Solo traveller Doug (Dougwe), 63, loves life in the ‘Playground’ … especially if he is camping anywhere near water.
What do you travel in?
Holden Colorado Twin Cab Diesel Ute with Avan Sportliner Camper Trailer in tow (for now). Being a ‘solo’ , I don’t need a lot of space as I tend to be outside most of the time and there is enough room to relax inside if there’s bad weather. However, if I was married, I reckon I’d be divorced before getting back to base camp!
How is solo travelling?
I love meeting people and seeing the sights, and I love the freedom to go and do what I want at any time. The only thing is cost of caravan parks if I stay in one as, in most cases, the cost is for two and very few give a discount for only one person. I guess it would be good sometimes to have someone next to me in the ‘Tug’ to say, ‘Gee, doesn’t that look great’, or to have someone to go out to dinner with if the occasion presented itself.
How long do your trips last?
Currently I am on in the ‘Playground’ eight out of the 12 months in a year, but that will change to ‘full time’ in the very near future.
Where do you like to camp?
Near the coast or lakes as I love being near the water. I find it very relaxing. Initially, my plan was to ‘caravan park it’ but I soon found out I liked the free/alternative way of travelling around this great country.
Favourite place in Australia?
Well, I would have to say so far, Greens Lake in central Victoria, and I also feel very relaxed at Byron Bay in northern NSW, and love the south-east NSW coast.
On the-road hobbies?
Photography. I get a bit disappointed if I am driving along and see THAT perfect shot but can’t stop anywhere for safety reasons or it being illegal.
Scariest experience?
I was driving along on my shakedown trip and BANG! the Avan was dragging along behind me. The thread section of the old tow ball had snapped! It had rusted through. A passing motorist gave me their tow ball and wouldn’t accept any money for it, and I was on my way again with only a damaged handle on the jockey wheel. One lucky camper for sure, but a little paranoid about towing for a little while.
Any other frights?
I was once on the top of a four-step step ladder putting the TV antenna up and I slipped while getting down. As I laid on the ground, this young lady came over and said: “Are you alright? You shouldn’t be on ladders at your age.” Mmmmmm!
