Marg, Leon and Chad enjoy travels in their Winnebago
Marg, 62, Leon, 70, and Chad the Cocker Spaniel are on the road full-time.
What rig do you travel in?
‘Essie’, our 26ft Winnebago Esperance with slide-out suits our lifestyle. I (Marg) am the driver and don’t think I could manage towing a van. Leon has recently had a series of mini-strokes, is now legally blind and walks with a walking frame. I love the fact that every-thing is in the one vehicle. I feel safe in that, if needed, I can just jump into the driver’s seat and take off. It takes 10 minutes to pack up if the slide-out is out, or two minutes if it’s not. The slide-out gives us that extra room to feel like a home. Chad sleeps under the table and absolutely loves the lifestyle. A lotto win would be nice to go a little bigger but ‘Essie’ really has everything we need.
How long do your trips last?
Forever! We are from Ballarat and just love the lifestyle. Having been in hospitality all of our lives, we love meeting people. We have started combining some house(pet)sits with travelling, which helps over the winter period. We have made so many lifetime friends … it is just wonderful.
Where do you like to camp?
Mostly we like to find either community or free camps. We find people more friendly and ready to chat about their travels, give tips on great spots, and help out with any problems that may occur. Most caravan parks and national parks don’t allow our travelling companion … even on a lead.
Likes and dislikes?
We love the happy banter, the stories, the nibbles and drinks, the scenery, the freedom … but mostly the people. Probably the negatives are the fuel prices. Perhaps a fuel deal for us grey nomads (like Seniors Card) would help.
On the-road hobbies?
Board games, card games, knitting, walking, meeting people. We are currently looking intoprospecting, mainly for the exercise.
Favourite place in Australia?
Tassie, would have to be THE PLACE, Waratah, Gordon, Bracknell, Myrtle Park, all brilliant free camps. Myrtle Park would have to be the best value around. It is $3 a night, no power, brilliant new showers, toilets and camp kitchen, kiosk and laundry. It is over 80 acres of the most beautiful grounds and right on St Patricks River.
Advice to wannabe nomads?
Go for it. You meet so many wonderful people. It makes you look outside the square and become enthused again. It certainly beats sitting around, worrying about the rates, electricity, gas etc. You can always fly back to spend time with the kids and grandkids.
