It’s fair to say that John Flannery wasn’t the most enthusiastic grey nomad in the world when he first hit the open road … but he’s certainly changed his tune now!
“It took a long time for me to persuade him to pack up and do a trip of a lifetime around this amazing country as he was always glad to get home when we had been on shorter trips,” admits wife, Lynn. “But, after hearing about trips that various friends had taken, John eventually changed his mind.”
And, much to Lynn’s surprise, he even agreed to sell the family home in Dongara, WA, so they could afford to travel long-term.
“We put a lot of time into deciding the best kind of van for us and are very happy with our off-road Emu Expedition Hybrid which has plenty storage, a comfy bed, an inside ensuite and an outside kitchen,” said Lynn. “We like to cook and live outside as much as possible, and it is easy to tow.”
Both Lynn and John love life on the road.
John who is 77 and Lynn, 65, share driving duties when they are on the highways and byways. And, while they have had some incredible experiences and made some amazing memories, it hasn’t all been plain sailing.
“We originally left home with a Nissan Patrol but a near miss on the Gibb River Road damaged the car and we had to have it sent back to Perth,” said Lynn. “We were in Derby and ended up having to buy a car unseen online … but, thankfully, the 2016, 2l Volkswagen Amarok we got has been a great car!”
It’s now a full 12 months once the pair pulled out of their driveway for the last time, and they still don’t know when they will decide enough is enough and head back to WA where most of their children and grandchildren live.
Home is where the van is!
They generally free camp but stay in caravan parks to power up and to catch up with laundry … and they have done a fair bit of housesitting as they travel.
“We also spent some time with our son and his family in Nhulunbuy, NT,” said Lynn. “The Gove Peninsula is the most amazing place to visit … the beaches, the bush, the people and the culture make it unique, we loved it!”
Other highlights include ‘the little Queensland Outback towns along the way that proudly display their history and make grey nomads so welcome’.
“John also plays his golf as we go,” said Lynn. And, although we had initially planned a fairly sedate trip around the country, he is now a very experienced off-road driver.”
So, do the couple – including ‘initially-reluctant’ reluctant John – have any regrets about taking the Big Lap leap of faith?
“We have learned so much on our trip, so much about this country, about each other, and about ourselves,” said Lynn. “We both think this is the best thing we have ever done!”
