John and Lorraine are ready to sit out the pandemic
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 coronavirus 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 in South Australia 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 sanitisation 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 beautifully clean RV camp.”
As they discovered that many rest areas ahead were closing, John and Lorraine became increasingly anxious to get safely back to their home state.
“Broken Hill was like a ghost town, we fuelled up and continued along the Barrier Highway to Emmadale Roadhouse where we were welcomed with spray bottles of soapy water and a smile,” said Lorraine. “They took us and other travellers 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 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 further 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!”
It is wonderful to see so many stories of Aussies helping fellow Aussies. I know there are quite a few stories of fear and panic taking hold in some of our country towns where the locals see grey nomads as a virus carrying threat. So sad. From what I’ve seen, these grey nomads generally keep very much to themselves. They’re not partying at night and are unlikely to have been in large groups spreading the virus. Once we hit the road again I will certainly remember the towns who showed some empathy towards those who were stuck and just needed a place to park. The towns which get a reputation of shutting people out may find it more difficult to roll out the welcome mat expecting the grey nomad to rejuvenate their town.