July 2008 ... The Nomad

July 31

All the Rage
Our caravan and motorhome habits have long been influenced by overseas trends ... but here’s one that we hope doesn’t take hold over here.
It seems that the surging numbers of caravans out on the roads in UK has led to the coining of an horrific new term ... “caravanger!” It is apparently used to describe car drivers' likely reaction to having more caravans to contend with. The repair firm Autoglass says that, according to a poll it commissioned of 500 drivers, the condition regularly affects two in three motorists. One in 20 drivers admitted overtaking caravans at an unsafe speed, with men twice as likely as women to risk it.
A spokeswoman for Autoglass said: "With more and more people trying to beat the credit crunch by holidaying in the UK this year, it is predicted that more caravans than ever will be on our roads."
Nigel Doggett, its managing director, said: "We would advise people to plan in extra time for their trips to ease the frustration caused by caravans and other slow-moving vehicles, and try to show some courtesy when overtaking. Resist the urge to see red and take unnecessary risks."
And London barrister John Bates-Williams reportedly dislikes caravans so much he has taken the extraordinary step of founding the Anti-Caravan Club!.
Not surprisingly, the poor downtrodden British caravanner has hit back, accusing Autoglass of scaremongering.
The UK Caravan Club says there are only 500,000 caravans on British roads, compared to 33 million cars, and points out that fewer than 0.1 per cent of crashes involve caravans.
"Autoglass runs the risk of alienating one of their market sectors – people with cars who tow caravans,” said Caravan Club spokeswoman, Nikki Nichol. “Caravan site bookings are up, but simple logic dictates this will not cause a dramatic increase in caravans on the road to the extent they are suggesting."
So could ‘caravanger’ take hold here or are our driving conditions and traffic levels completely different? Have you noticed an increase in disrespectful behaviour from other drivers? What can be done to keep harmony on our roads? Email us here with your views.

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July 30

Thieves Steal Away
While one of the many reasons Australia is such a fantastic country to travel in is that it is relatively safe and secure, occasionally we are given a little reminder that we need to stay vigilant.
For example, in Alice Springs last week there was a spate of thefts involving caravan parks. After four incidents in a seven-day period, police appealed to tourists to become more security conscious.
Apparently, in the latest incident - an unlawful entry at a caravan park south of the Gap area - thieves entered an unlocked door while the victim was sleeping. The victim woke up and chased the thief but he escaped with a handbag and a wallet. It seems that wallets, shoes, watches and handbags have been the major target for thieves.
"The thing is that people think we're easy targets I suppose, as people travelling have always got some valuables with them," the President of the Northern Territory Caravan Association, Brendan Heenan, told the local media. "We're just making people aware just to be on the safe side, just be aware and make sure your caravan is locked at night and your car is locked at night."
I guess in some ways we are the victims of our own trusting nature. Happily, the vast majority of grey nomads have absolutely no unpleasant theft incidents to report. That can make us complacent. See our story on security for more.
How careful are you when you are on the road? Have you been the victims of theft? Do you think we are all too trusting? Email us here to share your experiences and advice.

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July 29

Are Nomad numbers Plunging?
Well, it seems that surging fuel prices is having an effect on grey 
nomad numbers, at least in some parts of the country. The Gold Coast 
Bulletin reports that visitors to the area are down by as much as 50% 
and it says the downturn is really hurting hitting van parks on the Gold Coast ... with some reporting empty van sites and a significant drop in visitors.
The paper highlighted the Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park, one of the Coast's largest, which has apparently been hit by cancellations due to the skyrocketing fuel prices.
Only 75 per cent of the park's 400 caravan sites were occupied last weekend after many regulars cancelled, complaining the annual migration was 'too expensive' this year.
The Bulletin interviewed Gold Coast Tourism spokesman Ben Pole who said the region could generally weather the ups and downs of fuel prices because of its reputation and because it was not too far north.
"The Gold Coast is positioned well on the main thoroughfare south to north or vice versa," he is quoted as saying. "We are a well placed destination and it doesn't matter whether you are a youth or a grey nomad."
Still, the newspaper says that almost half of the 75,000 retirees from NSW and Victoria who normally trek north for the winter, have chosen to stay at home this year.
I find that sort of figure staggering. And it’s not the vibe I’ve been picking up. Is that really what is going on? Have you noticed a dramatic downturn in the number of grey nomads out there? Are you finding normally crowded van parks or camping spots mysteriously empty? Or are you one of the stay at homes who are taking a break from the road? Email us here to let us know your thoughts.

July 28

Come on a Safari
Fuel prices and fuel economy seems to be just about the only topics of conversation at the moment. Will they ever drop back again? What’s the best rig to keep costs down? Can we really afford this trip?
In an attempt to help us answer those questions, a convoy of motorhomes of various sizes, a fifth wheeler, and a caravan are travelling from the Gold Coast to Winton in Victoria on the 'Fuelling The Dream' Economy Safari. The final fuel consumption figures of each rig will be monitored and authenticated by the NRMA.
Winnebago, which is one of the major supporters of the run, is confident the results will show the motorhome to be the most economical way overall to see Australia. It says, in many cases, a motorhome has about the same fuel consumption as your average large family car.
Yeah, maybe. But the statement is probably a bit broad to be of any real value. It will be interesting, though, to see what the final fuel consumption figures of the various rigs are … but we’ll have to wait a while to find out.
The convoy led by swimming legend Dawn Fraser left the Gold Coast yesterday morning and overnighted in Coffs Harbour. It will stop tonight at Port Macquarie and arrive in Sydney tomorrow. Then it’s on to Winton via Yass, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Wangaratta, arriving at Winton Raceway on August 1.
The public is invited to come along and meet the team and view the RVs as the Safari arrives in each town along the route. So, if you’re in the vicinity, why not give them a look and ask the fuel experts the hard questions.
Of course, Winnebago hopes the exercise is going to translate into extra sales. Who knows, maybe it will. But, if nothing else, the Safari does highlight once again the real financial pain that high fuel prices are inflicting on grey nomads and others.
If significantly less people travel in rural Australia, less will be spent in those areas and many communities will suffer the consequences. The statistics tell us that, at any given time, 75,000 RVs are on extended travel, each of them spending an average of $600 per week on fuel, accommodation, food and entertainment. That’s $45 million per week given to mainly rural centres. It is this that is really at risk.

• Are you happy with your fuel consumption? What is the most economical rig to travel in? Email us here.

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July 25

The Naked Truth
The grey nomad community is a broad and varied one. People travel in different rigs, in different ways, and for different periods of time. And they also like to do different things. And I’m not just talking about bird-watching instead of bush-walking, fossicking instead of fishing. No, we are a little more adventurous than that! According to industry experts nudist accommodation is holding up against the tourism downturn caused by soaring fuel prices … and some older travellers are playing their part.
You are a fun-loving bunch, aren’t you?
Apparently, Les Rootsey who publishes the Queensland-based naturist magazine TAN, receives about 2000 inquiries a year from budding nudists. And he says interest in naturism seems to be increasing. Indeed, the magazine is promoting two seven-day nude tours for 60 people at Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Resort in North Queensland, which has all but sold out.
In a special investigation, The Sun-Herald newspaper contacted a number of clothing-optional operators – including camping grounds – and most said occupancy rates were the same or better than last year.
For example, all of the 20 cabins and caravan sites at the Taylorwood Naturist Resort at Conway, near Airlie Beach, are fully booked. And over at the Pacific Sun Friends clothing-optional camping and caravan park at Donnybrook, near Caboolture, north of Brisbane, about 10 guests are checked in, which is apparently about normal for this time of the year.
According to The Sun-Herald, owners Jan and James Bishop said many grey nomads were travelling less or staying longer at one site because of fuel costs and lower investment returns.
“Some people are stopping on the sides of roads to save money and a lot are thinking of selling their vans," Mrs Bishop said. “It's such a shame when people have saved up all their lives but can't realise their dream holidays.”
Stripping off in public may seem an unlikely pastime for us supposedly conservative grey nomads … but perhaps not as unlikely as you may first think. We are adventurous, eager to discover new things, and we tend to enjoy the simple pleasures in life …and what could be more simple than running around in our birthday suits!
The Australian Nudist Federation website says it like this:
“Take a moment to reflect on some of your most unforgettable childhood experiences. Chances are the most memorable will be picnic or camping trips with family or friends rather than expensive sophisticated holidays. Modern day nudist resorts, B&Bs and clubs provide that sort of ambience whilst still catering for your creature comforts at the same time. And the camaraderie and companionship at these venues must be experienced to be believed.”
Interesting … but I think I’m going to stick to “Clothing Compulsory” campsites for a while yet? In fact, I’m still recovering from the shock of inadvertently wandering onto a nude beach near Coffs Harbour a couple of years ago!
How about you? Are you a part of this apparently growing grey nomad naturist sub-culture? Or maybe you just like to do a bit of sneaky skinny-dipping when no-one’s watching, or maybe you’re shocked to the core that any respectable older traveller would engage in such activities. Email us here to let us know what you think.
Oh, and if you’re interested but need a bit of time to pluck up the courage to shed your clothing, pencil National Nude Week that runs from November 15-23 into your diary. Good luck with that.

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July 24

South for the Winter
Anybody out there brave enough to be touring Tassie at the moment? By all accounts it had been a relatively mild winter until snow and ice began to lash the state earlier this week. Bbbbbrrrrrrr!
Although things are said to be improving a little now, the sudden icy blast caused chaos on the roads, froze water pipes and had travellers heading for hotels in their droves.
Just imagining groups of hardy grey nomads huddled under their awnings trying to enjoy happy hour drinks makes me shiver! Or maybe it’s more likely they’re plugged into power at a deserted van park watching DVDs in a luxury, heated rig. If you’re down that way at the moment, drop us a line to let us know how you’re coping with the worst that winter can throw at you.
While some of us sun-seeking softies may think the grey nomad equivalent of Galahs are off their rockers heading south at this time of year, there is certainly something to be said for travelling out of season.
For example, Broome in peak periods can seem a little busy but those that travel there when the weather is supposedly no longer at its absolute perfect best, report a relaxed, quiet and uncrowded experience.
No doubt, the ‘Magnificent Few’ braving Tassie at this time of the year will not have to battle to find a spot in a park, and will also find the rates relatively reasonable. And the scenery, of course, will be quite breathtaking.
So, are those plus points enough to convince you to book your berth on the Spirit of Tasmania, or will you still wait until the ice breakers have ploughed their way across the Bass Strait?
Email us here if you’re an out-of-season traveller, or have camped in some extreme conditions. We’d love to hear your story.

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July 23

Big-time Luxury Vans
It’s a question as old as the grey nomad trail itself … what is the perfect rig?
There is no doubt that motorhomes, fifth wheelers and larger caravans have been on the rise in recent years, as those travelling for longer and longer periods of time seek the luxury of a genuine home away from home.
We highlighted Australia’s deepening love affair with American-style RVs in our US trends story. But will the now-established trend of steeply rising fuel prices put a dent in our rush to sign up for the ‘bigger is better’ brigade.
Well, our biggest American vehicle importer, Performax International, obviously doesn’t think so. It has recently launched the first caravan in its luxurious Crossroads range.
The Crossroads RV Sunset Trail, built in the American state of Indiana features a slide-out lounge and dining section and, at 9.1 metres, is one of the biggest caravans for sale in this country.
According to Performax International General Manager, Nick Vandenberg, it’s the ideal choice for travellers wanting to get the most space and comfort in a caravan while still being able to tow it with a large four-wheel drive wagon.
“There is really nothing else like it in the Australian caravan market,” he says. “The slide-out living area is a outstanding feature in a caravan this size and adds greatly to comfort.”
So, what do you reckon? Does the extra space and luxury afforded by a slideout and cabinets with solid-grain oak doors in vans such as the Sunset Trail really justify the substantial asking price and the added fuel costs? Or should manufacturers … and grey nomads … be concentrating on smaller vehicles? Email us here.

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July 22

Findings Revealed
Well, the results are in. Thanks to all of you who took the time and trouble to respond to our survey investigating the most common causes of arguments among grey nomad couples. No surprises in the results, I suppose. And, so without further ado, we can reveal that the three most likely flashpoints are:

• ‘Helping’ each other reverse the rig into a site.
• Map-reading and navigating through busy and unfamiliar towns or cities.
• Attempting to work together to cook a meal in the confined environs of a caravan.

And some of the top tips for not getting on each other’s nerves:

• Make sure you spend time away from each other doing your own thing whether it be birdwatching, painting or just reading.
• Talk to each other and organise how you are going to allocate certain duties (it seems some men who haven’t picked up a saucepan in decades are suddenly experts when they get out on the road!).
• Make allowances for your new lifestyle (living in close quarters 24/7 takes some getting used to … even if you are doing so in paradise!).
• Take a deep breath, bite your tongue and try to remind yourself of his/her good points … however annoying he/she is!

Any other ideas? Email us here.

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July 21

It Won't Cost the Earth
Last week the Rudd Government unveiled its much-heralded discussion paper on emissions trading. Many grey nomads breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced that any fuel price rises brought about by the new carbon trading scheme would be offset by a reduction in fuel taxes.
Phew! There is only so much we can all bear. This offset arrangement will remain in place for an initial period of three years after the scheme comes into effect, and may then be reviewed. The Government will also introduce measures to protect low income groups from other extra scheme-related expenses.
The carbon trading plan, which could be introduced as soon as 2010, is designed to ensure a greener future for us all, and so should be applauded on that level.
“With one of the hottest and driest continents on earth, Australia’s economy and environment will be one of the hardest and fastest hit by climate change if we don’t act now,” said the Minister for Climate Change and Water, Penny Wong. “ It threatens Australia’s food production, agriculture, water supplies, as well as icons like the Great Barrier Reef, the Kakadu wetlands and the big tourism industries they support.”
Scary stuff.
“Today we are already beginning to feel the economic and environmental costs of inaction on climate change,” Ms Wong said. “But if we delay action any longer, these costs will be felt even more by not only our generation, but also our children and grandchildren.”
It’s a fair point, well made. While we all want to have as much financial freedom to enjoy our wonderful lifestyle as much as we possibly can, future generations deserve the right to be able to enjoy it too.

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July 18

Join the Party
Queensland is celebrating 100 years of national parks in the state and it’s inviting the good old grey nomads to join in the festivities.
The Environmental Protection Agency is offering us the chance to enjoy four ranger-guided overnight adventures in four central west national parks next month. And it sounds right up our street. The events will start on August 15–16 at Idalia National Park and continue through Lochern, Welford and Diamantina national parks over the following week and a half.
EPA Senior Ranger Andrew Kingston said this was a rare opportunity for people to tour these western parks with rangers, and see areas and wildlife not normally part of the visitor experience.
“At Idalia, participants have the opportunity to spot endangered bridled nailtail wallabies. We will be visiting the enclosure plots so people will get to see what we do to protect this species,” Mr Kingston said.
“At Lochern on August 18–19 and Welford on August 20–21, we’ll be taking people birdwatching at some of the parks’ beautiful waterholes, hosting barbecue dinners and slideshows, and taking tours of some of our historical sites.
“And at the last event, we’ll take people spotlighting to find some very special species on Diamantina National Park. We’ll be looking for dunnarts, hopping mice and two endangered species – kowaris and bilbies.
“On the last days at Diamantina on August 23 and 24, we’ll take a closer look at a bilby burrow complex, and will show participants some of our management and monitoring activities under the EPA Pest Arrest program.”
Mr Kingston said the events were as much about people as they were about park management.
“These events are about people coming Outback, seeing and learning new things, meeting the people behind the parks and having a fun experience together,” he said.
“We remind people that bookings are limited and these parks are remote. We want everyone to enjoy their time, so please book ahead and come well prepared for outback travel.”
Sounds like a great opportunity. If you’d like to book or find out more, please call the EPA’s Longreach office on (07) 4652 7333 between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
More information about the Centenary of Parks is at www.epa.qld.gov.au.

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July 17

Showergate Scandal
Well, it may not quite be up there with Watergate or even the recent Belinda Neal bullying controversy … but as grey nomad political scandals go, we reckon ‘Showergate’ has all the ingredients.
You may remember that in these columns a few days ago we lauded politician Joanna Gash for hitting the road in a caravan to find out how the other half (us) really lives. We praised the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism for her initiative, saying the best way to find out about the issues affecting grey nomads was to get out there and join them.
But, I am afraid, we have serious news to report. The honourable member has been caught cheating! That’s right, ladies and gentlemen … cheating.
Surely the whole point of travelling in a van is to experience life on the road as real travellers experience it. One would think that enjoying special perks and privileges would undermine the integrity of the whole exercise. Yet, here we have it from the shadow minister’s own mouth … special favours!
She reports in the website blog of her caravan adventures:
“Last night at Colac was again very cold and I have to admit that the park owner gave us a private shower and toilet, as to use his phrase; ‘It might as well be used as the numbers have been so low’.”
And there you have it. One week in to discovering all about the caravanning way of life and our Joanna is leaving us behind to enjoy the illicit trappings of luxury. Shocking, isn’t it?
Keep an eye out for Joanna as you travel and perhaps offer her a few insights into the grey nomad lifestyle. Just remember. Don’t bother looking for her in the public amenities block. You’ve got no chance! Showergate, indeed.

• What do you think about Joanna accepting the offer of a private shower and toilet? Does it undermine the integrity of her mission, or was she just doing what anyone with any commonsense would do? Oh, and incidentally, which of our politicians would you least like to see joining the ranks of the grey nomads? I’m not sure I’d like to be camped next to Philip Ruddock any time soon! Very scary. How about you? Email us here.

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July 16

Great news. Famed adventurer Hans Tholstrup is urging us grey nomads not to let the surging cost of fuel keep us from living the dream … and he’s telling us how to make sure it doesn’t.
The Danish-born Aussie reckons you can still travel around the country in style without blowing the fuel budget. And he’s going to prove it by driving from Sydney to Melbourne towing a Cub Kamparoo Weekender and using less than a tank of fuel. Go Hans!
Having previously been the first person to walk solo across the Simpson Desert, making this trip in the award-winning Hyundai i30 should be … well a stroll in the park. He aims to use just five litres of fuel per 100/km, which is three times less fuel than a regular 4WD towing a caravan.
“We live in a beautiful country and we need to be able to have the freedom and the finances to see it,” he says. “We don't want to reach a point that we're crippled by fuel shortage and have no alternatives … people need to start opening their eyes and their minds to alternative options.”
The combination of the fuel efficient Hyundai i30 and the light and low dimensions of the Cub Camper has Hans convinced he can drive to Melbourne at a regular pace, using less than a tank of fuel.
The Kamparoo Weekender weighs just 400 kg and includes many of the comforts of home including a queen size inner spring mattress. It opens and closes by simply winding a handle and includes a roll out kitchen and gas stove, a built-in annex, and a 60L water tank and pump. It has also been given some "fuel busting" additions including a solar powered fridge and an oven that runs on charcoal as opposed to LPG.
The 63-year old Hans says we need to change the way we think about travel.
“Travelling around Australia is a right of passage for grey nomads and we need to keep the dream alive,” he says. “If two of you go on holidays and you save money along the way, you can splash out on a bottle of wine, or some prawns or oysters when you get to your destination.”
Sounds good … but, if it’s all the same to you, I might pass on the oysters, Hans. Long story.
Hans believes that if a motorist uses economic driving techniques to travel around Australia he or she can get an extra 330 kilometres worth of fuel. And here’s how to do it!
Han's tips for fuel busting driving

• Drive fuel efficient vehicles and travel light
• Don't use your brakes unnecessarily. Each time you brake you have to reaccelerate up to speed.
• If you want to go up a hill, let the car drop its speed and climb slowly. Pretend there is a freshly laid egg between foot and accelerator.
• Don't stop if you don't have to. Get to know your traffic. If you see a sign for a rest stop that is 200 metres away, start slowing down straight away and roll into the venue gently. It saves your brakes and it saves your fuel.

Who is Hans? Among many other things, this daredevil achieved the:

• First motorcycle crossing of Australia east-to-west, 70s.
• First 4X4 solo crossing of Australia east-to-west, 1978-9.
• First south-to-north car crossing of Australia, including self-propelled crossing of Bass Straight on a rubber raft with the Mini Moke on board, 1979.
• First open boat trip around Australia, 1979.
• First solar car crossing of a continent (with racer/engineer Larry Perkins, from Perth to Sydney, 1982).
• First truck (semi) crossing of Australia. Perth to Townsville.
• First bus (22-seat 4WD) crossing of Australia. Perth to Townsville.
• First solo walk across the Simpson Desert (a weight-loss exercise).
• First double-decker bus jump across motorcycles

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July 15

Tragedy on the Road
There have been two separate fatal road traffic accidents in Kakadu National Park in the past few days … raising a lot of question marks about the safety of driving in the park in particular, and the Northern Territory in general. The Territory's road toll is three times higher per capita than in other states and territories, and currently stands at 37 for 2008 compared with 23 for the same period last year. In the latest Kakadu tragedy, a 66-year-old woman from Singapore was killed when the car she was in rolled. Three other passengers were injured in the accident.
Last week, a man from New Zealand man died while on a tour in a 4WD troop carrier carrying nine people. It rolled on the Kakadu Highway near Cooinda … killing him and seriously injuring four others.
The spate of accidents has had police cautioning visitors about the dangers of driving in the Territory. Watch commander Bob Harrison was reported by the ABC as saying that many of the incidents could have been prevented.
“It's obviously a grave concern to police and these accidents could be avoided if people take more care on the roads,” he told the national broadcaster. “Obviously over the last few weeks, there’s been a lot of tourist accidents happening, so I don't know how we can get that message across.”
Obviously driving in unfamiliar conditions on unfamiliar roads in unfamilar country presents significant challenges to us visitors. We have to watch out for wildlife, road trains, bulldust, potholes and the occasional creek crossing. And then there’s the weather. Earlier this month we reported on several grey nomad accidents that had been caused by high winds. So what can we do to keep ourselves safer?
Have you got any tips for fellow grey nomads? Do you perhaps limit yourself to a certain number of kilometres per day? Do you refuse to drive on certain types of roads? How do spot bad drivers and potential hazards ahead of you? Drop us an email to let us know and we’ll pass on a few tips that may help us all stay a little safer.

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July 14

Gash Hits the Road
With the number of grey nomads on the road growing all of the time, our collective voice is certainly getting louder ... and maybe the politicians are ready to start listening.
Certainly, it is encouraging to hear that the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Joanna Gash, is currently on the road in a caravan on a two-week fact-finding mission. Not a bad gig! But there is definitely no better way to find out what issues are affecting grey nomads than getting out there and joining them.
Mrs Gash is travelling the roads linking towns and tourism in NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
“There is only one truly effective way to find out what local communities that rely on the tourism industry need and that is to meet the people and speak with them one-on-one,” Mrs Gash said. “I am determined to formulate Coalition road tourism policy that reflects the needs of the industry and the communities that rely on it."
Mrs Gash, with caravan in-tow, will travel from Nowra to Orange in the NSW central west, to Renmark in South Australia, to Ballarat in Victoria, to Merimbula on the NSW far south coast and everywhere in between.
“Along the way, among other things, we will be assessing the road infrastructure, the tourism facilities and information and the price of petrol and other costs in the towns because they are all elements that affect road tourism,” she said. “I am looking forwarded to meeting and listening to many people along the way.”
Mrs Gash will travel to: Nowra, Goulburn, Crookwell, Tuena, Blaney, Orange, Molong, Manildra, Parkes, Forbes, West Wyalong, Griffith, Hay, Balranald, Euston/Robinvale, Mildura, Renmark, Waikerie, Blanchetown, Nurioopta, Lyndoch, Gawler, Adelaide Hills, Hahndorf, McLaren Vale, Strathalbyn, Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend, Meningie, Coonalpyn, Keith, Naracoorte, Penola, Mount Gambier, Casterton, Hamilton, Ararat, Ballarat, Daylesford, Castlemaine, Bendigo, Heathcote, Seymour, Yea, Alexandra, Healesville, Moe, Sale, Bairnsdale, Orbost, Cann River, Bombala, Merimbula, Bega, Narooma, Batemans Bay.
If you bump into her, remember to throw in your 10 cents worth … that’s what she’s there for!

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July 11

Security in Ceduna
It's no secret that we all need to be aware of our own security when we are out on the road … particularly when we are camping near certain towns and settlements. Sadly, this is a fact of the 21st century grey nomading life … but we must also remind ourselves that we travel in one of the safest - if not the safest - countries on the planet. Unsavoury incidents are mercifully rare here but, nonetheless, one incident is one incident too many. Normally any moves to increase travellers' perception of safety would be enthusiastically embraced by all concerned  … but in the remote South Australian town of Ceduna the introduction of dog security patrols has drawn a mixed response.
According to ABC radio reports, some residents have welcomed a consequent drop in violence while others have likened it to Apartheid-era crackdowns in South Africa.
Most of us know Ceduna as the last major stop before heading west across the Nullarbor, or coming the other way as a welcome proof that we have successfully crossed the desert. However, this town of about 4,000 that is famed for its fishing and its oysters has issues.
The national broadcaster reports that Ceduna is struggling with public drunkenness and violence within its Indigenous community. Now, it says, the council has adopted a controversial approach to dealing with the problems and has introduced a security dog patrol of the town streets.
Ceduna mayor Allan Suter told the ABC's AM program that a fight on Ceduna's foreshore involving around 50 people in broad daylight was the last straw for the community.
"So far we believe that the patrols have been an outstanding success," he said. "We've already had significant feedback from the grey nomads on the highway that Ceduna is now seen as a safe place to visit."
The dogs in question, a Rottweiler and a German shepherd, are controlled by two security guards whose job it is enforce council by-laws by stopping drinking in dry zones and general misbehaviour in the town.
While the security service has the support of some businesses in Ceduna, where takings have reportedly gone up as the behaviour in town improves, South Australia's Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement (ALRM) is less impressed.
The organisation's CEO, Neil Gillespie, told the ABC that use of dogs in this way was over the top.
"This is not South Africa in 1975, this is Australia 2008 and I think that it is targeted at Aboriginal people," he said.
"To bring in Gestapo-type guard dogs is just worrying. Again, I repeat, it's a racist action by the Ceduna government."
But, according to the AM program, while Mr Gillespie may detest the dog patrols, nearby local councils are more enthusiastic. Port Augusta is now looking at a trial at the end of the year!
Port Augusta Mayor Joy Baluch said the patrols would make the city safer.
"As a community we cannot keep waiting for others to come up with answers to our social issues," she told the local newspaper. "We need to be resourceful and find solutions that work for our community and ensure safety for all residents and visitors to the city."

• Is this going too far? Do you think any issues they have had at Ceduna and Port Augusta warrants taking this step. Have you felt threatened or uncomfortable while staying in either town? Would increasing the police presence be a more appropriate response. Email us here to let us know what you think. 

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July 10

Oh my goodness! A new survey has revealed that Australians are the least likely in the world to take their entitled annual leave!
It is apparently the second year in a row that we have been ranked the worst in the world in the annual global Vacation Deprivation survey by online travel company Expedia.
The survey found that one in three Australians say financial pressures have affected their holiday plans this year. It also found 32 per cent blamed the credit crunch and higher interest rates, while 34 per cent said work commitments were too great to take a break. In a further sign of Australians becoming workaholics, more than one in 10 Australians (11 per cent) said they felt guilty taking time off work for a holiday, while 7 per cent feared for their job security if they took a break and 5 per cent saying they suffered from ‘work anxiety’ when taking a holiday.
Expedia.com.au managing director Arthur Hoffman said the image of Australians being laid back and holiday-rich was a thing of the past.
"I hope the results of this survey encourage Australians to take more holidays in line with the rest of the world,” Mr Hoffman said.
Blimey! This is obviously a serious issue and it is truly shocking to hear that so many people are feeling the financial pinch to such an extent that holidays are off the agenda. Just now and again it is good that we get the odd sharp reminder of just how lucky we are to be enjoy the lifestyle we do. We are not in a position to solve all of society’s problems but we do have a moral obligation to occasionally count our blessings. Of course, like everybody else, we have our problems, but rising fuel prices notwithstanding, it’s still not a bad life … is it?  

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July 9

Buyers Beware
Well, there’s been no shortage of wild weather so far this year and no shortage of floods over the past year or so.
I suppose then that this cautionary tale from overseas should keep us all on our guard. In 2007, there was also unprecedented levels of flooding throughout the UK, causing millions of dollars worth of damage to property and leaving many flood-damaged caravans as total ‘write-offs’.
However, it is now emerging that once these caravans had been paid out on by insurers, many unscrupulous owners then chose to sell the ‘write-offs’ for an additional illegal profit.
There has been a surge in these sorts of incidents with sellers first making a few cosmetic adjustments … such as a new carpet here or a new board there … before offloading.
Specialist British caravan and motorhome insurer, Safeguard, warns that an RV write-off is declared a write-off for a reason.
“It’s both heartbreaking and dangerous to see people spending their money on a caravan that’s not fit for the road,” says Safeguard manager Rita Sadler. “And we insist that all potential buyers beware and check to make sure their new tourer hasn’t been classified a write-off.”
Very good advice for anyone interested in buying second-hand vehicles … over there and over here.

July 8

Unusual Tourist Magnets
It’s easy these days to get the impression that some communities just don’t fully appreciate the benefits that grey nomads bring with them.
We reported recently of attempts by the local caravan parks to have free camping in the inland New South Wales town of Forbes banned. And they are certainly not alone. It’s refreshing then to be able to talk about another inland New South Wales settlement that is going out of its way to entice passing travellers to stay for a few hours and patronise the town.
Moree is installing a new dump point at the Lions rest area near the Webb Oval. The area reportedly has adequate room for motorhomes and caravans to pull up with ease.
The Moree Plains Shire Council water and waste services manager, Graham Boughton, told the local newspaper, the Moree Champion, that having a dump point would encourage travellers who would otherwise travel straight through to stop in Moree
“We can encourage them to stop for a day or a few hours and spend money up the street,” Mr Boughton reportedly said.
He believes that if people in a RV stop to empty sewerage units, they are more likely to wander up the street to look around, shop or top up on their groceries and other essentials.
Absolutely, Mr Boughton! Thanks for thinking of us, and thanks for acknowledging the important role we play in these small rural economies. It’s a shame all towns don’t share your vision.

• How much difference does it make to you if you find a town that has a dump point? Does it encourage you to stop and spend time in the area? Email us here. Click here for more about Moree.

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July 7

High winds have been a real issue for many caravanners and motorhomers in the past few days … and there have been a number of nasty incidents.Last week, two caravans were forced off the road by unusually high winds near the Barrow Creek Roadhouse, some 220 kilometres south of Tennant Creek in the Northern Terrritory. The ABC reports that a worker at the roadhouse said the Royal Flying Doctor Service had been called in to treat three people involved in a caravan and car rollover. Michael Romeo said two caravans have veered off the road and rolled in almost exactly the same spot within two days of each other.
And in Victoria, a motorist towing a car avan also lost control and crashed. According to reports in the Western Advocate no-one was hurt in the frightening accident.
Sergeant Scott Russell from Portland Police Station, Chifley Local Area Command, told the newspaper the couple involved were travelling along the highway towards Bathurst when their caravan began to sway in the wind. When the driver attempted to bring the caravan under control he crashed.
Incidents like these serve as a sharp reminder that we all need to keep our skills up and our wits about us. Many people’s natural reaction when a caravan starts to sway is to slam on the towing vehicle’s brakes but this can end in disaster. The best thing to do is to gently accelerate while applying the caravan brakes. The experts tell us that this will, in effect, make the tow vehicle and caravan want to go in opposite directions, causing the vehicle to straighten out and the whole combination to steady.
It’s just a matter of keeping your nerve and of acquiring some good solid towing experience.
Have you ever struggled to keep control of your van? Email us here.

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July 4

Happy Travels?
Okay, it’s about time we lifted the lid on the “idyllic” grey nomad lifestyle. We all know we are the luckiest people on earth. We have the time, the energy and generally just about enough money to be able to travel the most beautiful country on the planet at our leisure.
Yes, there’s the fishing, the scenery, the wildlife, the campfires, the camaraderie and those fabled happy hour drinks. But what about when the caravan curtains are drawn? What about when couples are five hours into a hot and dusty drive down a corrugated Outback track, or when they are struggling to reverse into that ever-so-tight site with a whole campground watching on? We want to know what grey nomads argue about most. What are the flashpoints?
A recent American Express survey of traditional holidaymakers revealed a staggering 65% of them managed to fall out with their family before they even arrived at their destination. Arguments broke out about everything from packing to the affordability of the holiday.
Perhaps less surprisingly, the research also revealed that younger travellers were the the most argument prone, while older travellers aged 55 and above were far more peaceable. But we all know it’s nigh on impossible to travel around the country for extended periods of time living in close quarters to your nearest and dearest without having the odd tiff. Or is it?
We are carrying out a bit of a survey of our own. Email us here to submit your top three reasons for arguing while on a big trip. Or let us know if you never argue about anything. We will publish the findings in these columns next week. I think it’s only fair that new grey nomads or those considering taking the plunge know some of the pitfalls of life on the road as well as the joys. Don’t you? All right, don’t start on me!

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July 3

The Name Game
Many thanks to all of you who took the trouble to write in with your nominations for our upcoming “Bizarre Names of Australia” section.
We started the ball rolling with some interesting Tasmanian names such as Egg and Bacon Bay, Break-Me-Neck Hill and Dismal Swamp … but it seems we were just scratching the surface. As well as having a taste for the bizarre it appears our exploring ancestors also had a penchant for the risque. How else do you explain the clutch of Intercourse Islands just west of Dampier in Western Australia? I’m not sure that any of the islands are themselves grey nomad destinations but that didn’t stop you suggesting them anyway. For some reason the Victorian destinations of Mount Buggery and Titybong, and Mount Mee in Queensland also captured your imagination.
Thankfully, it wasn’t all double entendres, however. You liked the sound of Nug Nug, in Victoria, Come By Chance in New South Wales, and Nowhere Else which appears in both Tasmania and South Australia.
And then there was the Swinging Pig pub in Rockingham, WA, the cattle station Upsan Downs and other pearlers like Whoop Whoop Road and Indented Head.
Keep them coming. I’ve got a feeling there’s plenty more where those came from.
Email us here.

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July 2

Camels to the Starting Line
Well, the excitement is building in The Alice as the eagerly anticipated Camel Cup draws ever closer. On July 12, a dozen or more Ships of the Desert will be asked to get racing, but - by all accounts - not all of the competitors will be eager to take part. Organisers say it just wouldn’t be the Camel Cup if some of the camels didn’t refuse to budge, or even head off in the wrong direction in search of food!
“We are now gearing up for this year’s races and we report that the camels are also getting excited!” says Camel Cup event manager, Dale McIver. “This is the perfect opportunity to experience Alice Springs in a fun and unique way and to see camel racing at its best.”
Yup, maybe so. And the carnival atmosphere at the event encourages the brave camel riders to work hard to win over the crowd – and their camel. There’s also much more entertainment to be enjoyed, with lots of local art, crafts, food and stalls tempting visitors.
It actually got us to thinking about just how many unusual – not to say bizarre – events the intrepid grey nomad can “enjoy” as he or she traverses the country. You can see cockroach races in Brisbane on Australia Day, cane toad racing on Magnetic Island, or even sheep racing in Booligal, New South Wales.
What’s the verdict on these events? Are they just artificial tourist traps to draw us into town or do they have an authentic air? Should other grey nomads put camel racing and cockroach racing on their Big Trip itinerary? If you’ve been, email us to let us know what you think.

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July 1

Keeping Car Parks at Bay
Another small victory in the battle to save our prime beachfront van parks from the developers’ high-rise-building clutches has been recorded. According to reports in the Cairns media, the local council has denied it is planning to “pave paradise and put up a parking lot” on the Palm Cove Caravan Park site on the city’s northern beaches. The Cairns Regional Council initially planned to redevelop and run the park itself, but a shortage of funds has now seen it calling on developers to fund the work.
But that doesn’t mean apartment blocks and “No Camping Here” signs. Instead the council is asking for people who are interested in building and operating the park on behalf of council on a lease basis.
The Cairns newspaper quotes Councillor Sno Bonneau as saying: “There is no way the property can be anything but a van park.”
Here’s hoping.

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