The Miskos were delighted to come across St Hyacinth’s chapel in Yalgoo. PIC: Horace Misko
Like most grey nomads who were forced to postpone their travelling adventures due to the coronavirus pandemic, Perth residents Horace and Jean Misko had been chomping at the bit to get back out on the open road.
Living in Western Australia has meant that they have had more options than a lot of caravanners and motorhomers … but they are still cautious about venturing too far.
“When the Covid lockdown came we were confined to home for six weeks and then not able to travel outside our own areas,” said Jean. “Now we are able to do so, we have discovered so much locally and love the country towns.”
Another reason that the couple hasn’t been traveling too far north is that one of their parents is 92 years old and, with no other relatives around, they are only comfortable taking fairly limited trips.
“We have travelled all over Australia since our retirement 15 years ago but now our trips are very much shortened,” said Jean. “However, we plan to continue our mini trips into the country areas of WA and, when able, continue to explore central and eastern Australia.”
Jean says it has been fantastic to be able to get back on the road enjoying the WA country again. She described the couple’s most recent 1200-kilometre adventure – that took them to Wubin, Payne’s Find, Mount Magnet and Morawa – as ‘absolutely wonderful’.
“The people were very friendly and eager to help everywhere we went,” said Jean. “The friendliness in all areas doesn’t seem to have changed from pre-Covid, and we noticed there seems to be more people on the road, with our fellow travellers being mainly from WA.”
Interestingly, the couple also noticed that many people out on the road appeared to be new to caravanning, and that social distancing was being well observed even when there were no physical signs reminding people to do so. Horace and Jean are fully self-contained and love to free camp when they can.
They travel in a single-axle Jayco Outback, which has an ensuite right across the back.
“We love the larger ensuite and being an Outback it enables us to take it to Mount Augustus and similar places,” said Jean. “It doesn’t let dust in so is brilliant.”
Since buying the van, the couple have added a grey water tank and rubbish bin to the underside and back of the van, and they carry a twin tub washing machine in an aluminium plate box on the front. They tow it with a three-litre 2015 Toyota Hilux.
The Miskos really enjoy discovering unexpected treasures as they travel into country towns, and on their most recent trip were blown away by the Dominican chapel of St Hyacinth’s that was built by architect priest Monsignor John Hawes in Yalgoo, some six hours north of Perth.
“We love learning about the history as we travel but probably enjoy nature more,” said Jean. “We especially love the birdlife, and the natural formations … but really, it is just about being out there!”
