Ged and Freda have noticed a few changes since they hit the road two weeks ago.
Like many grey nomads, Ged and Freda Beswick are taking the first tentative steps back to their on-the-road lifestyle … but they’re keeping a close eye on how things have changed in the new Covidsafe world.
The couple, who have been caravanning on and off for 50 years, decided to ‘test the waters’ at the large free camp at Pumphreys Bridge, 40 kilometres north of Narrogin in Western Australia.
“There was of course some trepidation when we left home but is was mostly unfounded,” said Ged. “We have now been away for two weeks and are enjoying ourselves and we expect to be away on this our first trip after the pandemic for several more weeks yet.”
One downside though has been what they thought has been a less than warm welcome in some of the smaller towns they have passed through and they have had some people tell them that WA’s regional borders shouldn’t have been opened.
“Our treatment has been fine in the large towns though,” said Ged. “While on this trip we have decided to stay in one spot but hopefully we will move around a little next week … we have been out around two weeks so far and have spent approximately $800.”
Ged and Freda are both in their mid 70s and tow a Jayco Outback 21’ caravan behind a Toyota LandCruiser. They generally travel for about four months a year.
“We are fully equipped for off-grid camping and mostly stay in one spot for a few days, then move on sometimes as little 20 kilometres,” said Ged. “We mostly free camp or stay in national parks and we love looking at the native birds and, in season, the beautiful wildflowers.”
So, what else is different since the world changed? “There seems to be less ‘Happy Hours’, which of course is a big part of the atmosphere when nomads travel,” said Ged. “Will it return to how it was … I don’t know!”
Plenty of movement up FNQ. Caravans, camping trailers motorhome in the towns and on roads. Free camps are filling up and numerous visitors in the local caravan parks
Hope you’ve got the diesel heater on Ged and Freda; pretty chilly at Pumphreys this time of year.
Had huge fires ended up staying twenty five days
Great fun
Well back here again
Been here three days
The rush is over no one here for last days
Two people in area the size of football oval self isolation at its best