When Diane and John Augustin sold their house in 2009 in order to live full-time on the road, they knew they needed some space and comfort … so they ‘downsized’ to a 30’ fifth wheeler!
And, having recently completed 12 years of adventuring, they couldn’t be happier with that decision.
“We chose the fifth wheeler because of its size, ease of towing and manoeuvring, comfort and the ability to disconnect and check out the area with our tow vehicle,” said Diane. “It was large enough for us to live together without confining us … it had three slideouts.”
With their children grown with families of their own, and their business sold, the Augustins said they were determined to make the most of being ‘footloose and fancy free’.
John and Diane's rig at an overnight stop on the road to Darwin.
“We were totally inexperienced in that new life, but we were quick learners,” said Diane. “Our rig was set up for off-grid camping and, after a few glitches along the way, we quickly became familiar with independent camping.”
Diane and John said that being fully self-sufficient made travel easier.
“We thoroughly enjoyed using freedom or independent campsites, staying at pubs that allowed camping, and at showgrounds, and farmstays … and we also sometimes stayed in caravan parks if we could fit!” said Diane. “We found that fellow free campers were far more friendly and outgoing than caravan park occupants.”
The Augustins absolutely loved the lifestyle and, although they normally travelled alone, they sometimes met up with other travellers they had previously seen along the way.
John and Diane pick up their new rig back in 2009.
In 2020, the couple spent eight wonderful months in Tasmania, but it was during the Covid lockdown there that they started to realise that their time to stop travelling was fast approaching.
“We were becoming jaded,” said Diane. “And we missed our children and grandchildren.” As luck would have it, one of the couple’s sons offered them a space on his back block to place a granny flat … and they jumped at the opportunity.
“Our ‘donga’ now is actually only a little bit bigger than our fifth wheeler,” laughed Diane. “We got so used to ‘living small’ that we found we had no desire to move back into a normal house … and we are enjoying fixing it up to how we want it.”
But, at a healthy 79 and 76, John and Diane admit that returning to ‘stationary living’ has been an ‘adjustment’.
“We miss the camaraderie of the road, the discussions of where to go next, what is a good future spot to visit, Happy Hours, drinks in Outback pubs, bakeries, well-intentioned advice, and help backing … whether needed or not!” said Diane.
“And I guess just generally being on the road.”
Looking back now then, would they do it all again?
“In a heartbeat,” said Diane. “My advice to those who are weighing up whether to, or whether not to, do what we have done is ‘do it … you only have one life to lead, don’t regret it’!”
Do you think you will know when it is time to stop travelling? We slowed when our daughter was diagnosed with Cancer. It Stopped when she became Terminal. Now van is sold and we decided to be nearby. You could not guess that caravan travel would be on her Bucket List .. Yes, they have bought a van and start their travel after Easter. Life has strange twists and turns.