Grey nomads Chris and Pete have just completed their first full decade on the open road and, looking back, they say they have absolutely no regrets about taking the initial Big Lap plunge.
“The decision to hit the road full time was an easy one as we had been living and working in remote areas of the north of our state most of our lives and, in some ways, were on a journey anyway,” said Chris.
As soon as they retired, the couple flew from Perth to Melbourne to pick up their 24’ New Age Jewel caravan, which they hitched up to their new Toyota Sahara 200 series twin turbo V8.
“We had no hesitation in purchasing the ‘Cruiser and van as we were in for the long haul and this was now our mobile home to the end, and we were hungry for adventure,” said Chris.
Chris and Pete chose a rig that would stand up to challenging 4WD tracks.
“We were free of the everyday stress that comes with owning property etc and our overheads are now simply licences, insurance and roadside assistance which is all done online, and of course fuel, food and maintenance.”
Over the past 10 years, Chris and Pete say they have travelled on some of the most hostile roads on the planet, including the Tanami, Neds Creek road, and the Gibb River Road.
While, they have had minimal problems themselves, they have witnessed first-hand the harsh reality of ‘tourists’ who are ill equipped to travel in such extreme areas.
“We carry our own power plant and Pete has a Mig welder on board which he has used to weld up broken suspensions for some people just to get them back to civilisation where they can get appropriate repairs,” said Chris. “Sadly, we have also witnessed several fatal accidents in our travels as well as two caravan rollovers, both in the north of WA, and in both drivers were attempting to overtake other vehicles … one of those was a triple road train!”
But these ‘dramas’ are an exception to a daily life which is generally filled with fun and excitement.
“Besides the joys of fishing, exploring and photographing wildflowers, much to Pete’s dismay, I am a serial renovator, so he is generally kept busy in the van with my changing themes,” said Chris. “And we have a lot of fun meeting other travellers, having barbecues, and an occasional wine or two.”
So, after so many adventures around Australia over so many years, what’s next?
“We intend to travel until the end, whenever that is and would encourage others who are contemplating the same,” said Chris. “It’s a carefree life full of freedom and fun, with scenery that leaves one breathless and adventure that cannot be rivalled.”
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I sincerely wish Cris and Pete all the best for their future travels.
The Cruiser is tough but the New Age caravan would be the weak link out in the “rough stuff”.
We’ve been retired 13 years, we’ve spend at least 4 months of every year away on various tips all over Australia.
It’s been great.
We still have a homebase to return to which we feel will be an advantage when ill health in advanced old age inevitably comes along.