Madelon and Trevor are completely self-sufficient
As full-time travellers for the past five years, Madelon Lane and partner Trevor felt the impact of the coronavirus crisis more than most.
Back in March, the pair – who are both in their early 60s – were enjoying a stay at a gorgeous free camp on Wallum Creek at Bollon in Queensland when the pandemic struck and they were abruptly told to leave.
It was a hugely unsettling time but the couple, who travel in a Winnebago Alpine motorhome towing a 4WD Ute, took a positive attitude from the start. They say they are extremely grateful they were able to ‘wait out’ the worst of the pandemic in beautiful Roma Gun Club Caravan Park alongside friendly caretakers and cheerful fellow grey nomads.
They were nonetheless very happy when they heard they were free to hit the open road again.
“As the restrictions were partly lifted late in May we visited Rolleston and Springsure and Emerald and, at each caravan park, we were welcomed with open arms and had a great time exploring the local area,” said Madelon. “Then, on June 1, we celebrated our full release by hitting the road towards Townsville and we are staying each night in the bush as we travel up the Gregory Development Road.”
Madelon and Trevor are fully self sufficient, with solar power, plenty of fresh water tanks, and a large grey water tank.
“Our on-board shower, toilet, washing machine, diesel heater and gas stove makes life very comfortable,” said Madelon.
As keen birdwatchers, the ‘newly-released’ adventurers have been ‘birding madly’ again in places such as Blackwood National Park and are now looking forward to exploring the huge Townsville Town Common wetlands, before heading on to Ayr and beyond.
“Travelling is different to pre-pandemic times … there are much fewer people and we are still social distancing, but everyone we have interacted with is friendly and the appreciation we feel for our lifestyle is refreshed,” said Madelon. “We are very happy to be able to live this way, even if funds are down due to interest rates and other downturns.”
The couple, who sold up to be able to hit the road full time, say they have no hesitation in recommending other grey nomads start venturing out again … even though all state and territory borders aren’t open yet.
“We probably don’t need to leave Queensland for a few months, although we do have a booking on the Spirit of Tasmania at the end of October,” said Madelon. “We had assumed this was a lost cause … but maybe now we will make it to Tasmania this year after all if there is no resurgence of Covid-19.”
Everybody that travels full time have been in the same boat!!
Quite the contrary, we are glad we chose the option to downsize to a smaller permanent address. We chose an area a short walk to the beach and I haven’t missed travelling at all. We are planning a trip later in the year and heading south to Victoria and South Australia but that’s because we have elderly relatives to visit.