For most grey nomads in their mid 70s, venturing off into the Outback on their first ever extended trip in a caravan or motorhome is a daunting enough prospect … but not for all.
And that perhaps explains why John and Helen L spurned the luxury of a recreational vehicle in favour of the more authentic camping experience offered by a swag. And, just in case that wasn’t challenging enough, the couple refused to let the fact that John had several broken bones in his foot and would be in an air cast for 14 months stop them from living their dream.
The couple spent eight weeks criss-crossing 12,000 kilometres through remote country in their trusty Toyota Prado and, despite also suffering flat tyres, dehydration and a severe back injury, they insist it was an incredibly rewarding adventure.
The good life ... what else do you need?
So, why a swag?
“We have previously camped using a tent, but found it to labour intensive,” says John. “After much research we decided on a double Kulkyne off-the-ground swag instead.”
The couple, from Nelson Bay in New South Wales, says the swag was totally water-proof, offered good air flow with the fly screens down on both sides and ends, and the fact it was off the ground made it easier to get in and out of.
“The air cast slowed us down a bit during set up and striking camp, but we got it down to a swag set-up time of nine minutes,” says John. “We cooked on a two-burner gas cooker or over open fires when possible, and we showered using a 12volt system that actually produced hot showers sometimes.”
The adventure took the couple to White Cliffs, Broken Hill, along the Oodnadatta Track and the Tanami Track, as well as to the Bungle Bungles, Katherine Gorge, Kakadu, Camooweal, and all points in between.
“We free camped 90% of the time but stayed in caravan parks at places like Tennant Creek , Mt. Isa and Lara Wetlands,” says John. “The reaction from fellow travellers in the caravan parks was: ‘You came from where and are staying in that’!”
However, the couple says that in most of the places they camped – typically for 3-4 days – they were all on their own.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing.
“We blew a tyre on the Tanami Track; and despite drinking the required amount of water and wearing a hat I came down with severe dehydration and sunstroke,” says John. “I had to drive to Halls Creek Hospital where I received 2,000ml of saline over nine hours.”
Another setback came when Helen injured her back 2,000 kilometres from home. However, she simply got on with it and ‘coped’.
“There were too many highlights to name one; each day was a new adventure and not knowing what the day would bring made this even more challenging,” says John. “The freedom of being able to look up from the swag and see the stars and waking up with no noise in a new location is truly amazing.”
And the next big adventure is already in the planning stage … but there will be one major change; they are saying goodbye to their beloved swag.
“We are upgrading to a small camper trailer as we hope to be on the road for a few years,” says John. “So don’t let anyone tell me they are too old get out there and see our wonderful country!”
