the

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Issue 221: April 17, 2020

In this issue: •Rushing through Tassie •Robots to the rescue •Dolphin’s Big Lap beginning

GNT readers raring to goat ‘all clear’Grey nomads may have been forced off the road by a once-in-a generation pandemic, but they’ll be ready to roll pretty much the instant travel restrictions are limited.Our recent GNT poll on the issue revealed a whop-ping 94% of respondents are chomping at the bit to get going again.“We’ve got a serious case of cabin fever being stuck at our home base,” said John and Annette F. “Every morning we look outside and there sits our dream machine, just waiting for his loving owners to point his nose in any direction – as long as it’s ‘away’.”Stewart G said his garden was just about the only beneficiary of his enforced isolation.“If we are unaffected health-wise by the pandemic, we will look at a shorter trip this year,” he said. “And then we’ll look forward to 2021 for a bigger foray.” Chris T summed up the feel-ings of many.“Any time spent on the road is an improvement to just staying at home,” she said.And David H concurred.“We’ve already got a trip planned,” he said. “Can’t wait!”

Click to comment

Times

It’s only a matter of weeks since the grey nomad lifestyle was abruptly ‘paused’ by the impo-sition of a series of pandemic-induced travel restrictions and social distancing protocols, but already there is slight opti-mism that government might be able to press the ‘play’ but-ton earlier than initially feared.While there is no doubt that the seriousness of the health crisis cannot be underes-timated, it is also true that Australia’s levels of infection are relatively low and that the curve is being flattened. It remains to be seen whether the Government eventually at-tempts to completely eliminate the virus, and then keep inter-national borders closed until a vaccine is developed.In any event, while we are at least a month away from restrictions being lifted, the Prime Minister has said the National Cabinet is now ac-tively ‘plotting a path out’.Even more encouraging from a grey nomad perspective was the message from Tourism Minister, Simon Birmingham.“We’re not there yet but certainly this time is a good time for a bit of dreaming, a bit of planning,” he said. “Think about the Aussie break that you might take when we finally get to the other side of this.”

While the timing is still very much up in the air, what is clear is that it is domestic tour-ism that will pick up a long way before the international tourists start returning. Tourism Australia says that once the coronavirus spread is under control and state bor-ders start to re-open, it expects travel demand to surge.“We know the recovery can be as quick as the decline,” a spokesperson said. “We expect the recovery to start domes-tically, and self-drive will certainly be a big focus as we seek to encourage Aussies to explore their back yard.”While states like Western Australia have said they expect border restrictions to stay in place for many months yet, there is hope in some quarters that these hard-line stances might soften if the number of coronavirus cases across the country shrinks quickly.Certainly, there is no short-age of grey nomads chomping

A waiting gameThe curve seems to be

flattening ... so when will things get back to normal?

at the bit to get on the open road again, and no shortage of country towns eagerly awaiting their return. One of those is Rochester in Victoria. Glenda Nichol, the President of the Rochester Business Network, said the place simply wasn’t the same without grey nomads.“As a town that has spent a lot of time and money on attract-ing grey nomads, we have seen over the last couple of years just how much difference it has made to our town,” she told the GNT. “It is sad to see our town partially closed and a lack of people around.” And David Blackburn, from Echuca, summed up the gen-eral grey nomad mood best.“The van is fully packed, and we’ll only need cooked meals to go in the freezer, water to go in one water tank, to retract the slide-out, hook the 4x4 on, and then lock the gates and off we go,” he said. “When? Will someone please advise?”Click to comment

Lockdown ... grey nomads, and everyone else, is grounded

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Issue 221: April 17, 2020‘A pause, not an end’

After a manic rush across the country, full-time grey nomads John and Lorraine Holloway are now safely hunkered down for the duration of the corona-virus crisis on a 200-acre farm ‘with a view to die for’.Like so many others, they were amazed both by the speed with which travel restrictions were imposed across the country … and by the spontaneous acts of kindness that helped them deal with the chaotic situation in which they found themselves.After nine years on the road in which they have covered about 200,000 kilometres, the couple were on South Aus-tralia’s Yorke Peninsula when their Big Lap dream began to unravel. Happily for the Holloways, old ‘farm sit’ acquaintances who owned land near Murgon in Queensland reached out to them and offered them a plot where they could ‘sit out’ the pandemic.What followed were long stressful days of driving as the couple travelled more than 2,200 kilometres to reach their safe haven. It was an uncertain and nervy time, but the pair will be forever grateful for the kindness they were shown along the way.“My hat goes off to most of the towns we passed through and we’re just sorry that we could

not stay longer and spend more money,” said Lorraine. “We quickly realised the need for social distancing and sani-tisation and we managed to purchase gloves, and guarded our only bottle of hand wash and hand sanitiser closely.”She recalls arriving at the famously grey nomad-friendly town of Kimba to find most shops closed, the local IGA with empty shelves, and the café serving only takeaway. “Even the roadhouse was closed but still dispensing fuel via a 24-hour ATM,” said Lorraine. “Despite all this, Kimba was most welcoming; we were told we could stay for six months if we wanted but we bought a few groceries and stayed two nights in the beauti-fully clean RV camp.”As they discovered that many

rest areas ahead were closing, John and Lorraine became in-creasingly anxious to get safely back to their home state.“Broken Hill was like a ghost town, we fuelled up and con-tinued along the Barrier High-way to Emmadale Roadhouse where we were welcomed with spray bottles of soapy water and a smile,” said Lorraine. “They took us and other travel-lers in and we camped out the back for $10 and promised to return in better days.”After driving nearly 500 kilometres to reach Walgett, John and Lorraine found that all campsites there were closed but they were directed to the Barwon Inn, just out of town. “The owner met us as we approached the office, and shepherded us and our van into a quiet haven for the night

Couple encountered kindness and compassion

on their manic journey

where we were allowed to stay for the night free of charge,” said Lorraine. “While none of the niceties of grey nomad life were exchanged, I am sure one day, this kind gesture will be paid forward.”Now, after two weeks of self-isolating at the Murgon farm where they are staying, John and Lorraine are happy to help around the property . “I think John was beginning to suffer cabin fever but we are lucky we have an abundance of fresh air and green rolling hills,” said Lorraine. “Our hope is that, while we are here, we can save some money to fur-ther fund our travels once this crazy time is over and, after restrictions are lifted, we are off again … there is so much more of Australia to see!”Click to comment

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Veteran travellers Lorraine andJohn breathed a sigh of relief when they arrived at the farm they looked after once before. The owners had offered them a place to stay during the pandemic

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If compulsive traveller Daryl Livermore was ever going to be forced to stay off the road for a while, now is probably as good a time as any.As someone who loves to hit the rough roads and get into the remotest areas of Australia, Daryl’s rig often gets a fair bit of a workout and now is the time it needs a bit of TLC.The 60-year-old has a 2007 Ford Ranger fitted out for Outback travel with bigger tyres to offer extra clearance, snorkel and diff breathers for water crossings, a dump can for cleaner more efficient run-ning, and the vehicle has been computer mapped to give bet-ter economy and performance.“I carry a reinforced Northstar ‘Offroada 6’ on the tray,” said Daryl. “This is a slide-on unit so I can jack the legs and leave it at camp to go exploring, run into town, or launch the boat … having a slide-on unit means you can have the van and the boat.”As tough as the rig is, a trip to the Cape last year left it

needing a bit of a rebuild, and the rear wall of the camper and associated fitting needed replacing.With the virus crisis putting paid to any immediate travel plans, Daryl has been using the time wisely.“I am in the process of refitting my travel outfit and have had the truck serviced, the wheels and suspension all realigned, put in new shock absorbers and I have even had it de-tailed,” he said. “Now, having taken everything out, find-ing things I had lost, having everything repaired, I have to repack the truck and camper!”

Issue 221: April 17, 2020My rig needed TLC

Daryl has been travelling Aus-tralia all of his life, sometimes in Utes and sometimes on motorbikes with just a swag.“I have travelled to the south-ernmost point of Tasmania, the northernmost point of Cape York and onto Thurs-day Island, the southernmost point of Victoria, and I have also travelled west to Birds-ville, Bedourie, and done the Darling River Run in New South Wales,” he said. “I haven’t done the west coast of Australia but I hope to in the next few years.”Daryl currently travels alone. “I prefer to camp away from

Daryl’s enforced stopallowed him to carry out

some much needed repairs

the crowds and I avoid caravan parks where possible … the more facilities they have the more I am inclined to avoid them,” he said. “Free camping suits me as I am self-sufficient but I do quite like basic van parks at a reasonable price for the occasional stop to refresh and do the washing.”Daryl says travelling has changed a lot since the ’70s when you had to be very self- sufficient, but he acknowledges that today’s computerised vehicles means that the days of being ready for anything with a spare tyre, oil, water and a few tools are long gone.“I would like to be hitting the road again now but, like so many others, I have had my wings clipped,” he said. “However, it does seem the shutdown is achieving what it was designed to do and we can’t knock that.”Daryl hopes the borders stay shut until the government has a real handle on the problem. “I would though like to see in-state travel opened up,” he said. “This is a lovely time to go to north Queensland while the temperature is tolerable.”Click to comment

Will time heal the effects of our breakup?One of the most startling aspects of the coronavirus pandemic has been the way in which Australia has be-come ‘divided’, both literally and symbolically.While the politicians con-stantly remind us ‘we are all in this together’, it hasn’t always seemed that way … especially to nomads caught on the far side of the country.First Tassie imposed border restrictions on interstate arrivals, then other states followed suit, and WA even banned travel between regions.

While there is no doubt that this is a nearly unprecedented health crisis and decisive ac-

tion has been necessary, it is nonetheless sobering to see just how ‘separate’ Australians

can quickly become.At some beaches, graffiti has appeared warning people ‘this area is for people from such and such a postcode only’. And, of course, it is no secret that some rural towns became unjustifiably hostile to nomads stranded by circumstances.Grey nomad Bill Rendall was born and raised in the country and what has happened has made him pretty cynical.“The ‘them and us’ attitude is prevalent right across Aus-tralia,” he said.Click to comment

Daryl Livermore (inset) enjoying a stop in North Queensland

Are we a nation divided?

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It’s safe to say that grey nomads Jean and Ted Winterfield’s long anticipated trip to Tassie didn’t go according to plan. In fact, as far as relaxed sightseeing holidays go, it was pretty much a disaster … but it’s a disaster they’ll never forget.The couple from Mount Gam-bier in South Australia gener-ally spend three months of the southern winter volunteering at Lorella Springs Station in the Northern Territory. This year, they also decided to spend three weeks exploring Tasmania before their annual trek north. Although they have previously been to the Apple Isle, this time they decided just to take a tent in order to save on ferry costs.While they had previously been able to do a lot of free camping, they suddenly found that the tent limited where they could stay as many places only allowed self-contained vehicles.But, if the Winterfields – who are both in their 70s – thought that was the biggest problem they would have, they were about to get a nasty surprise.“As time wore on it became ev-ident that things were getting serious with the virus, so even though we didn’t really want to hear what was happening ‘in the outside world’ we did tune in on the radio or internet to

see what was happening,” said Jean. “It was a worry when it came to using public ameni-ties and the camp kitchens and trying to social distance from everyone, yet still trying to communicate … all of it was very unsettling.”As talk grew of border clo-sures, Jean says the couple just ‘zipped through’ so many beautiful places.“Our intention was to take our time but it was like having the grim reaper hanging over our shoulders and we didn’t feel right about sightseeing,” she said. “I must say though that, wherever we went from the larger towns to small villages, the townsfolk were so friendly and helpful and that’s what we love about Tasmania.”Ultimately, the couple were glad that they did bring just their tent as it allowed them to change their crossing dates a lot easier than those travel-

Issue 221: April 17, 2020Tassie on the double

lers who had brought their big caravans or motorhomes across the Bass Strait.In the end, their trip was only shortened by about three days but the fear and uncertainty had cast a shadow over pretty much the whole adventure. Ted and Jean booked a night crossing cabin on the ‘Spirit’ to enable them to properly self-isolate and they had packed sandwiches so they didn’t have to go the cafeteria.“In the morning, all the pas-sengers congregated in the lounge area to await our calls to go and get our vehicles and it was like we had all been to a funeral,” said Jean. “People were spaced out, they weren’t eating or drinking or even talking, they had worried ex-pressions, and it even felt weird to smile at someone and get a half smile back, each of us was just as worried as the next.”The Winterfields have now

Couple’s journey around the Apple Isle was cut short

as restrictions loomed

Jean and Ted (above) had to rush through their Apple Isle itinerary. They took a tent (left) and were glad they did

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completed their mandatory two weeks in quarantine, but they are still are not going any-where unnecessarily and are having groceries and medica-tions delivered.“Ted normally helps at our local footy club and I volunteer two days a week at our local Salvos store but none of that’s happening now,” said Jean. “It’s all just a bit odd to be at home like this, although we do see our neighbours when we are in our yards so at least we can have a chat, albeit from a distance.”So, when this is all over, is vol-unteering in the Territory back on the agenda next Dry Season … or perhaps even another tenting adventure to Tassie?“We will most certainly will be very anxious to hit the road to somewhere once travel restric-tions are removed,” said Jean. “And the sooner the better!”Click to comment

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While many grey nomads are understandably distraught at having their dream lifestyles abruptly brought to a shudder-ing halt, so too are countless rural communities which have seen the steady flow of friendly tourists on which they have grown to rely suddenly dry up.It is no secret that some towns are more grey nomad-friendly than others, and it is those that have made the most effort to accommodate long-term trav-ellers that are feeling the pain most acutely.In Queensland, Thallon had been enjoying a wonderful start to the year, and had gone from dust storms to beautiful green grass and flows in the Moonie River. “We were so looking for-ward to welcoming everyone back for a green start of the grey nomad season and were devastated when the travel restrictions and lockdowns were announced,” said Leanne Brosnan from the Thallon Progress Association. “Our ‘Watering Hole’ Silos Mural is now only being admired by locals as the campground is closed, and William the Wom-bat is feeling lonely without his usual admirers!”Undeterred the local com-munity is taking a positive attitude and is using this time to improve some facilities in Thallon so future visitors can

have an even better experience.These include a new artistic attraction, ‘Colly’, which was painted by the Silo Artists, and the Progress Association is working with the council to introduce a grey nomad volunteer program. It’s a similar story in equally traveller-friendly Rochester in Victoria where the steady flow of grateful grey nomads stay-ing at the RV stop in the centre of town has ceased.It is almost two years since Rochester’s silo art was completed as the town sought

Issue 221: April 17, 2020The art of survival

to attract grey nomads. That initiative was a huge success and was followed by the open-ing of the Sports Museum last October, and now by a new artwork. The mural depicts retired homicide detective Ron Iddles who was born in town. “Rochester is looking forward to the Covid-19 restrictions relaxing and life returning to normal so we can once again welcome visitors to our town,” said Glenda Nichol, the Presi-dent of the Rochester Business Network.Click to comment

Some regional towns are still looking for new ways

to attract visitors

The towns of Rochester

(above) and Thallon (right)

are hoping their large

works of art will lure visitors

The Optimist: We’ve got this. The curve isn’t just being flattened, it’s being squashed! If we can get new infections down to zero over the next month and keep international borders closed, we can lift all of the domestic travel restrictions pronto?The Cautious Optimist: Things are looking promis-ing but it would be a huge blunder to rush back to ‘normal’. Hopefully, with better testing we will be able to at least allow travel within states in a couple of months. Small towns need tourism so the government will be keen to encourage it … with certain safeguards in place.The pessimist: This whole nightmare started off with just one person becoming infected so who’s to say it won’t flare up again to reach levels similar to what’s being seen in the US. There’s no way we can risk that so the borders will stay shut. It’s going to be a long, long wait for a vaccine to be found.The doomsayer: This has changed everything. The days of Happy Hour are over forever. Even if we are eventually ‘allowed’ to travel again, everyone is going to be paranoid about social dis-tancing and getting infected with something. And how long until the next pandemic comes along?• Which sort of Nostradamus nomad are you?Click to comment

So, what might happen next?

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Like most ‘grounded’ grey nomads, Bruce Simmonds has suddenly found himself with an awful lot of spare time on his hands … and he intends to use it wisely.After multiple decades of pho-tographing his family life and his many travels around Aus-tralia, Bruce has accumulated a mountain of pictures stored in two giant 80-litre crates.But that’s all about to change. With the coronavirus pan-demic leaving him home alone with wife Margaret, Bruce has set himself the gargantuan task of digitising 50 years’ worth of 35mm slides and photos.The 73-year-old has been fascinated by photography ever since, at the age of eight, he was given a used Kodak Retinette 1A 35mm camera that took 35mm slides.“I retired in 2003 and did the Big Lap in 2004, still using a Pentax 35mm film camera taking colour photos,” he said. “In about 2005, I started using a digital camera and now have more than 45,000 photos on my hard drives.”Given the amount of travel-ling Bruce and Margaret had done prior to 2005, there’s an awful lot of memories still to be digitised.“Our family started camping about 1984 with a borrowed

tent, then progressed to a used tent, to hire caravans, and then we purchased a 30-year-old van, before getting a new van in 2002, and finally our current 18’ Van Cruiser caravan which we bought new in 2015,” said Bruce. “The old slides and photos certainly bring back long forgotten memories, such as, the kids growing up, how skinny I was 40 years ago, and mates scratching their heads trying to put together a borrowed tent with no instructions in our early camping days.”While Bruce grew up in inner Sydney, he has always felt much more at home in the bush, and he loves the free-dom of the open road.“We just zig and zag with no timetable or real destina-tion just a general direction, north, south or west,” he said.

Issue 221: April 17, 2020So many memories!

“Margaret and I don’t seem to plan our van trips very well … for example, we were head-ing up the Matilda Highway towards Mt. Isa, as I had worked there as a young bloke, but we turned off at Winton towards Hughenden and went via Karumba, Burketown and Lawn Hill to Mt Isa and then we decided to head to Birds-ville for the races!”Bruce has been using an old Aldi scanner to help him digit-ise his photos.“It’s a bit slow but I do have plenty of time at the moment,” he said. “I’ve done about 2,000 slides so far but I do hope to update to a quicker, newer system shortly.” To digitise the photos that are in albums, Bruce is using a phone app called Photomyne which can photograph mul-tiple photos on one page and

Bruce Simmonds has been ‘re-discovering’ some greatplaces as he digitises photos

Bruce Simmonds (left)is on a mission to digitise 50 years’ worth of slidesand photos (above)

automatically separate and crop each photo individually.“It’s giving me pretty good results,” he said. “Especially as I have albums that have those sticky pages and so it is near impossible to peel the photos off the page without tearing them!”With the health crisis likely to keep Bruce home for the foreseeable future, he should have plenty of time to work his way through his crates of 35mm photos.But what then? Is he still hoping to create some more on-the-road memories?Of course, but in typical Bruce and Margaret style, the plans are decidedly loose.“When we are allowed out to play again, we will just go somewhere for some time,” said Bruce.

Click to comment

Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

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Issue 221: April 17, 2020

Re: Heroes to Zeroes: (GNT 220). Grey nomads help to keep places open during good times … just a little bit of thought would be nice for the grey nomads in times of trou-ble. What happened to people who care for the welfare of others?

Lori A

If, during times of trouble, towns adopt an attitude of ‘every man for himself ’, or ‘go away, our facilities are just for us’, then don’t later expect grey nomads to show loyalty and come back to spend our sav-ings there. Like you, we just wanted somewhere to hole up, to keep our distance while we wait out this global medical madness. Our needs are really very basic, and when isolated, we place no more risk or stress on your facilities than at any other time. We will long remember being made to feel unwelcome, and woe is the town which failed to appreci-ate that those few services they do have are there because of the rest of Australia. When this is all over, installing a new council that pleads ‘please come back, we made a mis-take’, simply won’t cut it. As ye sow, so also shall ye reap.

Cliff H (Hylife)

It’s people like Dr John Hall that cause panic among these rural towns ... what a bush turkey!

Jeannie S

Minister David Littleproud should be ashamed of his nar-row-minded comments and attitude considering it was the politicians and bureaucrats who let thousands off cruise ships and through airports. My wife and I are doing as we were told and staying in our caravan. All these Outback

communities will need visi-tors sooner rather than later, considering it could be 12 months or more before things get moving again … if people can afford it.

Mick Mc

We found ourselves suddenly stranded in Victoria after travelling the Great Ocean Road. Our intention was to travel into South Australia

the

but the border closed, so we turned north to Broken Hill. We were only in the caravan park one night when the park was closed. We decided to stay in a rest area just east of Wilcannia. We were abruptly awoken about 9.30pm by two police officers who advised us to leave as rest areas would be closed from midnight and we could be fined. We finally

Nomads’ creative flair unleashedWith grey nomads finding themselves ‘grounded’ due to the coronavirus pandemic, many are discovering some hidden talents. Used-to-be-a-traveller Claire Thomas has used her bonus lockdown time to pick up a paintbrush for the first time since she was at school. Many thanks to Claire for sending in the resulting work, which she has entitled: ‘The Sun Sets on the Dream’. “I was actually really happy with what I managed to achieve,” she said. “Although I have to admit it wasn’t very encouraging when the family thought my sunset was a giant bushfire!” Claire says she wanted the empty chairs to signify the enforced absence of grey nomads from the Outback. “My idea was also that the unattended campfire would symbolise flickers of hope that they would be back one day, even as the sun sets on the grey nomad lifestyle for a while,” she said.Love your work, Claire. * Have you been inspired to try your hand at art since you have been forced to stop travel-ling? Why not photograph it and email it to us here to share with GNT readers. Please include a brief description of the work and what it means to you.

arrived home three days later after hiding in rest areas that were well out of residential areas. In the month we were on the road we only used three rolls of toilet paper. Our needs are basic but, like other grey nomads, we require some medications. We sud-denly felt we were not wanted anywhere. This will change as the worst of the virus is over.

Bob & Toni H

Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

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Issue 221: April 17, 2020

Re: Friend in need (GNT 220). This story is about some of my ideals: Compassion towards all things … human, animal, and environmental; paying it forward; walking a mile in the other person’s shoes; treating others as you would like to be treated. If we all learned to follow these simple precepts what a truly wonderful world it would be.

Howard J

Legends. It’s the Aussie spirit to help out when one can. I got stuck in Adelaide. Luckily, a couple allowed me their driveway for as long as needed. It also helps them out with their rent and bills. Last week, one lost his job so I offered a higher rent and also offered to split power bills etc. It’s what makes our Australia such a proud country.

Daryl S

I was encouraged by the heart-warming stories of people making it home, peo-ple finding a place to bunker down, and people giving them a place to do it. What a great community spirit.

John B

Re: Look on the bright side (Puzzler: GNT: 220). A couple more positive things about being stuck in a van park:• You get to know the town and people better• You’re adding to the local economy• Meeting new friends

Brendan & Bronwyne R

Re: Lockdown rules. I think the campground closures are nonsensical. Being out bush is much more socially distanced than my current situation – stuck in a friend’s backyard in town. They should be opened up after Easter has finished, but with toilet blocks closed to

minimise virus spread. Self-contained campers pose bug-ger all risk if they don’t gather together for Happy Hours.

Bob P

Re: Virtual Happy Hours (GNT:220). There have been warnings that uninvited people are hacking into Zoom meetings. Apparently, it’s easy to do as they don’t use encryption for the randomly generated meeting ID. Despite that, I’ve been part of Zoom meetings and they are really easy to set up and use.

Richard L

Re: Lockdown opportunity. What a great time to fix all of those ‘things’ in caravan parks, showgrounds etc. There are not many that don’t need a fix of some sort so now that they are not being annoyed by nomads wanting to book in for the night or longer, the following could/should be carried out.• The ablution block and office needs a fresh coat of paint.• The dripping taps need cleaning and fixing; the tap stand needs proper support and be relocated higher.

the

• The power outlets need modernising to include safety cut-out switches.• Last but not least of all; if you have concrete slabs level them after repairing the bad cracks.There are a few parks that these suggestions apply to and you know if you are one of them. Who is going to pay for all this? We did the last time we stayed with you. Alterna-tively, the Federal Govern-ment may just have a stimulus package for you to apply for.

Maurie Y

Re: Using the extra time. Think ahead one or two days at a time and plan some work around your dwelling, and approach with the mindset that I don’t have to rush these ‘jobs’. Each new day is opti-mally the best of your life as the dreaded virus may strike at any time. In the event of surviving you will still be sane enough to carry on carrying on.

Chris T

Re: Van maintenance (GNT: 220). From my own experi-ence Vaseline does cause

some toilet seals to swell and require replacement. The lubricant to use needs to be a non-petroleum derivative and safe to use on such seals. One such example is ‘rubber grease’ commonly used in automotive hydraulic brake systems, but there are similar lubricants available.

Wayne C(Thanks for the feedback. We have seen similar stories on forums, however, none of our technicians have come across this problem to date. We would encourage you to use which ever product you are comfort-able with to ensure maximum longevity of the seals –- Leith, Maks Caravan Repairs).

Re: Dreaming of Great Places (GNT 220) Nice story about Kangaroo Island. If only I was 18 again!

Chrys G

I’ve just paid my rego for 12 months on my caravan … $329. Why can’t we get the money back for the months we can’t use it as travelling isn’t allowed? We all should get a refund on this.

David W

Oliver Thomas snapped this shot 10 years ago but reckons the scene is likely still the same now.“I loved the haunted sort of feeling that this track gave me,” he said. “I got the im-pressions that nothing had changed for 50 years and this scene would still be the same in for 50 more.”So where is it? Two Grey Nomad stickers for the first correct entry drawn out of the hat. Email answer here. The mystery place in our last edition was Elliston, SA. Our winner was Vicki Mase.

Which track is it?

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Issue 221: April 17, 2020

Lockdown movies Grey nomads finding themselves ‘grounded’ have been dusting off their DVD collections to re-discover some old favourites. Here is the unofficial grey nomad Lockdown Movie List. 1. Groundhog Day 2. Home Alone 3. The Way Back 4. Quarantine 5. Can’t Hardly Wait

Parked up puzzler

Keeping the dream alive ... with a bit of imagination!

If Terminator actor Arnold Schwarzenegger was a grey nomad, what would he be saying to Outback Australia?

a) You’ve been terminated

b) I’ll be back!

c) Come with me if you want to live

Hasta La Vista

Last week’s pic puzzle winner was Tony Hendy.

Do You Know1. Iota Lions (anagram) Plenty of newly returned grey nomads are in this at the moment.

2. The Queensland town of Crows Nest was named: a) After a local Aboriginal known as Jimmy Crow who used to shelter in a hollow tree (Crow’s nest) and offer directions to travellers. b) By early explorer Alexander Deakin after his party was attacked by swooping magpies and he then mis-takenly identified them as ‘deranged white-crested crows’. c) By Captain John Timmins who named several riv-ers and landmarks in the area after nautical terms, in this case the nickname for the lookout on all British naval vessels of the time.3. If a grey nomad from Brisbane was in Port Augusta when they were ordered home, what is the minimum distance they would have to drive to get home? a) 1,930km b) 2,347km c) 3,597km 4. I am driving directly between the Queensland towns of Biloela and Calliope. Which highway am I on?

5. Which Queensland town might have been named Kilometres if the metric system had been in vogue at the time?

Answers on p. 12

Bass Strait

Win grey nomad stickers!Email the solution to the puzzle. Winner announced in Issue 222. PIC CLUE:Grey nomads who stay at home are helping to do this.

So, when do you think the grey nomad lifestyle will start returning to something like normal? We are inviting all GNT readers to ‘guesstimate’ the exact date that the Tasmanian Government will lift its border restrictions and perhaps offer an indication that the grey nomad universe is about to right itself. Email answers here. The first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win a very special mystery prize. Thanks to everyone who has already entered. To give you an idea of what people are thinking, the most optimistic entry to date names May 31 as the magical day while the most pessimistic is looking as far ahead as February 21, 2021. The winner will be announced … um, hopefully before too long! Entries will close on April 24.

When will it end?

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

Robotic bush poetsare on the march

One thing that the coronavirus pandemic has done is show just how fragile our economic system really is, and how susceptible humans are to sickness.Paradoxically, the villain of countless Hollywood mov-ies which is often portrayed as trying to destroy mankind could yet prove its saviour … and throw a quirky hand grenade into the grey nomad lifestyle along the way.Yup, the virus-proof artificial-ly-intelligent machines, more commonly known as robots, are about to become the good guys.For Outback travellers who thought the technology was lit-tle more than a fad in faraway gadget-loving countries like Japan and something that would never change their Big Lap experience, it’s time to think again.With hospitals in some parts of the world using robots to tend to patients, supermarkets using them to relentlessly stack quickly-emptying shelves, and coffee shops using them to serve customers, a recurring question seems to be … why haven’t we got more of them at a time like this?The bottom line is that we soon will have. The Covid-19 crisis will inevitably lead to more research and investment in robotics, and the results will slowly reveal themselves in all aspects of our lives.In years to come, it will be robots checking you in at the caravan park, it may even be robots helping you reverse

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your van into a tight site, or cleaning the amenities blocks, or – heaven forbid – entertain-ing you with some bush poetry around the campfire.The potential is enormous and the progress that has already been made is mind-boggling.One of the most well used ro-bots in stores, cafes and offices in Japan is Pepper from Soft Bank Robotics. Billed as the world’s first social humanoid robot able to recognise faces and basic human emotions, it stands 120 centimetres tall and has no trouble in perceiving its environment and entering into conversations with people. The touch screen on its chest displays content to highlight messages and support speech.Pepper already works as a receptionist at several offices and it is able to identify visitors with speech recognition and facial recognition. The robot uses two cameras as eyes, and one camera on its bottom body to identify obstacles in its path.It never tires of repetitive tasks

Issue 221: April 17, 2020

or questions, and its designers say this then enables human staff to focus on more impor-tant tasks.Researchers in Germany have been taking things one step further and have created a robot that has changing facial expressions that can com-municate the seven universal emotions, namely anger, dis-gust, fear, happiness, sadness, surprise and a neutral state. Phil Duffy, from robotics company, Brain Corp, says it is inevitable that retailers and other businesses will come out of this health crisis with a completely different perspec-tive on robots. “We believe people are already developing a more positive at-titude toward robots,” he said. “As we have seen in the last few weeks, humans need help dur-ing a crisis like this one, and autonomous mobile robots have the ability to support them in meaningful ways.”Watch this space.Click to comment

Will ‘Pepper’ soon be reciting bush poetry at campfires?

Website highlights

‘We’re innocent!’

Recently our website www.thegreynomads.com.au reported that while most Australians are desperately trying to do the right thing as the country battles to get on top of the coronavirus outbreak, there has been something of a backlash against those who aren’t fol-lowing the rules … or who are thought not to be follow-ing the rules.With people being asked to practice social distancing and restrict themselves to only es-sential travel, there have been a growing number of cases of ‘rebels’ being reported to the authorities.Unfortunately, not all of those being ‘dobbed in’ have been doing anything wrong.

Click here to read more

Other website must-reads:

More fuel usCheap petrol, no travel

Kid-free campingAn Easter like no other

Merchandise magicGrab your gear here

SURVEYHave you mowed the lawn

since your trip ended? YES NO

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the Times

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

Swimming the Big LapI learnt to read while travelling Australia, I learnt how to ride a bike while travelling Australia … and I learnt how to swim while travelling Australia.I was four when my parents, my two brothers and I set off in our 60 Series LandCruiser on our big adventure. We towed a heavy-duty box trailer and had two tents … one mas-sive one for longer stays, and one smaller one for stops of just two or three nights.We lived like that for two years and I once famously asked my mum: ‘Was I born on the trip?’We crossed creeks, climbed mountains, saw eagles and dingoes, took long bushwalks, and met so many different people. We went to Cape York, the Kimberley, Tasmania, and the Red Centre. We took rough tracks and ate tinned tuna and pasta night after night and, while I loved everything about it, I mostly loved the water.We swam at rock pools and rivers, beneath waterfalls and in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. I laughed and played and splashed with my brothers Oliver and Dominic and I think I was as happy as it is possible to be.Eventually though, the endless trip ended and we returned to a home I didn’t remember in the village of Karangi, near Coffs Harbour in New South Wales. It was a big re-adjust-ment, but one thing that was always there for me was the water. I immediately signed up for ‘proper’ swimming lessons, and then swimming squads, and I knew I was where I belonged.We moved to the Gold Coast when I was 15 so I could fol-low my swimming dream and I made my first Australian team

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in 2018. Last year, I finished fifth in the 1500m freestyle at the World Championships in South Korea.I dream of representing my country at next year’s Tokyo Olympics, and hope that swimming will take me many different places beyond that. And I hope too that, one day, it will take me back to where it all began for me … to places like Fruit Bat Falls, Ningaloo Reef, Bell Gorge and Douglas Hot Springs.I still read most days, I still ride my bike some days, but I swim every day … and I always will.Click to comment

Issue 221: April 17, 2020

Campfires were a highlight for us. I am on the right with brothers Oliver and Dominic(left)

The waters at Bell Gorge (below left) were crystal clear and perfect for swimming.Represent-ing Australia (below right)at the 2019 WorldChampion-ships in South Korea

Australian Dolphin Maddy Gough recalls the trip that shaped her life

A dip in King Edward River, WA with Dominic (above left). Washing the dust off at Coward Hot Springs (above right)‘Home’ for two years (left)

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

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Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,We were six weeks into a planned 12-month trip when the borders started closing, and our Big Lap plans were thrown into absolute chaos. We went through a stressful dash across from WA to our Sydney home … and it was a huge relief to be back. The only problem is that we had agreed that our daugh-ter and her husband and our two grandchildren could live there while we were away … and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere anytime soon. They’re saving for their own home so we were hardly going to evict them, but we did at least expect to get our own master bedroom back. They just ‘put us’ in the guest room as casual as you like, and now they keep asking how long it will be until we’re on the road again! We feel like intruders!

Eliza

Master of the house? Oh dear, Eliza. It sounds like this act of kindness has rather blown up in your face. Clearly, this is a matter of communica-tion. You couldn’t possibly have foretold that a once-in-a-generation health crisis was going to scupper your dream trip but now you and your daughter – like most of the rest of Australia – have got to come to terms with a changed reality. You need to sit down and talk to her and her hus-band and come up with some arrangement that might work for you all. While we can keep our fingers crossed, it is un-likely you will be hitching up the van again for at least a few months so being a guest in your own home isn’t going to cut it. Would you be happy if you were able to reclaim the master bedroom … or is more drastic action re-quired?

Jaclyn

Um, the old phrase ‘My House, my rules’ springs to mind’. Sure, it’s unfortunate that your daughter and her family couldn’t enjoy a rent-free run of your castle for as long as they would have liked, but, hey, them’s the breaks. Just as it says on the label, the guest room is for the guests and the master bedroom is for the masters (and mis-tresses), and I would remind your spectacularly insensitive daughter just who is who and what is what. In other words, it’s high time you slept in your own bed again, Eliza. I’m no parenting expert but it’s pretty obvious that your daughter has been doing what she wants and getting what she wants for far too long. It might be too late to undo the damage done by a couple of decades of her being spoiled … but it can’t do any harm to try!

HeidiClick to comment

Issue 221: April 17, 2020

A home where the kangaroos roam?It’s often said in jest that first-time overseas visitors to Australia are disappointed to find there aren’t kangaroos hopping down the ‘main street’ of Sydney … but there actually soon might be!The coronavirus lockdown has had a dramatic impact on streetscapes around the world and, with people deserting the pavements, the animals have moved in.We have seen Kashmiri goats wandering around the Welsh town of Llandudno, wild boar taking daytime strolls in Barcelona, a puma has been spotted in the Chilean capital of Santiago, and wild turkeys are gobbling their way through Oakland in California. There have also been reports

of massive groups of monkeys in Thai streets, deer wander-ing through railway stations in Japan and across main roads in Sri Lanka, and even prides of lions snoozing on bitumen

roads in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.In Australia, we occasionally spot emus or kangaroos mak-ing unexpected appearances in regional towns during

severe droughts, but – if the lockdown continues much longer – perhaps we ain’t seen nothin’ yet.“Normally, animals live in the parts of our cities that we don’t use,” said Seth Magle, from Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. “It makes them an unseen presence, kind of like ghosts … but now is going to be a really cool time to spot wildlife.”Perhaps then, when those borders do eventually re-open, first-time visitors will be pleasantly surprised to find camels and koalas join-ing all of those kangaroos on the Harbour Bridge! • Have you noticed any unu-sual wildlife activity where you are?Click to comment

Hasta La Vista solved b) I’ll be back!

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A wild deer enjoys a bit of solitude in the Sri Lankan city of Trincomalee PIC: AFP

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Issue 221: April 17, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE

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 transac-tions at their own risk.

PROPERTY SALE

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Issue 221: April 17, 2020

SUNSHINE COAST, QLDI have two sites:1st Site is near the stables (horses don’t use the stables) and is on concrete. It is fairly private and quiet area, except when I need to access the horse feed in the afternoon from one of the nearby sheds.2nd Site is in the paddock, with views to Mt. Ninderry and small lily-covered dam. More exposed than Site #1, but lovely views. The paddock is 1.5 acres.2 vehicles/sites, however one does not have access to power. They would need to be able to supply their own solar power. Tank water can be made available via jerry cans/contain-ers to both sites. I could take a third van if people were desperate to “pull up stumps”. This area would have electricity available, but not as much privacy as the other two spots and not as scenic.Will provide WIFI free of charge and access to my swimming pool.Must have yourr own shower and toilet facilities and take care of their grey/black water off site. Nearest dumping point is 15 minutes away.Fees (if any): $20/night non-power and $25/night with power. Discounts available for stays longer than 7 nights.Contact details: Tracy – 0402 616 964Special Note: Unfortunately we cannot take pets, due to the kangaroos, old horses (x2) and birdlife in the paddock. Plus, I have 3 dogs, so you must like dogs.***RENMARK, SAWe can have 3 to 5 vans with plenty of room to be apart , and we will have a toilet shower and washing machine avail for all to use – only problem is power as I cannot give them all power with out a small charge ( $ 40 PER VAN PER WEEK ). But if it will help some then they will be most welcome – it is in the open and well off the road , very quiet area 6 kms from Renmark ( woolies , IGA and all requisites avail ).If they are self contained it would be easier.PH: 0427 978 656Email: mobilen2008@hotmail.com***ARNO BAY, EYRE PENINSULA, SAI have four en-suites that could accom-modate four separate cases of isolation. Grounds are undeveloped but there is beach access and great views.There are separate shared ablutions but we have no guests at present.There is power and water to all areas.The buildings are on two acres of unland-scaped coastal land with access to the beach.Arno bay is midway between Pt Lincoln and Whyalla on Eyre Peninsula S.A.I serviced en-suite would be $40 single oc-cupant, $50 couple.I am trying to locate clients who appreciate a view and live cheaply and independently.Contact: rogergaston@bigpond.com***HALLS GAP LAKESIDE VAN PARK, VICPh: 03 5356 4281***BUSSELTON, WA6 caravan sites available on our registered farm stay in the shire of Busselton.Plug into our power and water and wait out the “Corona Virus”.Sites are 100 meters apart, one with farm land views the other 5 with a bush aspect.The weekly rate would be $248.00If you would rather rent one of our comfort-able cottages a rate can be negotiated.We are 20 minutes from Busselton town center, 15 minutes to Dunsborough and 30 minutes to Margaret River.Attractions we have farm animals to hand feed, and a pleasant walk around our farm.Please call Joanne on 0429420888 or Austin on 0418946296

MERTON, VICI have a farm at Merton in Victoria and I would be happy for someone to park their caravan there for an indefinite period. I have great views from up the top and easy ac-cess. Hope that it can help someone looking for a place to call home until we get through this current situation. Shower, toilet etc all available at the house. Click here.***BAIRNSDALE, VICI live in Nicholson or about 2kms from the general store. Just off the Princes Highway. I have an external power pluggy thing and have a large house block set on 4 1/2 acres. We have some chooks and some elderly horses and 2 cats. I have a space where someone could park a van and look into the orchard and have some privacy and would prefer a couple or a single lady. It is quiet and peaceful but only 10 mins to Bairnsdale. There is a regional hospital there. I could possibly organize a small fenced area if someone had a small dog too. Click here.***LAKES ENTRANCE, VICWe are located in Lakes Entrance and are able to accommodate 4-5 self contained caravans/motorhomes looking to ride out the pandemic on our 100 acre farm property, which backs onto state forest. We are ap-proximately 10 minutes from town.The area where the caravans can stay is a large graveled parking lot area (the property is usually open to the public but is currently closed due to the pandemic, so this large area is available).For simplicity, we prefer people be self-contained, however, toilet, shower, laundry and kitchen access can be discussed if you are struggling to find a place to ride this out.On site water is rain water – can be ac-cessed via a tap. No dump site on property.Click here.***WAROONA, WAWe are on a farm in the Waroona area and have shaded areas with farm views, bushwalks, small dam with non drinking water, many kangaroos and birds in a very quiet spot. We could accommodate 3-4 self contained motorhomes or caravans if travelling together. We don’t have power or drinking water on that part of the farm so generators or solar would be required.No fee is asked but please be aware that there are no facilities – pure bush camping. You are welcome to come to the farmhouse (2km) for fresh drinking water, any DVDs or books you want to borrow and at times farm eggs. We don’t expect any work in return just want to offer, while this lockdown is on, a haven for Grey Nomads to camp up.The town with a hardware, newsagent, Post office, Fuel and IGA is 9km away.Contact details are…..DonnaEmail: jwa37274@bigpond.net.auPh: 0427 089 499***SOUTHWEST REGION OF WAI am a farmer in the South West of Western Australia. I have a situation available for a self contained couple who are fully self sufficient to park up and wait out the crisis in exchange for a bit of sheep feeding. Farm experience essential. I can provide hookup to power and meat, and the potential for a bit of casual work to make ends meet.Text 0407 427 847 (Bob)***CARBUNUP RIVER, WAhe place is in a large field over looking our dam. We would like only one RV or caravan. Possible two if they are friends…We have no water, power or ablution so the van needs to be self contained. There is a little dip to get into the paddock so no low slung vehiclesWe are at Carbunup River off the Wildwood Click here

CENTRAL WEST NSWIf you have your self-contained van/caravan, we can offer fresh water, power and and an outdoor toilet, plus sunny parking spot beside the creek on our property.We are pleased to help you in this way, in re-turn for some light work in our large veggie patch, and house garden. Click here.***GLASSHOUSE MOUNTAINS, QLDBeautiful 2000m block in Glasshouse Mtns to park your van. Mum of a 3 and 6 year old needing someone during isolation to help with babysitting a couple of days a week so I can keep working from home. Little one has low immune system so full isolation is required, we get groceries and fresh fruit delivered each week. There is plenty of space for a veggie garden, 4 chooks and odd jobs if you like to keep busy. Or space to just chill out.Must have own caravan with toilet and shower. Must love children and provide a reference and be happy to have a chat over vidoe call beforehand. Isolation is different to social distancing. We are doing everything to minimise risk.It’s a fun, calm, picturesque space under the mountains to come and isolate.Looking to adopt grandparents or family minded person.All power, water paid for, free parking.Let’s discuss what else you need, if you’re the right fit. Click here.***YULEBA, QLDSituated in Yuleba $130 pw, spacious 3 bed-room house with sleepout. Separate shower, bath, vanity and separate toilet. Lounge area with wood heater and reverse cycle air con-ditioning. Large kitchen, dishwasher. 2500 m2 yard with room to park your motorhome or caravan undercover. Click here.***TARZALI, QLDWe live on five acres in Tarzali – about an hour’s drive from Cairns on the Atherton Tablelands and could offer a space for a self-contained couple.The couple would have to be self-sufficient, although we do have an outside toilet (flushable linked into our septic tank) and also an outside bath (not rigged up to hot water atm).We have room for a caravan and wouldn’t mind if they had pets, plenty of room for them as well. Maybe they could also help us with some garden maintenance.It is well away from our home and it would be okay if they ran a generator for power.Click here.***SOUTHERN FLINDERS RANGES, SAWe would like to offer self sufficient campers a spot on our farm in the Southern Flinders Ranges in South Australia. We have 500 acres and plenty of water.$15 per night. Click here.***LAUNCESTON, TASSecure 500 acre bush block site with plenty of gravel areas for camper van parking or living. Located 45 minutes from Launceston, and 10 minutes to local shops. Fresh spring water and clean air. Lots of walking tracks and located close to quiet beaches.Must be self contained. Facilities can be provided please enquire. Cost is $25 p.w. for storage and $50 p.w. for live in. Click here.***PERTH (SOUTHERN SUBURBS), WAFurnished house in southern suburb in Perth if someone needs a home for the winter months. Fully furnished. Not suitable for disabled as very steep front steps. We would like $30/ day to cover costs. For genuine persons stuck in limbo during this crazy time.Click here.***

HELP WANTED

FOR SALE ADSDo you have a rig, a prop-erty or some camping items to sell?Email us here to find out how to advertise your items on our website and newsletter

NAREMBEEN, WAPart time farm position. Looking for some-one with previous farming back ground who can operate an air seeder, feed sheep & do odd jobs about the farm. Ablution block facility available. Click here.***LONGREACH AREA CATTLE STATION, QLDLooking for Single/ couple caretaker on a cattle station 90 kms out of Longreach. Look after waters,cattle and garden. Experience preferred.House available with power but would suit van. Will discuss remuneration. 3 months min. Start May. Click here.***CHARTERS TOWERS CATTLE STATION, QLDWe run a family owned cattle property 130km south of Charters Towers. We would welcome contact with any Grey Nomads with property maintenance and building experience. Click here.***

SUNSHINE COAST, QLDWhen life gets back to “normal” again we would like to get away for about 6 weeks so will be looking for house sitter as follows:We require house minders with their own caravan for 6 weeks for a small acreage on the Sunshine Coast Qld, 15 minutes from Maroochydore / Mooloolaba / Caloundra. Power, water , shower, toilet and a washing machine are available. Walking distance to a small shop , Post Office and a railway station from which you can catch a train to Brisbane. A little light garden watering as required , and a few birds to feed and keep an eye on. Click here.***

GUYRA, NSWWe have a property 45kms SW of Guyra. It is 4300 acres. We destocked in the drought and the manager moved on. We have about 2 km new fencing to be completed in a fairly rough part of the property but strainers and stays are in, just needs Steelies and wire plus some gates swung etc.My proposal was that for electricity and water and a beautiful place to isolate, maybe two vans of couples who have the experience to finish this fence might like to utilize the place. Click here.***DRAKE AREA FARM, NSWOur property is on the Rocky River at Drake NSW. We have a farm block with enough room for 5 caravans with river frontage. Caravans need to be self contained however a toilet cartridge run is available. Firewood will be supplied and rubbish removed. Bushwalking, fishing and swimming is available in a pristine environment. There is no power or phone reception.There will be a caretaker on site for the duration on the corona virus restrictions. Cost is 100 dollars per week. Click here.***TYNDALE, NSW I own a retro motel in Tyndale NSW, it is a beautiful spot and we have lots of space here. I want to invite Grey Nomads to my property, we have self contained units with bathrooms and beds of all sizes, there is room for at least 7 caravans and shared spaces with kitchens, a laundry and a games/gym room. We are looking to have some lovely people for long and short stays. Click here.

HOUSESITTING

COVID-19ACCOMMODATION