Judy assesses the campsite for a perfect shot. PIC: Don Featherstone
For grey nomad Don Featherstone and long-term travelling companion, Judy, the most enjoyable part of life on the road is simply being free to go where they like when they like … and that’s exactly what they do.
Their trips away vary from as short as four days to up to six months at a time, all depending on how the mood takes them. They are both extremely keen photographers and their hobby often takes them well off the beaten track.
“The only place we will not camp is anywhere we do not feel comfortable,” said Don. “If we don’t have a good feeling about a place we will move somewhere else.”
As their photography skills have developed, the veteran travellers have captured some stunning images from the places they have visited on their intrepid adventures.
“The travelling started when I bought a Toyota high top camper back in 2006,” said Don. “Back then I was working full time and it was not until I retired in 2014 that we began to travel more … and we like to go as much as possible now.”
Don sold the Toyota camper in 2013 and purchased a CUB Spacevan Drover which he used until 2018 when he bought a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder and a Traveller Nipper rear-entry caravan.
“Anywhere we go is a favourite place but the most memorable place we stayed was at Trial Harbour in Tasmania,” said Don. “We met a guy at a campfire who offered his house to us to use free of charge … the weather then turned nasty, but we were safe in a nice, warm house!”
The pair loved the freedom of the island and the openness of the local people.
“The most likeable part of travelling to Tasmania and other places in Australia is the pleasure of meeting new and interesting people on the road that have the same common interest of travelling and enjoying our great country,” said Don.
Don and Judy are currently on their way back to Tasmania for a six-month sightseeing and photography odyssey.
And after that?
“Who knows?” said Don. “There are just so many places to see and travel to!”
