Solo traveller John R, 77, (aka yeoeleven) is happy to call the open road – and his Coaster bus – his home
What do you travel in?
1980 Toyota Coaster Bus. It suits me because it has plenty of space. I have also added solar panels and more 12 volt accessibility … all for free camping.
Where do you like to camp?
Free camps and national parks because of the cost and the surroundings. When I started, I planned to spend time in caravan parks … I now avoid them!
Are travellers friendly to solos?
Yes, travellers more than holidaymakers … and free campers more than caravan park occupants.
Likes of the lifestyle?
The fellowship!
… any dislikes?
Driving a relatively slow vehicle on busy narrow roads, I now avoid the Newell Highway and look for alternate highways. The Mitchell is a good example of same directional easier travel.
On-the-road hobbies?
Writing my travel blog.
Favourite place to camp?
Places where I have had good fellowship always have a favourite place in my memory. Greens Lake in Victoria is such a place.
Scariest nomad experience?
Driving between Calliope and Monto over the mountain when the vehicle repeatedly stalled in first gear and allowed me to progress around 100 metres each stall.
What wouldn’t you be without?
Solar panels, generator, inverter, Smartphone and laptop computer.
Advice for other nomads?
Become known on the www.thegreynomads.com.au forum and look for others posting locations where you could meet up. Then, use the private messaging system to make direct contact. My life would have been totally different if I hadn’t made such a contact.
Tips for wannabe nomads?
Hire the type of set-up that you could afford to buy and use on the road, then take a trip to see how you like it. In my case, the options were limited to buying the cheapest vehicle, checking it out and setting off. It worked for me!
