the Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

In this issue: •Art goes big to bring visitors to town •Fire without smoke •See the secret Shark Bay

As they travel through regional Australia, most grey nomads become keenly aware of the difference they can make to struggling rural communities. While much focus is placed on the economic benefits that the ‘grey dollar’ can bring, some-times the practical – and even emotional – support, travellers offer is just as valuable. Just ask Jacinda and Joe Barry, the owners of Carinya Sta-tion near Lightning Ridge in remote Outback New South Wales.The young couple, who have two young boys, bought their sprawling 6,600 acre property in 2012 after back-to-back floods when the native flora was stunning and the bird-life was prolific. However, the worst drought in living memory followed and years with little or no rain took its toll. Grasses died and disap-peared, and the couple cut scrub to feed the cattle to keep them alive. Eventually they had to sell them all. The couple freely admits it was an awful period but things are now looking a lot brighter. With Joe and Jacinda forced to go off the station to work, they made the decision to open up their property to grey nomads and other travellers …

and now the sheep station is constantly filled with life and laughter and love.They don’t charge people to stay and expect nothing in return, but they have found no shortage of volunteers who will do anything they can to help around the place. Willing hands eagerly do jobs includ-ing, but not restricted to, feed-ing and collecting eggs from 200 chooks, watering animals, watering the gardens, folding washing, doing housework, cooking, feeding the dogs, pigs and cat … and fixing the odd leaking pipe or tap. “We’re pretty isolated out here and I can’t tell you the impact having people around you whose only motive is to be friendly and give you a hand has had on our life,” said

When a rural family began to welcome grey nomads,

something magic happened

Issue 156: September 22, 2017

Page 1

Jacinda. “Once people have been here a day or so they take ownership and pride in what goes on.”The station commonly hosts seven or eight different camps and most people stay for five or six days and even longer.“Having guests to help us out is bloody amazing,” said Jacinda. “And we’ll never charge … you can’t put a price tag on the help and friendships we have made, and charging people would ruin it.” While she concedes it is a hard life, and that they will have to work ‘off farm’ for the foresee-able future to make ends meet, Jacinda wouldn’t have it any other way.“This is our decision and we don’t want pity,” she said. “It’s our lifestyle and we believe it’s

Aussie spirit at its bestTimes

the best way to raise our kids.”Grey nomads Gloria and Daryl Whitfield from Victoria are among those who have been blown away by the warmth of the welcome they received at Carinya Station. Besides work-ing alongside new friends, they also enjoyed communal camp oven cook-ups and singalongs around the campfire.“We were just one big family and it was an amazing experi-ence… the highlight of our trip,” said Gloria. “Everyone comes away with a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that they have helped a young couple who were struggling before.” * Do you think you have made a positive difference while trav-elling remote areas of Austraia? Click to comment

Joe, Jacinda and sons (above; pic by: deguest photography) invited grey nomads to camp on their sta-tion and lend a hand. The arrangement has been great for grey nomads (top right, above right)

mailto:thetimes%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=Commentsmailto:editorial%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=the%20Grey%20Nomad%20Timeshttps://www.facebook.com/thegreynomads1https://twitter.com/TheGreyNomads1mailto:thetimes%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=Front%20page%20storyhttp://www.cofc.com.au/volunteering/volunteer-programs/farm-handhttp://www.smartbar.com.au

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

The art of attractionHaving just officially unveiled its much-admired silo art, the Eyre Peninsula town of Kimba is very much feeling the love from grey nomads and free camping enthusiasts.And, while the farming community may still be been wrestling with a controversial proposal to locate a nuclear dump nearby, it seems it is totally united in its desire to see more caravanners and motorhomers call in.The 25-metre tall, 60-metre wide silo mural created by Melbourne artist Cam Scale is just the latest in a series of traveller-friendly initia-tives launched by the District Council of Kimba.A recent survey of travellers passing through Kimba has resulted in high praise for the town’s camping facilities, and particularly the fact that there is no compulsory fee.“We’ve found that people are usually willing to give a vol-untary contribution of $5-$10 per person a night in return for the nice facilities offered,” said council’s Tourism Of-ficer, Georgie Shirley. “Like other small agricultural towns we are mindful of encourag-ing industry and economic growth that is not reliant on the rainfall, and we saw the opportunity to capitalise on the passing traffic.”

While there are actually three free camping sites within the Kimba township, the Rec-reation Reserve Campground is the one best set up for caravans and motorhomes, of-fering a dump point, coin-op-erated shower, toilet facilities, and a free barbecue.However, while grey nomads are actually encouraged to stay between five and seven days at the Rec Reserve, the camp-ing survey found most only stayed one night on their way somewhere else … and that’s something the council is keen to change. It is currently considering supporting a tourism operator to take tourists on day trips to places like the Gawler Ranges, Secret Rocks, and Lake Gilles … and have them home to their caravans for tea time.The council has also set up a ‘Grey Nomad’s Program’ for those who want to volunteer their time.“This has attracted a fair few

Page 2

people travelling through looking to give back to the community,” said Ms Shirley. “They have contributed con-siderably to the upgrade of our local Kimba & Gawler Ranges Historical Museum, undertak-ing refurbishment works such as painting, landscaping and general handyman tasks.”In its effort to ensure every-one is a winner, the council is also engaging with the local privately-owned caravan park.“The Kimba Roadhouse Motel & Caravan Park is attached to our gas station on the high-way as you head west out of town,” said Ms Shirley. “We always recommend travellers go there when they are seeking other accommodation options, especially if they need power as this is not offered at the free camp areas.”• Do you think Kimba is offer-ing a template of how it should be done to other towns?

Click to comment

Issue 156: September 22, 2017

Silo art has helped to bring visitors to rural areasPic: Georgina Shirley

Rural community hopes to lure grey nomads with silo

art and low cost camps

Nomads in Brief

Bushwalker deathAn elderly buhswlaker missing for three days in freezing conditions in Victoria’s alpine region has been found dead. Leslie Southwell, 88, went missing while hiking with friends. The ‘extremely fit’ octoge-narian was on the eighth day of a hike.

Caravan jack-knifeA man and woman escaped serious injury after their caravan jack-knifed on the Bruce Highway, 10 kilometres north of Car-mila. The man sustained minor injuries. The woman was uninjured. Neither were taken to hospital.

Oodnadatta crashA man has been arrested for crashing his car into an Outback pub after los-ing control while doing burnouts in front of the property. The 26-year-old local man ploughed into the Oodnadatta Transcon-tinental Hotel on Thursday — slightly injuring some patrons inside.

Possum suspectsPossums are suspected of housing a bacteria responsi-ble for a flesh-eating disease which is spreading across parts of Victoria. Experts are collecting the marsupi-als’ poo from a number of locations in the Mornington Peninsula to be analysed for the presence of the bacte-rium Buruli ulcer.

mailto:thetimes%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=Character%20of%20the%20Roadhttp://www.satkingpromax.com.auhttp://www.launcestontramwaymuseum.org.au/

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

Bushfire threat is realSadly, the early indications are that all the forecasts of a hor-rific bushfire season are going to be spot on … and that means grey nomads have to be more alert and more aware of the dangers than ever.There have already been several nasty fires breaking out across the country in the last few weeks, including several that have threatened camping areas. Just last week, a ‘watch and act’ level alert was issued as a bushfire threatened the Hidden Valley Caravan Park in Kununurra before it was brought under control, and last month the Hydeaway Bay Caravan and Camping Park in the Whitsunday region was evacuated as the park was shrouded in heavy smoke.And this could be just the start. The Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre’s (CRC) latest seasonal outlook shows a heightened fire risk in much of the eastern and South Australian coasts. Experts say Australia’s warm-est winter in record has com-bined with the ninth driest winter on record to leave full fuel loads in many areas.Most travellers are drawn by instinct and desire into the areas of the country that are most prone to fire danger, and so proper preparation is critical.In its Caravan and Camping Bush Fire Safety advice, the

NSW Rural Fire service warns that a bushfire can be terrify-ing, with strong winds, intense heat and flames, and thick smoke. It says that grey nomads should always be aware of Fire Danger Ratings and Bush Fire Alerts by monitoring electronic media or using a Smartphone application. Travellers should also ensure their caravan or motorhome has a smoke alarm, fire extin-guisher and fire blanket and that electrical and gas equip-ment is secure, appropriately fitted, in good working order, and turned off while travelling.A survival kit should also be

Page 3

Issue 156: September 22, 2017

A grass fire near Lee Point Caravan Park, Darwin in 2004 kept firefighters busy (above)worried guests (top) and saw many hose perimeters (right)

Caravan parks have already been evacuated as bushfire season arrives with a bang

packed, and include a working battery-operated radio, protec-tive clothing, woollen blankets and water. When looking for a campsite, the Rural Fire Service says grey nomads should look for good access and escape routes, a flat site with a cleared area that is not on a hilltop, a place with a nearby safe location to go to in case of fire. And, it always pays to familiarise yourself with any evacuation plan and the location of fire-fighting equipment in a park.* Are you bushfire conscious and prepared?

Click to comment

Finding a place to park when towing a caravan or driving a motorhome can be a bit of a nightmare … and that’s sometimes just the start.Some 63.4% of respondents to our poll on the issue revealed they had parked in a spot which they later regretted.Annette F parked her motorhome in a desig-nated RV parking spot in a Townsville shopping centre, only to return to find herself squeezed in by two other RVs with no room to manoeuvre out.“It took a 12-point turn, re-versing into a post in front of a shop and scrape dam-age from a bollard to the side of our vehicle before we were free,” she said.” You could definitely say that was a spot we regretted choos-ing!”Di F also ran into trouble in a shopping centre car park, this time in Port Lincoln. “In we went and all of a sudden we heard and felt an almighty scrape, rumble, crash, bang,” she said. “We hadn’t seen the height bar saying 2.4m max … and it took out our air conditioner. Oops!”

Click to comment

Parking spotsnot perfect– GNT readers

mailto:thetimes%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=Commentsmailto:editorial%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=the%20Grey%20Nomad%20Timesmailto:thetimes%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=ready%20for%20bushfiresmailto:thetimes%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=Surveyhttp://www.kuiparks.com.auhttp://www.taurustowing.com.auhttp://www.transcool.info

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

Page 4

Re: water worries (GNT: 155) Giardia and crypto are removed from town supplies under normal treatment plant operations. Some 99.9% of crypto and Giardia infec-tions are caused by drinking tankwater or swimming in pools or creeks, and hardly ever from a treated town sup-ply. Cyanobacteria toxins are extremely potent, however, easily removed by granular or powdered activated carbon. Bore water is generally bacte-rial free because of protection from depth underground. I consider all surface water as contaminated and act accord-ingly. I always buy water for drinking if heading bush and only use my tanks for washing up and showering. The reason is chlorine will precipitate out of water and, if you use cer-tain types of filters, they will remove the chlorine. Since the advent of chlorine in drinking water life expectancy has risen 40% in developed nations.

Ian JWe spend a lot of time in areas that say the water needs to be boiled, or we have to fetch it from creeks. We got one batch of water that we weren’t happy with from a bore, so I invested in a B.E.S.T. water filter. It is one of the best additions to our caravanning and camping accessories that we have made. We have used them now for many years and have never had a problem with water since.

Mike P

I recently travelled from Mel-bourne up to Port Augusta, Alice Springs, Uluru, over to Airlie Beach and down the east coast. We were boiling up water along the way, and I could smell a strong odour of plastic. I thought it was my new kettle, but it turned out to be the treated water. I haven’t noticed this before in previous trips years ago. We only drank water we bought from the supermarkets from Augusta onwards. What is going on?

Anthony MWe have a 0.5 Water Filter to our main tap at the kitchen sink, which we use most of the time, but we also carry bottled water for using outdoors and when we go walking.

Roger & Wilma CI work in various remote communities in WA and even my dog gets sick drinking the local tap water. I filter and boil all our water before drinking

and nothing will convince me that water quality in these communities, drunk over a lifetime, doesn’t contribute to poor health.

Jacqueline CWe always take bottled water with us, and we also carry two large water containers on top of the roof rack - even our dog/little girl will have bottled water. Once we were travelling inland and we gave our little girl the town water supply and she got diarrhoea so bad it lasted for days. Now it’s bottled water or we buy the 10-litre cask with a tap … and no problems.

Don & Deb

We live in South Australia and, on the road and at home, we have 2 x 10” filters but still don’t drink the water from anywhere. 10-litre casks from the supermarket is the only way we go for cooking

and drinking. Won’t risk our travels by getting sick.

Mal & NancyRe: Eco caravan (Gadgets: GNT 155). The Green Dream Machine sounds wonder-ful except for the fact that it doesn’t go off road. What’s the point of having all the off the grid gear if you can’t get to the best spots to effectively use it. We had 450W of solar on our van eventually and it was awe-some to not have to rely on 240V. Go wherever you want, do whatever you want. Now that’s livin’ the dream.

Phillip RRe: camping future (GNT:155) Totally agree with everything in this article. Our caravan club recently stayed at Bill Condon’s Black River Stadium in Townsville designed mostly for over 50s and retirees and we had a ball. Great camp kitchen, wood-fired pizzas some nights, plenty of cooking options available and everyone joined in. I hope a lot of others parks choose to do this as well.

Gary H

Issue 156: September 22, 2017

Wow! Glenn and Rowan Bowyer were lucky enough to experience this peaceful sunrise over Lake Wyangan at Griffith in New South Wales. “Sunrises are always free,” said Glenn. “But so was this overnight location!”

https://oceanclubresort.com.au/http://www.iservicevans.com.auhttp://www.healesvillemusicfestival.com.au/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/shop/

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

Page 5

Issue 156: September 22, 2017Re: Whingers (Letters: GNT

155). The problem with the ‘Moaners Brigade’ is they spend too much time focus-ing on themselves and little to no time on this beautiful country of ours. We had plenty of dramas on our Big Lap but still found heaps of joy and fun in our surroundings and the amazing people you meet. It’s an experience of a lifetime and you may only get one shot at it. Grab the opportunity while it’s there because it may be gone tomorrow.

LilokingWe have been travelling most winters for about 10 years or so (more since retirement four years ago). We have met wonderful people wherever we go – free camps or caravan parks – and I guarantee that for every whinger there are 10 great non-whingers! You do need to start with an open mind yourself and take people as you find them.

Sharon & Paul SLife is what you make it Vicki whether you stay at home or go on the road. We would rather live on the road than sit in a house/flat/unit, staring out the window waiting to die. In the four years we have been living on the road we have met wonderful people, experienced stunning sunrises, sunsets and scenery all over the country. We have smelt the bush, the animals, seen the devastation caused by fires and drought, all of which has giving us a real sense of the hardships some of our fellow Austral-ians suffer. Living on the road

is about freedom and choices. You should give it a try … you might like it!

Gail F (Fishcakesfisher)Reading about the moaning and groaning is half the fun. It’s an insight into how the other half live. Without it life would be boring at Happy Hour. Why even Vicki would be a topic of conservation as she is moaning and groaning about those that are doing what she is doing. Get a drink Vicki and quit ya moaning!

Robert KRe: fuel prices. We are just starting out on probably our last trip across the paddock and I am amazed how much the roadhouse gouge the fuel costs. It went from $174.9 at the Nullarbor Roadhouse to $118.9 for diesel at Ceduna. Surely, something needs to be

done about this!Graham & Marj

Re: buying in the north (GNT: 155). After travelling Australia for four years living in our van, we discovered Townsville had everything we were seeking. Excellent medical services, theatre entertainment, great golf courses, near to the sea, and swimming pools and gyms in which to exercise. By residing in Townsville we could retain our van and travel west, or north without towing it for great distances … and for nearly eight months of the year the weather is glorious. Once the Wet Season is due, we just pack up and head south!

Sandy KRe: Camping future (GNT: 155). ‘Dynamic pricing’ my arse. What it means is that prices stay constant through

Many thanks to Robert King for sending in this lovely picture of a little ring tail possum that dropped in for a feed and a chat at the Goondiwindi Top Tourist Park earlier this month. Have you got a photo you would like to share with GNT read-ers? Email it to us here.

A true country experience

Oktoberfest at Hollydene – 14 OctoberBottoms Up Festival – 21 October

Centenary of Beersheba Day – 26 OctoberScone Literary Festival – 11-12 November

Come on up!

For full details visit upperhuntercountry.com Like us on Facebook #comeonup! #upperhunter

the low and shoulder season, and skyrocket at the busy times. Just another excuse by the caravan park industry as-sociation to justify high prices.

Chris SRe: Bad taste (Jaclyn & Heidi: GNT 155). Fran should just stop worrying about what she imagines other people are thinking.

Steve Wow Heidi! Thanks for the shake up. I didn’t realise cook-ing up some tasty grub for your friends was viewed as rude and pretentious. I’ll try and do better next time.

Tony M Re: tug question. I have a 17-year-old 100 Series ’Cruiser which I’m looking at replacing. The 200 ’Cruiser and the Ford Ranger have the same towing capacity but the price tag for the 200 ’Cruiser is $30k dearer. Our van is a 19’6 2400 weight. Just wondering if any readers have a Ranger and what it tows like, given the Ranger has a 3.2 litre turbo diesel engine. Any thoughts welcomed.

Ian C

mailto:thetimes%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=Photo%20to%20sharehttp://www.optitec.com.auhttp://www.satphonesales.com.auhttp://www.upperhuntercountry.comhttps://www.facebook.com/TheShopMiriamVale/http://www.globalgypsies.com.au

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

Time to farewell the big smoke?Other than the sound of a million buzzing mosquitoes heading your way, there is nothing more certain to ruin that perfect Outback evening sitting around the campfire than the blooming smoke that gets in your eyes.Most grey nomads know the feeling. There are just some evenings when there is no place to run and no place to hide. However many times you shift your campchair it seems that sometimes the smoky trails are just absolutely determined to follow you and ruin your night.Well, despair not!Very few people would have seen this coming … but the era of the smokeless campfire may not be all that far away.BioLite, which has long been leading the way in outdoor cooking gadgets, has just developed its FirePit, which massively reduces smoke emissions by applying oxygen in strategic places.The device has 51 jets sur-rounding the chamber which are powered by a Micro USB-rechargeable power pack. They pump oxygen into the fire

Page 6

at key spots to create a more even temperature and mix gases around, which appar-ently improves combustion by burning particulate matter before it can escape. The end result is a more efficient burn-ing of fuel and, consequently, a lot less smoke. Hooray!Happy campers can control the strength of the flame by using adjustments on the Fire-Pit itself, or via Bluetooth on a smartphone app.The burner has perforated ‘Ray Mesh’ sides for heat distribution and flame visibil-ity and can burn charcoal or wood. It has folding legs and

features a grill top for cooking.The device comes with an optional carry case which has a solar panel on top so that the sun can charge up the power pack via Micro USB. When fully charged, this pack should provide 24 hours of use on a low setting.If all goes well, Biolite will begin full production of the FirePit soon and start shipping next May. It is expected to cost around US$200.

• Would you splash out on this to guarantee yourself a smoke-free campfire evening? Click to comment

Issue 156: September 22, 2017

Last week’s picture puzzle winner was Graham C

QUIZ CORNER

Win grey nomad stickers!

Email the solution to the puzzle. Winner announced in Issue 157. CLUE: A lot of grey nomads think this is the only way to travel:

Do You Know1. Starts Bias (anagram). Grey nomads normally need spirit to get across this.

2. The tiny Victorian town of Rainbow was named because:a) It was near a crescent-shaped ridge which was covered with multi-coloured wildflowers in spring.b) Explorer Edward Eyre was greeted by a huge rainbow when he first arrived in the area in 1838. c) That was the name of the cat that travelled with Captain James Cook aboard the Endeavour on its voyage from England.

3. I’m travelling between the Queensland towns of Miles and Condamine. Which highway am I on?

4. How many kilometres long is 80-Mile Beach in WA?a) 220km b) 129km c) 80km 5. Shortest road distance between WA towns of Halls Creek and Derby?a) 472km b) 546km c)668km

(Answers on p. 8)

Campfire fans can stare into the flames without smoke getting in their eyes

Housesitting

mailto:thetimes%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=Commentsmailto:editorial%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=the%20Grey%20Nomad%20Timesmailto:thetimes%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=Gadgets%20to%20bringmailto:thetimes%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=Picture%20puzzlehttp://www.landbase.com.au/http://www.velectrix.com.au

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

‘Secret’ Shark BayShark Bay in Australia’s extreme west has long drawn grey nomads eager to swim with the dolphins at Monkey Mia, view the stromatolites at Hamelin Bay, and visit such magical coastal spots as Shell Beach. However, having ticked off the area’s most acces-sible ‘big ticket’ attractions, too many travellers head off without finding all this unique region, approximately 800kms north of Perth, has to offer.To truly get off the beaten track in Shark Bay, visitors need to be ready to get their wheels dirty and perhaps let the air out of their tyres … and the Francois Peron National Park is a great place to start.Beyond the Peron Heritage Precinct at the southern end of the park, the tracks get very sandy but lead to some stunning scenery. Cape Peron offers spectacular views across red dunes, brilliant white beaches, and turquoise waters. A 1.5-kilometre walking trail connects Cape Peron to Skip-jack Point, where two spec-tacular viewing platforms are perched over the cliff edge.Rather than marking the end of the Shark Bay area adven-ture, this first 4WD foray could mark the beginning. Most travellers are frightened off by the 200-kilometre or so drive from Denham that loops

around to Steep Point, the most westerly point on main-land Australia … and that’s a real shame. Much of this is unsealed road, with the last 30 kilometres or so being a soft track winding around sand dunes. The 4WD aspect can then be challenging, but there are companies that offer tours to the region. Steep Point lies within the proposed Edel Land National Park, which boasts spectacular cliffs, blowholes, sweeping white sand dunes and remote beaches.Further north across a short stretch of water is perhaps the crown jewel of Shark Bay … Dirk Hartog Island. This is a ‘bucket list’ destination. There are flights over it, and 4WD tours available, or travellers can catch a barge across from Steep Point. Be warned though there is no water, no fuel, and no shops.The island is named after Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog who landed here in 1616, and

promptly nailed a dated pewter plate to a post at Inscription Point. This original was later removed and taken to a muse-um in Holland. This is also the site of an historic lighthouse and newly restored keepers’ quarters. The remnants of a garrison at Quoin Bluff South further evidences the island’s fascinating history, but it is the towering cliffs, gorgeous beaches and sheltered bays here which will live longest in the memory. And then, there’s the incredible array of wildlife including a host of nesting seabirds and the thousands of loggerhead turtles that return to Turtle Bay to lay their eggs every summer. These are not places that every visiting grey nomad gets to and, in some ways, that’s prob-ably a good thing. But those that do make the effort to get off the beaten track in Shark Bay rarely regret it … and certainly never forget it. Click to comment

Page 7

Issue 156: September 22, 2017

Beautiful Turtle Bay is off the beaten track Pic: Ocean Park Management

Website highlights

The scourge of stake-outs Recently our websitewww.thegreynomads.com.au reported that as summer ap-proaches and many campsites get busier and busier, the is-sues around the controversial practice of ‘staking out’ terri-tory and ‘campsite spreading’ are set to re-emerge. So how big of a problem are they, and how can they be stopped?Click here for more

Other website must-reads:

Croc kill warningPower vacuum in the river

Budget bustersWhy nomads overspend

Bat invasionColony at Katherine Gorge

Rollover runawayDog missing after van crash

Albury compromiseShowground camp survives

Merchandise magicGet your grey nomad gear

SURVEYHave you seen ‘staking out’

or ‘campsite spreading’? YES NO

cross IT off your buckeT lIsT!

sTeeP PoINT 4WD Tour

book NoW oN 9948 1765

mailto:thetimes%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=Great%20Placeshttp://www.thegreynomads.com.au/spread/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/croc-2/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/spend/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/bat/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/otis/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/show/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/shop/https://www.facebook.com/thegreynomads1/https://oceanpark.com.au/http://www.indrub.com.au/hardware/drawer-slides/fridge-slides.html?utm_source=greynomads&utm_medium=banner-medium-middle-annimated&utm_campaign=website-ads&utm_content=fridge-slidesmailto:thetimes%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=YES%20-%20I%20HAVE%20seen%20%E2%80%98staking%20out%E2%80%99%0D%20or%20%E2%80%98campsite%20spreading%E2%80%99mailto:thetimes%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=NO%20-%20I%20HAVE%20NOT%20seen%20%27staking%20out%27%20nor%20%27campsite%20spreading%27

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

Page 8

Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,We’ve been travelling for six months and everything is bril-liant … apart from my sleep-deprived exhaustion. I love free camping and love nothing better than hunting out a spot in the bush where we can be on our own. We are both in our early 70s so I guess night-time toilet trips are to be expected … but my wife, Sandy, is taking it to a new level. Last night, she got up four times and that’s not her record! The main problem is that, as we are generally in the middle of nowhere, she insists that I come with her every time with a torch to ‘keep an eye out’. I don’t want to sound mean-spirited because she’s amazing, but I always wake up feeling absolutely shattered. Surely, she should be able to ‘tough it out’ on her own by now.

Bruce

Late-night trips too tiring Yup, I’m afraid that ever more frequent calls of nature are just part and parcel of life as we all get a little older, Bruce. Assuming you see yourselves travelling for a year or two yet, I suspect it might be time to ‘bite the bullet’ and find a solution for both of you even if it costs you a few dollars. From what you have written, I assume that Sandy is just going to the toilet out in the bush somewhere. Couldn’t you at least buy a PortPotti or similar or, depending on your financial circumstances, get a van with an ensuite? Surely, that’s the obvious answer. I know you’re keen free camp-ers but, if and when, you stay at caravan parks, does Sandy insist you walk to the ameni-ties block with her there, as well? Maybe van parks should be a growing feature of your trips.

Jaclyn

What a charmer you sound like, Bruce. Your 70-plus-year-old wife is crouching down somewhere in the bush four times a night to help ensure you live your free camping dream … and you resent hold-ing a torch for her! You are quite right. Sandy is amazing. One in a million. You’re one of those people who, if they won $10 million on the Lottery, would be unhappy because somebody else in America won $50 million. You’ve got a truly remarkable wife and you’re living the dream, Bruce. Just hold the torch when you’re asked to and stop whingeing! If you’re that tired, just plonk yourself down in a campchair every afternoon and have a snooze for an hour or two. Something tells me that Sandy would show you a lot more understanding than you would ever show her, Bruce.

HeidiClick to comment

Issue 156: September 22, 2017

CLASSIFIEDS

DISCLAIMER: The Grey Nomad Times team is not responsible for any sale, trade, or other transactions between vendors and vendees or advertisers and respondents. All parties enter into transactions at their own risk.

A popular camping ground near Toonumbar Dam west off Kyogle in New South Wales will open again next week despite the ‘sudden departure’ of the lessee. Kyo-gle Council has announced that, after “extensive discus-sions”, Kyogle Fishing Club will be the interim manager of the Bells Bay Camping Ground. The owner of the site, WaterNSW, is currently reviewing options for the long-term management of the Toonumbar Dam area and recreational sites.

FOR SALE

New managers re-open camp

mailto:thetimes%40thegreynomads.com.au?subject=Jaclyn%20%26%20Heidihttp://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/for-sale/traveller-sensation-caravan-posted-3817/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/for-sale/mitsubishi-canter-4-5t-dual-cab-posted-23817/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/for-sale/2014-euro-adria-altea-432-px-18-caravan-posted-6917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/for-sale/2009-supreme-executive-caravan-posted-31817/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/for-sale/3-7m-quintex-cartopper-tinny-posted-29817/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/for-sale/2015-avan-frances-singleaxle-179-pop-top-posted-8917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/for-sale/2016-billabong-grove-186-posted-12917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/for-sale/durango-fifth-wheeler-izuzu-npr-crew-cab-posted-12917/http://www.screwpegsaustralia.com.au

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

Page 9

CLASSIFIEDS

YORK, WAHouse/property sitter needed for 30th Sep- 9th October on 100acre permacul-ture property 40km from York WA. Main requirement is too milk the goats there are two Nanny and Maboo and they are well behaved and easy to milk. Also feed the chickens (only 6). We have a small stand alone solar system and do not want a ve-hicle plugged into it. There is easy access for a large vehicle. We have a comfortable strawbale house to use and a beautiful property to explore. Click here.

***BARCALDINE, QLDLooking for couple to “property sit” our 40,000 ac property located 50klms south Barcaldine, Qld. Dates required Tuesday 26th Sept to Wednesday 4 Oct 2017. Bitumen road right to the house. Free powered site with access to laundry, bathroom, kitchen – in exchange for feeding/care of family pets (2 very friendly dogs) and 4 horses, watering/mainte-nance of garden and fence/water check of paddocks. Time can be extended another couple weeks to continue the caretaking during busy shearing period. Click here.

***DAINTREE AREA, QLDWanted responsible house sitter End November 2017 to End January 2018, approxmate dates. Julatten Queensland, Proprty is 5 acres backing onto bush, own dam with jetty, rustic gazeba and fire place area. Undercover parking for caravan and vehicles. 15 amp power plugs available for vans. No objections to family or responsible friends joining you over xmas period. Good swimming holes near to property. Pets allowed if kept under control and don’t worry sheep or chooks etc. Click here.

***SHAILER PARK, BRISBANE, QLDSeeking home and pet sitter November – ongoing (5 month periods). We are looking for a person or couple to look after our dog and stay in our home on a long term basis. We will be away for 5 months and will return for a month, during which time you will need to vacate the property. DOG: Hugo is a 5 year old staffy cross, who is very gentle and kind natured. He will need daily walks and someone to love him. HOME: 4 bedroom, 1 bath, newly reno-vated with a big outdoor entertaining area, with a gym. On 1320m2 block. Click here.

***BERRY SPINGS, NTHousesitter wanted on a 20 acre rural property in Berry Springs from June 1st 2018 – July 30th. (65km) STH of Darwin, There is a carport attached to a granny flat,which will fit most caravans with shower and toilet, or the run of the whole house. We have 3 friendly dogs which will need to be looked after in a secure house paddock. Easy to maintain limited efforts required, main concern someone here and dogs looked after. Click here.

***WINDELLANA, NSWFarmsitter wanted from 24th Sept to 14-15 Oct. The property is at Windellana 40km out of Goulburn. Someone needed to feed our chickens, turkeys and geese, letting them out to forage in the day and locking them safely up at night. As soon as possible, we have people looking after it currently but things are a bit sporadic. There is a small cottage you can use with bathroom facilities etc. Also you can park your rig there if it suits. Click here.

Issue 156: September 22, 2017

PROPERTY SALE

FRASER COAST, QLDFraser Coast. Free camp site on the Bur-rum River, fishing, kayaking and crabbing, in exchange for some light gardening and odd jobs. Friendly pets welcomed. I have 10 acres of garden, but it is getting on top of me, so an extra pair of hands would be great. 5 mins to shops, 25 mins to Hervey Bay. Click here.

***SURAT CATTLE STATION, QLDVery busy family on cattle property seek-ing an easy going couple to help out with household, children and basic property duties.Jobs include but not limited towashing, cooking, cleaning, gardening,Occasionally take 2 school aged children 50km to and from school on a dirt road.Homework, Feeding dogs & lotsapets, rug-ging and feeding horses with children etcProperty duties: Feeding lick, checking waters and livestock welfare, Mustering, fencing, maintenance etc. We will tailor all duties according to your interests and skills. Single donga ensuited accom-modation available, and have undercover caravan parking with power, water etc. We will provide meat, power, wi-fi, most meals and fishing waterholes. Click here.

***EAGLE FARM, QLDCaretaker / Couple wanted. We have a requirement from October 2017 for a care-taker live in person or couple at our new site in Eagle Farm. The provided accom-modation is a brand new one bedroom unit, fully furnished, with a 60-square metre garage below it. The duties are not onerous. Includes, cleaning of one public toilet, some gardening, opening and clos-ing electronic security gates at set times Monday to Friday and minor maintenance organisation. Provided accommodation and a package of $20,000 per annum is available for this position. Click here.

***CENTRAL QLD CATTLE STATION, QLDWe live in Central QLD on a beautiful 17,000acre cattle Station. We are 1.5hrs south from Carnarvon Gorge National Park. We also have a Farm-stay with 4 houses for guests to stay in.We are look-ing for a friendly, honest and proactive couple to help us out with the Farm Stay in the form of cleaning and a bit of garden-ing. It would be a very relaxed working environment with more time off than on but if you get bored easily there’s always plenty to do around the farm. Cleaning is our main need for help and any cleaning will be paid work ($25 per hr). Small house provided or use your own van in conjunc-tion with house. Click here.

***KING ISLAND, TASLooking for a partnership team for a season commencing 1st Oct to the 1st May 2018. Accommodation provided within easy walking distance to work. We require the following: Ability to be able to answer phones, check people into accommodation and also check bookings during the day. Ability to be able to assist with general maintenance. Ability to clean accommodation rooms to a high standard and maintain cleanliness. Able to assist with the cleaning of buses and also dishes after touring. Must be trustworthy, honest and reliable. Must be able to enjoy woking with the general public. This position would suit newly retired couple still wanting to work with the benefits of ac-commodation and the opportunity to live and work on and island. We are located on King Island 1/2 way between Victoria and Tasmania. Click here.

***

PRIVATE CAMPS

Various LOCATIONS IN AUSTRLAIACALLING ALL RETIREE”S. JOLLY SANTA’S REQUIRED to work in Major Shopping Centre’s across Australia in-cluding Darwin plus some regional area’s. $27.50 plus an hour. Must be available for 4-6 hour shifts 5+ days per work through Nov-Dec. Full paid training, costume & drycleaning provided. Valid WWCC also required. Please email Margaret at margaret@scenetobelieve.com or call Margaret on 0412 755 181.

***RICHMOND VALLEY, NSWTwo nights free camping for 3 hours work available on 100 acre property in Bungawal-bin. We are looking for an extra pair of hands every now and then to help with a variety of (small) jobs around the place, such as lawn mowing, brush cutting, chainsawing, general clean up of green waste, tractor and machinary service, fencing and baby sitting.Beautiful property with an amazing bird/wild-life and small forest walks. Friendly dogs & cats welcome, we got 2 dogs, chooks and ducks. Wifi & washing machine available. Anyone thats up for 2 a 3 hours of pottering around with us is welcome to camp for 2 nights anywhere on the property. Longer stay negotiable. Click here.

***HARVESTING ASSISTANT, NSW &VIC Harvesting Assistant wanted. The position is located in NSW and Victoria, finishing in the Western District of Victoria.Help required for harvesting contractor. Would suit semi-retired person. Start mid-October, finishing possibly January in Western District. Click here.

***YARAMAN, NSWVolunteers are urgently needed to assist orchard farmers Ray and Marj, in Yarraman, from now through till Dec The immediate job is to help with thinning the fruit trees (mainly peaches and nectarines) and then with harvesting from mid October through to early December (November is the busi-est month). No specific skills or tools are required and Ray and Marj will teach volun-teers how to thin and to harvest. Click here.

***ROPER RIVER CATTLE STATION, NTWe have a position available on a cattle station located on the Roper River NT. We are seeking a couple with there own caravan to look after the lawns and gardens along with some general handyman jobs. Food, water and power are all provided along with access to the river for some premium barra fishing in return for the duties required.Click here.

***

HOUSESITTING

RENTAL PROPERTY

HELP WANTED

http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/housesitters-wanted/york-area-posted-22917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/housesitters-wanted/barcaldine-area-posted-19917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/housesitters-wanted/julatten-area-daintree-region-posted-18917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/housesitters-wanted/shailer-park-brisbane-area-updated-22917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/housesitters-wanted/berry-springs-area-posted-18917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/housesitters-wanted/windellana-area-posted-14817/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/help-wanted/fraser-coast-area-posted-22917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/help-wanted/surat-area-cattle-property-posted-18917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/help-wanted/eagle-farm-area-posted-14917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/help-wanted/central-qld-cattle-station-posted-12917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/help-wanted/king-island-area-posted-20917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/property-sale-rent/urunga-area-posted-5717/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/property-sale-rent/laidley-area-posted-27717/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/help-wanted/richmond-valley-area-posted-13917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/help-wanted/harvesting-assistant-start-nsw-victoria-finish-victoria-posted-12917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/volunteering/yarraman-area-posted-5917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/housesitters-wanted/roper-river-cattle-station-posted-18817/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/private-camps/gympie-area/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/for-sale/2014-mitsubishi-fuso-canter-918-posted-4817/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/property-sale-rent/latrobe-area-property-posted-22917/http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/property-sale-rent/tinana-maryborough-area-posted-22917/