Ken and Glenda love getting out into the country on their trips
For many grey nomads, one of the most startling lessons of the Big Lap is suddenly realising just how little they really know about their own country. In most cases, of course, it is travellers from Australia’s bigger cities and towns who are shocked to find out just how ‘different’ life is for their country compatriots. For Ken Riches and wife Glenda, it has been a humbling experience.
“Going out in to remote country has really opened our eyes and shattered our romantic notions of life in the bush,” said Ken. “The Man from Snowy River may be great reading, but there is a lot more to country life than riding a horse … it got real for me.”
The couple, who live in Melbourne, now spend four months a year travelling in the north in their Lagoon 17’6 caravan with an ensuite, towed by a 2006 Prado Diesel. And, like increasing numbers of grey nomads, the Riches have discovered that regularly staying on stations offers them a unique insight in to country life.
“Some of the stations will take you out for a look around and I like to kick in and carry a sack of feed or something when I can,” he said. “Although there is no expectation because of the health and safety and all that, and you also don’t want to get in the way.”
Having just spent eight days at Alroy Station near Yowah in central south west Queensland between Cunnamulla and Quilpie, the Riches say the experience was fairly typical of station stays. There was a campground which charged $10 per person per night, and normally there were just one or two vans there.
“The station owners would come and sit around the campfire each night and talk to us,” said Ken. “It was a great way to learn about their lifestyle and they were also interested in hearing about our lives and the city, because it is so different to what they are used to.”
When travelling, the Riches spend about 25% of their time staying at stations and have been endlessly moved by the stories of the ‘honest and hard-working people facing incredible challenges and sometimes insurmountable difficulties’.
“But these are proud people who don’t want, or need, sympathy,” said Ken. “They have chosen their way of life and they love it.”
As the Riches continue to travel and to add to their understanding of the ‘real Australia’ they are constantly amazed at how many grey nomads don’t try station stays.
“You often hear people say ‘there’s too much dust’ or ‘it’s not got electricity’ or ‘it’s too remote’,” said Ken. “But the only way to know is to go there yourself and to slowly find out what country life is really all about.”
Done property sit west to Townsville. Was great. Allowed him to have a couple of weeks holiday. We will be doing it again.
Yes, these people are really the back bone of the country.Ken is right they don,t want any sympathy they just want a fair go,they want a level playing field,and our pollies are too stupid to see that.Go and support them have a chat, and see the real Australia and real Aussies.At least you will see just how hard they do it, so you can sit down and enjoy that T bone,or leg a lamb.,Cheers Stevo
Thanks Paul fo your comment. When I assisted with this article I was aware of the problems faced by station people due to inept and ignorant politicians and cruel financial institutions however I confined my comments to my station experiences. Good to see others care.
Hi Ken -come across this comment in my travels – pleased you are aware of probs and nice to know you have been on the road. Jenn