Dirk and Johanna always look on the bright side of life
Grey nomads Dirk and Johanna Veltkamp have approached their travels in the same way they have lived their lives … with optimism and enthusiasm.
And that’s why the Dutch-born couple say they always choose to listen to the positive comments of fellow nomads, rather than the negative ones.
“If someone describes a highway rest area as too noisy because of trucks, we say ‘hear them as a lullaby’,” said Dirk. “The glass is always half full!”
However, the couple who travel in a 2003 Galaxy Southern Cross Mk II poptop towed by a 2009 PK Ranger twin cab, are now facing up to a massive test of their irrepressible positivity.
In June this year, at the age of 62, Johanna was diagnosed with stage 4 metastasized melanoma, mainly in the brain. She is now in the fourth cycle of a targeted treatment and the couple are awaiting a second series of scans at the end of this month to see if they have had the desired effect.
True to form, Dirk and Johanna have refused to allow the devastating news to change who they are.
“There’s no doubt that this has turned our lives upside down,” said Dirk, 70. “However, as positive Christians we have found reassurance and comfort knowing that God has a plan for us … and that it is always good.”
Two weeks ago, for the first time since the diagnosis, the Veltkamps decided it was time to hit the road again.
“We went for a nine-night jaunt in the caravan to see if grey nomadding still fits into our new normal,” said Dirk. “We did a late-season tour of the Western Australian wildflowers up to Mullewa and achieved both of our objectives … to see the blue leschenaultias and to see the wreath flowers!”
The couple declared the trip a huge success … despite one nasty setback.
“Johanna loves beach walks but, because of the photosensitivity caused by the cancer medicines, we had to compromise and go at sunset,” said Dirk. “As it was, despite being slathered in 50+ suncream, the half minute here and 20 seconds there in the sun during the holiday were enough to cause such a severe sunburn that she ended up in hospital on the day of our return to Mandurah … lesson learnt.”
Depending on the imminent results of medical tests, there are several possible paths Johanna’s future treatment might follow, but the couple is hoping that the open road will be part of the prescription.
“Our pattern has become to aim at three, four, or five days free camping during the week, and then taking a couple of nights in a caravan park at the weekend to do the washing, stock up and rest up, and attend a local church if there is one in the area,” said Dirk. “Our best memories invariably involve people we have met while free camping.”
The couple, who have five children, are both avid readers and love to explore places on foot. They have one other travel ‘weakness’.
“We are absolute small-town museum tragics and love going to them in places like Broome, Broken Hill, Darwin, and Nyngan,” said Dirk. “Strangely though, we are not great campfire fans … something about me always alters the local weather conditions so that I will sit in the smoke all night!”
So, does TV help to fill the on-the-road entertainment void?
“We do carry a TV in case we are in a powered camp near a big city and have a need to see the news but it’s not high on our list of priorities,” said Dirk. “There is just too much beauty to be seen and experiences to be had to spend our time watching daytime soapies.”
Safe travels, full recovery and much love. You are both amazing and beautiful people. Xxxxx
Hi guys … good on you still nomading . My husband was diagnosed with inoperable stage 4 tumor on the brain . After intense chemo and radiation . Seems the cancer has gone … we have been away for 4 months now . We go home in December for more scans etc ….. I know how you both feel . All I can say is be strong for each other . Take everyday as it comes . Time is precious . Litle things that bothered us seem so insognicat now day. Dont put anything offf …. I wish you both all the best
Hi, so glad you still see the world with a glass half full. My wife was diagnosed with stage 4 metastasized bowel cancer this year and we are doing everything we can to keep on nomading. Hope to see you on the road