Pauline and Malcolm (inset) enjoy the space their rig provides
It’s certainly not been all plain sailing for Malcolm and Pauline Coe since they hit the open road full-time back in 2010 … but they wouldn’t change a thing.
Having spent months lovingly restoring an 11-metre long 1971 Denning coach named ‘Tipsy Gypsies’, the couple were thrilled when they rented out their home in south-east Queensland and were finally setting off on their adventure of a lifetime, along with their beloved Blue Heeler/Border Collie, Molly.
Malcolm, as a former road train driver had always wanted a larger vehicle to travel in, and the bus certainly fitted the bill. They also bought a trailer to carry their little car.
“Although the size has proved a restriction at times when wanting to stop at smaller places, we both agree that we don’t want to downsize at this stage,” said Pauline. “We love our bus and the extra space is gives us, especially travelling with a larger dog.”
With a kitchen and lounge area, a toilet, separate shower, a 7kg washing machine, and plenty of solar panels and batteries to allow free camping, there’s certainly a lot to love about the Coes’ dream rig.
They enjoyed nearly four years of blissful, hassle-free travelling in it until they were given the devastating news that Malcolm was suffering from throat cancer. A six-week course of radiation proved unsuccessful, and eventually the decision was made to remove Malcolm’s voice box.
“After several months of recovery, Malcolm was fitted with a voice prosthesis which allows him to speak although his voice sounds nothing like it used to,” said Pauline. “Until the voice prosthesis was fitted, we communicated via written messages on a notepad and I soon learned to lip read … all in all, a very frustrating time for both of us.”
The illness knocked the pair’s Big Lap plans for six and they decided to sell their rented house and, in late 2016, they bought a little place in the tiny Queensland town of Pentland.
“We both prefer the quieter life it offers while still being close enough to a major hospital where treatment is available,” said Pauline. “Life will never be the same again as Malcolm has to have very regular hospital visits to track his progress and this restricts our travel options.”
Nonetheless, where there is a will, there’s a way and – after 18 months in Pentland – Pauline says they both had ‘very itchy feet’ and decided to go on a three-month trip exploring outback Queensland.
“We headed west to St George, Bollon, then on through Cunnamulla, Toompine, and on to Quilpie, Windorah, Jundah, Winton, Longreach, Hughenden then home,” said Pauline. “We both seem to have gypsy blood and will continue to travel as often as we can for as long as we can.”
