The case of a caravanning couple who temporarily went ‘missing’ while on a trip to Cape York last month raises an important question for grey nomads … how do your loved ones know when it’s time to alert authorities to the fact you haven’t been in touch for a while?
For most adventurous caravanners and motorhomers travelling in remote country, it is inevitable that there will be times when they are out of contact with home unless they have invested in satellite communication technology. It is also pretty much inevitable that plans might change either because of some minor drama or simply because they want to stay in a place longer than they had imagined because they are enjoying it so much.
Jane Morwood and Paul Garrad were found safe and well the day after they were reported missing by concerned family members with whom they hadn’t been in touch with for a while. They had been travelling in remote country in their customised Nissan Navara towing an Adventure Trek caravan
The police had appealed for anyone travelling through Queensland’ north to be on the lookout for the couple, suspecting they may well be camping in an isolated area without phone reception.
These sorts of appeals for ‘missing’ travellers is not uncommon, and they pretty much always end up with a ‘we were just out of mobile coverage’ happy ending.
Often the grey nomads who are having a wonderful time in some amazing beauty spot are simply unaware of the fact
that family or friends have hit the panic button and are desperately anxious about their welfare. Worrying those nearest and dearest is obviously the last thing they would wish to do.
But how can travellers have some flexibility in their remote country travel schedule, yet be safe, as well as ensuring loved ones back home don’t worry?
It’s not easy.
The South Australian Government recommends those travelling in remote areas at least take a few basic steps.
• Inform a responsible person of your travel itinerary.
• Arrange to make scheduled calls and have emergency plans in the event you do not reach locations within designated times.
• Allow a reasonable time for minor delays.
• Travel with other vehicles or stay in contact with other travellers.
…. What precautions do you take to ensure that family do not worry unnecessarily about you, but still ensure that someone can raise the alarm if an unexpected disaster strikes? Email us here to share.
