Easter is one of those times when long-term travellers have to get used to sharing campgrounds and caravan parks with hordes of young families – complete with lively chatter, scooters, cycles, and the odd bit of mayhem.
However, for many grey nomads, that’s a source of joy … not irritation.
Veteran adventurer, Sharon Budd, spent the holiday period at a caravan park in the Queensland town of Stanthorpe … and she says she loved the vibrancy that excited children brought.
“It was great to see many families arriving here with caravans, camper trailers and tents of all sizes,” she said. “Their joyful arrival uplifted the already lovely vibe of this normally quiet park between the school holiday periods to another level!”
Sharon was thrilled to spend the Easter holiday in a busy caravan park.
And Sharon, who has suffered some serious health issues and isn’t able to travel as much as she used to, was delighted to see kids off their computers and discovering the magic of camping.
“So many super polite children on their bikes and running around were out in joyful force making lots of new friends in their age groups and having loads of fun roaming around in the bush camp section from sunup to sundown,” she said. “It was fabulous to see modern working families enjoying the Great Outdoors like us grey nomads are very blessed to be able to enjoy, if desired, 365 days a year in our retirement.”
Sharon has been enjoying her own Outback adventures for decades, mainly with her late husband, Peter. However, when Peter died unexpectedly in 2015, Sharon paused her travels … but eventually the lure of the open road proved irresistible.
These days though, the 67-year-old – who needs a walking stick because of worsening balance – travels on her own, taking buses and trains to wherever the fancy takes her. She carries with her a 1.5-kilogram dome tent, a mini camp stove, an espresso coffee pot, a cooking pot, a tin mug, a plastic plate, a self-inflating air mat, a sleeping bag, an inflatable pillow, three changes of clothing, a raincoat, a woollen coat … and a positive attitude!
“The real grey nomads watch on while I quickly erect my dome tent. A few, when they first spot my walking stick, offer to help me set up but I politely say ‘thank you for your thoughtful and kind offer but I still find joy in erecting my own tent and camp site’,” said Sharon. “Some even give a round of applause when I have set up … or they come over to say hello.”
She says her fellow campers often then become friends as they share a chuckle and agree that ‘you can never judge a book by its cover’.
“I know successful camping is all about experience and techniques and I have learnt on those long highway adventures with Peter at my side,” said Sharon. “And I still look up and have the odd conversation with him up there in Heaven.”
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On ya Sharon!!! “If you don’t use it , then you lose it.” Your independence and mobility, are the most important things as we get older. All the best Dave.
yes I would have to agree with that. I have been doing it since I was 17yrs, and am now 75 ! my wife doesn’t want to travel these days and prefers home activities , but I have got to get back out there.I am located in the Riverina / snowy area of New south wales with plenty of places to go, but its a bit quiet (lonely) on my own. most of the travellers and groups I have found engage in very long distance road trips costing quite a lot of money. Am looking for small groups to go away with any where realy. Any suggestions.? Would really be appreciated. Ray