.Click to comment

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Issue 142: March 10, 2017

Dramatic coastline at nearby Ben Boyd National Park PIC: Nick Rains, Destination NSW

Nomads in Brief

Amenities block fireAn electrical fault in the fe-male amenities room sparked a fire at the Acacia Gardens Caravan Park in Mooroopna, Victoria. While putting out the blaze, firefighters discov-ered what is believed to be asbestos in the ceiling.

Caravan collisionA ute towing a trailer collided with a car towing a caravan on the Northern Highway near Echuca, Victoria. The car ended up under a tree, and equipment was scattered along the road. A female pas-senger suffered slight injuries.

Croc captureA 3.3-metre saltwater croco-dile has been pulled out of the Lower Cascade waterway in Litchfield National Park. It’s the 60th saltie caught by the NT Parks and Wildlife Commission this year.

Bushwalker bittenA female bushwalker has been winched on board a rescue helicopter after being bitten by a rough-scaled snake on Mt Cordeaux in Queensland. She was flown to Toowoomba Hospital in stable condition.

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Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,I was brought up to fight my corner and I have always been happy to do it ... until now. My husband Alec now says it is time to let some things go – even blatant injustices – as it is souring our travels. In my heart of hearts, I know he is right but I just can’t bring myself to let people ‘get away with it’. If I’m paying for laundry facilities at a van park I expect all the washing machines to be working; if I see someone littering I am going to tell them about it; if someone is chatting too loudly near my van I will confront them; if fuel prices are too high I will complain. Yes, most days bring some sort of ‘showdown’ but I don’t like to be taken advantage of ... even if I am on holiday.

Laura

‘I can’t let it go’ I am sure you didn’t leave behind a perfect world when you left to travel, Laura, and I am afraid you won’t find a perfect world on the Big Lap, either. Things will sometimes cost more than you think they should, and people won’t always behave the way you want them to ... it is just the way it is. I am not saying you should never complain but it is counter-productive to constantly ruin your own day in order to fight an unwin-nable fight. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, don’t let the highlight of your trip be the time a caravan park owner let you stay for $30 instead of $40! And, remember it is Alec’s trip, too. Your battles and confrontations may make the ‘villains of the piece’ feel uncomfortable, but it’s also doing the same to someone you love.

Jaclyn

Thank you, Laura. It is people like you who dare to poke their head above the parapet who make the difference. Yes, it is easier to look the other way, to pretend not to notice, but that is the way let bad service continue, to let rude staff ‘get away with it’, to give thoughtless people the green light to continue to be thoughtless. I am sure constant ‘showdowns’ do sour elements of your trip but I suspect letting incompetence and ignorance win would sour it more. Some travellers may not have the same stomach for the fight that you do, but they rely on you to keep the fools and the sheisters on their toes. If Alec doesn’t like confronta-tions, let him cower in the corner somewhere while you take care of business, Laura ... because someone has to.

HeidiClick to comment

Issue 142: March 10, 2017

CLASSIFIEDS

DISCLAIMER: The Grey Nomad Times team is not responsible for any sale, trade, or other transactions between vendors and vendees or advertisers and respondents. All parties enter into transactions at their own risk.

Readers can look forward to a special edition of the Grey Nomad Times next Friday as we highlight the fun and adventure to be found on the Gibb River Road.With many travellers already starting to make plans for a journey along the iconic Kimberley track later this year, the GNT will be featur-ing articles about where to stay, what to see, and what to be aware of.

A special edition is coming soon

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CLASSIFIEDS

WHERROL FLATS, NSWHouse situated on 40 acres and one of our boundaries is a fresh water creek with permanent water. There is space for a car-avan or motorhome with access to power, water and toilet facilities if required. Close proximity to the mountains, water falls, rivers and the sea. We would need you to look after our elderly dog, chooks which will provide you with eggs, our vegie garden (some watering). Our small herd of cows which need very little attention. Dates: 18/4 til 12/5. Click here.

***TAMWORTH, NSWHouse sitting from March – 17th to early April. Dates are flexible to suit your time-table. My place is on acres in Currabubula with loads of privacy and little to do. It has wonderful views with towers close by for your internet connection, TV and phone.Not much to do…just simply make sure my two dogs, one cat and a few birds have water and the three old horses in the paddock are fed and safe. Click here.

***DARWIN, NTWe have a 20 acre block at Darwin River, 1 hour south of Darwin. We are getting the house ready to sell and would like Grey Nomads to reside at the block in their own caravan. Pets welcome. There is water and ensuite available. In return we are asking for the area around house to be watered and mowed. Available from 28/3/2017 until property is sold. Click here.

***Many other long term and short term op-portunities for housesitting are available in all states on the Grey Nomads website. CLICK HERE to see our latest listings.

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Issue 142: March 10, 2017

SHARK BAY, WAShark Bay Cottages is looking for a fit, self-motivated couple to join our friendly team as a care taker and cleaner position.Duties include yard work, cleaning of BBQs, housekeeping (when required) and maintenance work (knowledge in this a must) Included is a fully self-contained cottage with ocean views, all utilities, as well as the opportunity to head out fishing on our charter vessel Mac Attack! Starting date would be preferable at the end of March beginning April, before the school holidays commence. Click here.

***GERALDTON, WAHouse sitters/caretakers required for our accommodation and gardens from the middle of April to the end of May. We are located 23 k’s south of Geraldton Greenough is a very pretty historical area with great history and not too far from the rugged limestone coastline. We are ideally looking for a couple to live in maintain the gardens and do changeovers in the accommodations. A good repour with the public is necessary and the odd meal to be prepared will be required. There is a small remuneration for work done. We have 2 gorgeous dogs and 2 happy cats, chooks and sheep. Click here.

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CENTRAL WEST, NSWHousesitters wanted for a small hobby farm in the central west of NSW from mid Aug to the end of Sept, 2017 We would prefer sitters with own accommodation but can offer wifi, comfortable verandah with fireplace, fridge and telly. Click here.

LIGHTNING RIDGE, NSWWe’re a young family, with 2 young boys –Archie (4) and Clay (2). We are looking for people who can give us a hand around the house and yard or on the farm, general handyman tasks, house painting, gardening, chook pen building or basi-cally anything you enjoy that can help us. We are located just 13KM from Lightning Ridge out past the hot artesian bore baths, which have proven very popular with our visitors. We run Merino sheep, a few cattle, dabble in some cropping, we have a swag of poultry, some pigs, a few dogs and a cat. We’re happy for you to bring along your dogs, Click here.

***GRIFFITH, NSWHelp wanted on beutiful outback property November, December 2017 and Janu-ary 2018. We are needing the help of a capable, friendly and fit Nomad couple. In exchange for your help around 2-3 hours a day with flexible hours we will provide a powered site situated in a very nice environment with rain water – also basic stores. Beautiful gardens for you to share, pool, tennis court, bikes, friendly animals and friendly environment with lovely and interesting guests! We need help in our very organised, clean and tidy farmstay and homestead with cleaning and some-times welcoming guests. Click here.

***MT GAMBIER, SACouple wanted for Camp Hosts at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds. Three month trial period, free site and 10% com-mission with extra work if required. Click here.

***WEST CEDUNA, SAFarm worker required to help with general farm/sheep management & seeding on broadacre farming property 50km West Ceduna SA. 4-8 weeks beginning early April 2017. Farm machinery experience essential. 2 bedroom unit & vehicle for farm work supplied in addition to wage. Click here.

***SWAN VALLEY, WAWe are a family of 5 with 3 young boys living on 2.5 acres in the Swan Valley. We are offering a powered site on hard stand with own shower and toilet available for use. Property is secure with remote con-trol gate for access. In exchange for stay we are seeking 5 hours a week to help look after the property – mowing (ride on mower), whipper snipping, weeding, retic repairs, cleaning chicken coop, maintain veggie patch etc. Click here.

***KALBARRI, WACouple wanted for raking and watering of Carvan park for free site fees in Kalbarri, WA. Click here.

***ALBANY, WASeeking an energetic friendly couple to help with our 6 chalets. Jobs include maintaining the grounds, keeping the chalets clean & the odd bit of handy-man work in return for a 2 bedroom fully furnished chalet with all outgoings. Small well behaved dog ok. Click here.

***CHILDERS, QLDWanted ASAP painter/handyman in exchange for free camping. We are based in Queensland 5 kms south of historic Childers, 35 mins from Bundaberg, 45 mins to Hervey Bay and 30 minutes from the beautiful Woodgate Beach. Click here.

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HOUSESITTING

ACCOMMODATION

STORAGE

HELP WANTEDMILLSTREAM, QLDCaretakers are required for The Raven-shoe Millstream Country Club from April 8th to May 6th. You can arrive earlier and leave later if it suites your travel plans.The main purpose of the caretakers is to provide visual security at and for the club.Help keep the clubhouse and clubhouse surround clean & tidy. It is also envisaged that the caretakers will need to book in and look after travelling golfers and others who wish to park their rigs here. We will supply a powered site, good water and a safe pleasant surroundings. Click here.

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