Having lived on the road full-time for the past six years, Sheryl and Michael Crawford have had their fair share of adventures … and more than their fair share of laughs!
The couple sold their house to hit the road back in 2016 and – despite, some dramas, mishaps and injuries – their unfailingly positive outlook has meant there have been a lot more smiles than tears.
“One time, we were camping at Yarrawonga in Victoria and the banks there are steep so, for the life of me, I could not get up that last step,” said Sheryl. “Hubby was behind me, so I said ‘give me a little push’ and he pushed me alright … head first into the dirt and scraping the skin off my knee as I went!”
Another time, the Crawfords went kayaking and, when they came back, the tide was out so they had to walk up the ‘beach’.
Long-term travellers Sheryl and Michael are normally smiling.
“We were trudging back in the sand except it wasn’t sand, it was mud, and I was sinking nearly up to my knees,” said Sheryl. “Michael helped me but all the walkers and sightseers all stopped to watch us … talk about laugh … we did make everyone’s day!”
Sheryl says she soon realised that when walking on mud like that, you need big feet or else you’ll sink.
The couple currently travel in a 21’6 Essential van and are confirmed free campers.
“If people tell you ‘don’t camp by yourself’, don’t listen as we have done it a hundred times,” said Sheryl. “Not a pretty sight but I once did a nudie run around camp once, ’cos we were the only people there … lol!”
The pair travel with their dog, Remi, but he’s not the only animal who has shared part of their adventure. On one occasion, an overly friendly horse tried to follow Sheryl into the caravan after she had fed it a carrot!
While Michael and Sheryl are happy to be on their own, they say a friendly attitude is critical to a good trip … especially as many campsites get busier.
“There are some lovely free camps out there but don’t get annoyed if someone parks close to you as they may be beginners and just want to feel secure,” said Sheryl. “And wave as you pass people … it can put a smile on their faces.”
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My l late husband and I spent 7 years travelling till he passed in 2021. From cancer . one time free camping by a river no power and wanted put car fridge on gas i didn’t think it had turned on so pushed button again and flames shot up luckley was able to quickly turn off. .but have a lot of enjoyable experiences. And I miss it all..
The best camps are the ones when nobody is around!
My husband and I spent 4 years travelling from 2009
We almost stopped & turned back in our first month!
After double checking everything on car, van & packing up the house in our first week we had issues with bearings on the van. Had these replaced professionally.
Second week there was a blown tyre on van. It was 45degrees that week. We purchased a new tyre professionally.
Third week lost entire tyre from van! No idea how it came off or where it finished up. Purchased five new tyres & fitted professionally!
After that things settled down but we were really cautious for months