Debbie has found inspiration to write poetry on the Big Lap
When Debbie Hutchinson and husband Geoff hit the open road some 13 months ago, they didn’t know exactly what to expect … but they did know they were ready to seize the moment.
After 30,000 adventure-filled kilometres, the couple has discovered a lot about the country and a lot about themselves. And with their house rented out long term and so much still to explore, the Hutchinsons’ journey is far from over.
Like most new grey nomads pulling out of their driveways, Debbie and Geoff were aware that they would suddenly have a lot more time for themselves and were excited about developing hobbies and expanding their horizons.
But there were some false starts.
“I know that there are a lot of the ladies that do craft,” said Debbie. “So I did bring along a tablecloth that I was going to embroider … but I still haven’t picked it up yet.”
And since she readily admits to not being able to ‘knit for quids’, Debbie’s fledgling craft hobby floundered very early in the Big Lap.
However, as the couple clocked up the kilometres meeting some fascinating characters, observing some quirky situations, and drinking in some stunning scenery, Debbie’s creative instincts took over.
Having dabbled with writing poetry in her earlier life back in Sydney, Debbie said the trip began to inspire her to jot down things that happened. And then the verses began to flow.
“The poems can be about just about anything,” said Debbie. “Like the way travellers wave at each other, or campfires … and even my tent experience with cane toads and crocodiles in the Top End!”
One of Debbie’s favourite poems was the one she wrote early in her trip about the ‘wave’ (see below).
“In the beginning, it always made me giggle when we would pass caravans and they would wave, and how disappointed I felt when we waved and were ignored by the others,” she said. “But I came to realise that some people were concentrating and that’s okay to miss a wave or two.”
So, what does Debbie do with her verses, other than enjoying the process of writing?
“I wish I had the confidence to read them around the campfires and I have done it twice, but I get a bit embarrassed and I’m not sure how to start the conversation,” she confessed. “Maybe I should learn guitar as that’s a sure winner around a crowd!”
THE WAVE … by Debbie Hutchinson
There are waves that crash upon the beach that’s sandy
The queens Royal wave looks rather dandy
our Australian flag we can wave with pride
Wave it up high and side to side
But there is one wave that I am sure you all know
And it’s when you have your caravan in tow
Another van passes and both drivers give the sign
A finger or hand on the wheel all primed
Sometimes even the passenger will raise their Palm
Wishing the fellow vanner to come to no harm
’Cause it’s a kindred spirit as we cross our great land
A comfort as each of us raise up a hand
Sometimes you might have one van after another
Just leave that hand up and mass wave each other
And when you are traveling through our major towns
We know you concentrate we can tell from the frown
There are lines of traffic as peak hour is near
And you wish to change lanes and glimpse over in fear
No time now to wave and we all understand
’Cause city drivers are a different brand
But as the traffic thins and the scenery changesdl
Put up your hand and don’t be a stranger
Still give the sign and show the other vans
You’re a true blue Aussies who has joined the club of caravans
