the Your news and views? Email us at [email protected]In this issue: •Gennies power ahead •Drop your water consumption •Sensational Semaphore We have no fear, say GNT creek crossers e refurbishment of the Spirit of Tasmania ferries has sparked a spike in demand for crossings that has had an unwanted side effect for some grey nomads ... they’re stranded on the Apple Isle! With Spirit caravan numbers up 17% so far this year, and motorhome numbers up 15%, many return travellers have been told: ‘Sorry there’s no room on the boat’. Some grey nomads who have not pre-booked are now un- able to get back to the main- land for a month or more. John and Lorraine H are among the lucky ones. ey are nearing the end of an eight-month trip to Tassie but have no issues because they booked 11 months in advance. However, they have met others who are not in the same boat. “We have spoken to quite a few RVers who, for various reasons, have not booked their return, believing that they would just be able to literally drive up to the ferry when they were ready to return to the mainland,” said Lorraine. “e Spirit runs two ferries during the peak season, but the last day sailing to run this year is mid April, so these people are now stranded until they can gain passage ... some waiting as far off as mid July.” TT-Line chief executive Bernard Dwyer told the media that grey nomads and other travellers needed to plan ear- lier to ensure they got spots. “At certain parts of the year it’s risky to think you’ll be able to get spots on the ferry with a day or two’s notice,” he said. While the fully booked Spirit service regularly causes angst to spontaneous travellers at this time of year, observers say the current backlog is more severe than ever. One Tasmanian tourism op- erator, Graeme Gilmour, told the ABC that grey nomads were not happy at having to sit around for a month, and did not expect to become stranded for failing to book a ticket months in advance. “If TT-Line has a large backlog of bookings they should put on more sailings,” he said. For some adventure-loving grey nomads, a challenging creek crossing is at the up- per end of the adrenaline- pumping Richter scale of fear ... but not for most. A recent GNT poll on the issue revealed that just 26.8% of respondents had been frightened while get- ting their wheels wet. Jerry G was one of them. ‘We watched two other vehicles safely cross Cockatoo Creek on Cape York before we tried,” he said. “But I have to admit I was still absolutely terrified when we had a go ... but what an amazing feeling when we got to the other side!” Max S was equally respect- ful of the risks but has never had doubts half way across. “I would normally check out the flow of the creek or river for a while, observe other vehicles if they are crossing and walk the creek if no risk of crocs,” he said. “If I am unsure I would not cross and would put off the crossing until more fa-vourable conditions prevail.” Click to Comment Some grey nomads may be on the Apple Isle longer than they bargained for! Issue 119: April 8, 2016 Page 1 A TT-Line spokesperson told the GNT that the company was constantly examining its schedule and adding addi- tional sailings when possible to allow it to meet demand. “To passengers who are considering making a return booking, we strongly recom- mend that you book your return sailing at the same time as your forward sailing to increase your chances of finding vehicle availability and cheaper fares,” she said. Grey nomad Lorraine H agreed, saying stranded travellers had to accept some responsibility for their plight. “e problem is lack of research and planning, or just the assumption that if they managed to get here, then they could get back,” she said. * Are you stranded in Tassie? What needs to be done? Click to comment Delays for Tassie tourists as ‘Spirit’ spots vanish Some nomads may have a long wait for a spot on the Spirit Times Del Rio RIVERSIDE RESORT If your looking for a short break not far from Sydney during the week and you have a Caravan, Motorhome or Camper trailer. We have the holiday for you at… Wisemans Ferry, set on 450 acres looking over the magnificent Hawkesbury River. Call 45 66 4330 or email [email protected]www.delrioresort.com.au Look at this fabulous deal… Stay 1 Night on powered camp site, Sunday to Thursday Nights $35 per night or $150 for 7 nights! VEAS04/16
In this issue: •Gennies power ahead •Drop your water consumption •Sensational Semaphore
We have no fear, say GNT creek crossers
The refurbishment of the Spirit of Tasmania ferries has sparked a spike in demand for crossings that has had an unwanted side effect for some grey nomads ... they’re stranded on the Apple Isle!With Spirit caravan numbers up 17% so far this year, and motorhome numbers up 15%, many return travellers have been told: ‘Sorry there’s no room on the boat’.Some grey nomads who have not pre-booked are now un-able to get back to the main-land for a month or more.John and Lorraine H are among the lucky ones. They are nearing the end of an eight-month trip to Tassie but have no issues because they booked 11 months in advance. However, they have met others who are not in the same boat.“We have spoken to quite a few RVers who, for various reasons, have not booked their return, believing that they would just be able to literally drive up to the ferry when they were ready to return to the mainland,” said Lorraine. “The Spirit runs two ferries during the peak season, but the last day sailing to run this year is mid April, so these people are now stranded until they can gain passage ... some
waiting as far off as mid July.”TT-Line chief executive Bernard Dwyer told the media that grey nomads and other travellers needed to plan ear-lier to ensure they got spots.“At certain parts of the year it’s risky to think you’ll be able to get spots on the ferry with a day or two’s notice,” he said.While the fully booked Spirit service regularly causes angst to spontaneous travellers at this time of year, observers say the current backlog is more severe than ever. One Tasmanian tourism op-erator, Graeme Gilmour, told the ABC that grey nomads were not happy at having to sit around for a month, and did not expect to become stranded for failing to book a ticket months in advance.“If TT-Line has a large backlog of bookings they should put on more sailings,” he said.
For some adventure-loving grey nomads, a challenging creek crossing is at the up-per end of the adrenaline-pumping Richter scale of fear ... but not for most.A recent GNT poll on the issue revealed that just 26.8% of respondents had been frightened while get-ting their wheels wet. Jerry G was one of them.‘We watched two other vehicles safely cross Cockatoo Creek on Cape York before we tried,” he said. “But I have to admit I was still absolutely terrified when we had a go ... but what an amazing feeling when we got to the other side!”Max S was equally respect-ful of the risks but has never had doubts half way across. “I would normally check out the flow of the creek or river for a while, observe other vehicles if they are crossing and walk the creek if no risk of crocs,” he said. “If I am unsure I would not cross and would put off the crossing until more fa-vourable conditions prevail.”
Click to Comment
Some grey nomads may be on the Apple Isle longer
than they bargained for!
Issue 119: April 8, 2016
Page 1
A TT-Line spokesperson told the GNT that the company was constantly examining its schedule and adding addi-tional sailings when possible to allow it to meet demand. “To passengers who are considering making a return booking, we strongly recom-mend that you book your return sailing at the same time as your forward sailing to increase your chances of finding vehicle availability and cheaper fares,” she said.Grey nomad Lorraine H agreed, saying stranded travellers had to accept some responsibility for their plight. “The problem is lack of research and planning, or just the assumption that if they managed to get here, then they could get back,” she said. * Are you stranded in Tassie?What needs to be done?
Click to comment
Delays for Tassie tourists as ‘Spirit’ spots vanish
Some nomads may have a long wait for a spot on the Spirit
Times
眀眀眀⸀猀攀攀氀愀渀搀猀猀欀椀爀攀猀漀爀琀⸀挀漀洀刀攀猀漀爀琀 氀椀昀攀猀琀礀氀攀
䤀猀 琀栀椀猀 礀漀甀爀 渀攀眀 栀漀洀攀 戀愀猀攀㼀
䜀椀瘀攀 甀猀 愀 挀愀氀氀 ㈀ 㘀㘀㐀㐀 ㈀ Del Rio
R I V E R S I D E R E S O R T
If your looking for a short break not far from Sydney during the week and you have a Caravan, Motorhome or Camper trailer. We have the holiday for you at…
Wisemans Ferry, set on 450 acres looking over the magnificent Hawkesbury River.
Des and Marg (77 & 75) are slowing down ... but they won’t
be stopping any time soon!
What do you travel in?We tow a 24-footer but we’re looking at getting something smaller or perhaps trying a motorhome. Des is finding it increasingly challenging hav-ing such a big rig, and he gets a bit anxious on some roads.
How long on the road?We still have a home on the NSW mid north coast but have been travelling for about six months of the year for the last decade. We’re not the sort of people to go back to the same place year after year, and are always plotting new routes.
Has your travel changed?Yes, we travel so much slower now and stay in one place longer. We have four adult sons who are now scattered across the country, so we make visits to see them and the grandchildren a more central part of our trips.
Likes of the lifestyleThe people we meet and the sheer freedom we enjoy. Even though we don’t work and our immediate family no longer lives close by, we still feel far more liberated when we are on the road. Des had a major heart issue about six years ago so we have learned not to take anything for granted and to cherish every moment we have together.
... any dislikes?Impatient motorists, tail-gating trucks, and narrow one-lane country roads. These are all the things that worry Des when he is driving. Des
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Des and Marg relish Outback sunsets
Caravan burnsA fire that destroyed a cara-van at the Dust `n’ Gold rodeo in Charters Towers may have been sparked by a leaking gas tank. Witnesses heard a loud bang before spotting flames. No one was injured.
Hertz guiltyHertz has been forced to refund around $395,000 to customers who were charged for damage they did not cause. Following an ACCC investigation, the rental car giant admit-ted falsely slugging customers for pre-existing damage.
Sinkhole shockerCampers at Queensland’s Inskip Point claim another ‘sinkhole’ has opened up on the peninsula. However, experts say it was just a small shifting of the sand and that nature has already repaired any subsidence. Last year, a 150m sinkhole ‘swallowed’ a caravan at an Inskip Point camp-ground.
Nomads in Brief
has had health issues and I don’t want to see him getting stressed. As soon as the van is parked up and the campchairs are out though, I know it is all worth it. We love being at home but we are never happier than when we are sitting in those campchairs looking at the sunset.
Future plans?More of the same. We may downsize our rig, and may be more wary of those long, long drives, we won’t stop taking off on our adventures until we are physically unable to do so. We simply love it too much! Click to comment
Dear Editor,Re: Cycling nomad (GNT: 118). Ken is a real inspira-tion for me with Parkinsons. I’ve always wanted to bike the length of New Zealand. So, it can be done, because he is liv-ing proof. But, like him, I had better use my time wisely for I too have a shortened future on a treadly.
Geoff TDear Editor,Re: Novice nomads (GNT: Characters 118). You will have the time of your lives and just remember we all started as total beginners and within a few months your confidence will have grown more than you can imagine. Don’t be afraid to ask others for advice ... and just have fun.
LorraineDear Editor,You will love it! Some 14 months ago, we set off in a second hand poptop complete with our two small dogs and love it! We had only done one weekend with our van to ensure everything worked (or at least we knew how to work it) before setting out Janu-ary 2015 ... what a learning curve...straight up! Last year we travelled 27,000kms, then went home for three weeks at Christmas and have decided to give ourselves at least another year travelling. So far we have travelled nearly 8000kms this year... going west in May!
Garrick & Karen
Dear Editor,When my husband and I pur-chased our van six years ago, everyone thought we would not like caravanning but we both love the lifestyle. I don’t want our trips to end. It’s so much better than staying in motels and hotels. It’s cheaper, cleaner and you get to see so much more of our beautiful Australia. Yes, you may feel at times you are in one another’s face too much. Take time out to go for a swim or walk by yourself or just ensure you get some me time occasionally. You’ll be right.
Helen SDear Editor,Well done Derek and Janice. Great to see you are taking the plunge and becoming grey nomads. We started four years ago and it just grows on you. We started with the idea of utilising caravan parks, but in a short time realised that free camping is the way to go. So, often we either pull up and join others in a free camp or others join us soon after arriv-ing at out chosen destination. We always stay at least 30kms from a town if free camping, and as we have shower, toilet and washing facilities, we remain self-sufficient. We have made many new friends in our travels and also pick up some real gems of information of where to go and what to do. Remember with caravanning, the journey is the best bit, so
make the most of it and take your time and go introduce yourself to we fellow nomads.
Ross BDear Editor,Goodonya Derek & Janice! I am envious of you both. We have another year before we head off (hopefully). We have met many people when away for short trips and have rarely found one that is not friendly and ready to freely give advice when asked for. You have a dream ... go live it!
Rod & BarbDear Editor,You’re much more likely to get help and advice than be dismissed as beginners.
Lynda QDear Editor,Re: Allergy survey (GNT: 118). Fortunately, we do not have any allergies but we are always wary of wasp nests. We recently stayed at Burrinjuck Dam, NSW, and, after pitch-ing the tent and setting up the camp, we relaxed in our campchairs with a nice glass of red wine. We were admiring the water view and the last of the daylight when we noticed a large wasp nest about three metres up a tree right next to our tent. Initially startled, and discussing how could we dispose of it, we observed the wasps for a while. It appeared that if we didn’t bother them, they wouldn’t bother us. We enjoyed our stay without any
issues. It is a shame when fears of what might happen limit or eliminate the enjoy-ment of opportunities that present themselves. However, if you feel unsafe in a situa-tion or location, for whatever reason, move on. The freedom to choose is what makes this lifestyle so great.
Bill & Cathy EDear Editor,It was interesting to read that 90.2% of grey nomads report no allergies. I wonder what the statistics will be in another 50 years as most kids these days seem to suffer from mul-tiple allergies from a young age. When I started working in a school 30-odd years ago, an Epi-pen was unheard of. Just before I recently retired, so many students needed Epi-pens or had allergies that there was a board dedicated to their photo and condition!
MarieDear Editor,Re: No camping signs (GNT: 117). This raises the age old question again: “What is the legal definition of camping.” An article I read some years ago on the subject suggested that in Spain you are ‘camp-ing’ as soon as you change the footprint/outline of your vehicle. ie: if you unhook your caravan or maybe set up a table and chairs, or roll your awning out. Food for thought.
Andy N
Issue 119: April 8, 2016
*Conditions apply. Price is based on per person (PP), twin share. Price is correct as at 16 March 2016, but may fluctuate due to changes in surcharges, fees, taxes or exchange rates. Price is based on VTMR12: 18 September 2016 (Cat. C Suite), is inclusive of stated discount and includes port charges. A non-refundable client deposit of $1,000 pp is due within 7 days. For full terms and conditions please contact Meridian Travel. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd ABN 44 004 684 619. ATAS accreditation #A10825. TM2803
Dear Editor,Reversing helpers (GNT: Letters 118). I had just set up our van at Narrabeen Lakes Carvan Park when a couple came to park their van on the adjacent site. The dear lady had no idea how to reverse, so I offered to help and did it for her. They were so grateful and consequently we had two good friends for the weekend and they were so interesting with the stories of their lives. So, please do not complain and get grumpy, but offer to help. It keeps the blood pres-sure down and creates a great atmosphere.
Adam WDear Editor,Re: online national park book-ing (GNT:117). Neither of us have Smartphones, nor do we travel with a computer. So does that exclude us from us-ing these facilities? I also want to choose my site from past experience. Numerous times we have been told “yes you will fit”, or “yes it is level” and it is neither which spoils the whole experience!
Chris RDear Editor,Re: Rest areas (GNT: 117). If caravanners are not permitted to stay overnight in a rest area because of fatigue or driv-ing conditions, why are truck drivers permitted to ‘camp’ overnight? Most modern trucks have a microwave, ket-tle/jug, TV and a double bed in their sleeper cabin which
enables them to have a meal, a hot drink and a sleep. Some truckies are great and have no problem with caravanners having an overnight break as long as you do not block their exit. Can the various State authorities please explain the difference between trucks and caravans and, if they cannot, leave us caravanners alone!
Neil PDear Editor,Re: food moaner (Jaclyn & Heidi 118). Wow! Nothing like beating around the bush Heidi. But, I must agree. Buy a camp oven. My partner and I have a fantastic cook-ing arrangement. He uses the outside kitchen (Weber Q) for most of the cooking and any-thing that can’t be cooked on the Weber or camp oven, I do inside (rarely). Works for us.
JudiDear Editor,We have a Weber Baby Q, and they cook the best roasts you will ever enjoy, not to mention damper, and all types of Bar-becuing. They can even bake cakes. My wife is not allowed to touch my Weber ... it’s a man thing!
Steve P Dear Editor,Oh Don! If you miss your roasts, get a camp oven and build a fire or buy a small gas kettle barbecue. We have a top-of-the range camper trail-er and have retired and enjoy the grey nomad lifestyle. I sup-pose you might say we have
‘limited facilities’ in a 4-burner gas stove and grill, but who needs an oven? We have built many fires (where permitted) and cooked some wonderful meals in the camp oven. Our kettle barbecue does the trick when gas cooking is needed – it cooks a fabulous roast and we bake our own bread in that, too.
Julie Dear Editor,My advice from one old goat to another ... buy a Weber Baby Q and you’ll enjoy not only cooking, but also eating everything that comes out of it. You name it, it can be cooked in the Weber. Roasts are sensational. Get the one with the higher lid, tempera-ture gauge, and electronic ig-nition – costs about $20 more ... but worth it!
Bill G
Dear Editor,We are in our late 60s and have just completed our first trip, 20,000kms (10 months) in a ‘budget-priced’ camper trailer (a step up from a tent). Up the middle to Darwin, turn left across to Derby and down the WA coast, across the Nullarbor, and back to Melbourne. We stayed on the bitumen as we don’t have a 4WD but managed see most places. We took a Weber Q with us and ate like kings. We also shared the cooking. The most important things is to relax and enjoy the experience. We now have the travel bug
and it won’t be long before we are off again although next trip will be in a small caravan (a little bit more comfort).
Barbara Dear Editor,We spent eight months travel-ling around Australia in 2014 and enjoyed roast dinners on a regular basis. We took along our portable oven in its own carry bag, and we also had a camp oven in which we roasted lamb, beef and chicken. Adding vegetables, it was a most joyous meal and I was able to enjoy sitting around the camp fire while it cooked. Get off your butt, buy a camp oven and learn how to cook roast, damper and cas-seroles in it.
Joan TDear Editor,Re: portable seat (Gadgets: 118). Would be really useful when I am in the shopping centre with my wife!
Ken SDear Editor,I’d use it at the horse races ... easily portable to trackside, bookies ring, beer tent etc!
John TDear Editor,We are grey nomad ‘newbies’ and wonder how people cope with the exorbitant charges of mobile internet providers and if there was a preferred provider? We will require considerable data usage. Hop-ing your readers can help.
One of the biggest issues fac-ing long-term bush campers is a potential water shortage ... particularly for those who like to wash off the red dust now and again.Without carting a suspension-busting mega water load, the idea of a daily hot shower has been an impossible dream for clean-living grey nomads ... until now!The newly unveiled Hotaru shower has the potential to transform the lifestyles of travellers who like to spend weeks at a time out in the bush and often away from water sources.The idea is simple. You just re-use the same 20 litres of water again and again after it has been pumped through a special filtration system. According to the designers, you can take some 50 showers without needing to change the water.The entire system consists of a plastic base that holds the water, a pop-up nylon tent for privacy, and a telescoping shower pole with a handheld shower head. A drain in the floor recaptures the shower water and pumps
Page 5
it through a purification filter in the base. The system can filter out soap and shampoo as well as dirt, but mild body cleansers are recommended.The filters have a built-in sen-sor which alerts users when it is time to change them but are expected to last about two months of regular use. The shower base also contains a pump which pumps out water at a more than respectable 60 psi.In terms of portability, the shower does fold down into a fairly compact unit and although it currently weighs about 32kgs, Hotaru says it
will be looking at bringing that weight down.For a cold shower, the unit can be connected to a car’s cigarette lighter, but for a hot shower it needs to be plugged into a power outlet, so users will need to be well equipped with solar panels or be carry-ing a generator.The Hotaru compact show-er will retail for around US$3,000 when it is released into the market next year.
• Can you see this device mak-ing a big difference to your travels?
Click to comment
Website highlights
Dingo dangerRecently our websitewww.thegreynomads.com.au reported that a dingo which attacked a tourist on Queens-land’s Fraser Island has been put down by the authorities. The woman was bitten several times as she was walking along the beach at Eurong with her boyfriend. The dingo, which was identified by its tag, had a history of concerning behaviour.
Click here for more
Other website must-reads:
Snake shockToilet trip man bitten
Bridge of sighsHigh van hits low overpass
Unhitched!‘Runaway’ van on the Bruce
Another rolloverGrey nomads injured in van drama
Merchandise magicGet your Grey Nomad gear
SURVEYIs it right to euthanise ‘problem’ dingoes? YES NO
Most want the power of gennies on their journeysOur readers have spoken. The vast majority of GNT readers prefer to travel with a genera-tor ... even if it’s just as a back-up for a cloudy day. They said:
I travel with my gennie as I have three-year-old girls
with me. I don’t use it regular-ly and, when I do, it will only be for a few hours … and not near any other campers and also on ECO to bring the noise down. I dare anyone to tell me to turn mine off!
Gary DI have travelled with a small gennie for nine years but rarely used it. I have no under-standing of solar so a gennie is my only option. Used with a mindfulness of others, it shouldn’t cause any problems.
Hendrik S I spoke to a chap whose gen-nie could hardly be heard but someone complained anyway. The next morning that same complainer was asking to use the gennie to start their car.
Terry T We travel with a gennie but prefer to use solar. We only fire it up if it gets too hot or too overcast and the solar doesn’t put out enough.
Peter n Robbie I’ve never found a solar system that will run the aircon. At present crossing the Garry Junction Road. Try 40 degree nights without aircon. Could handle it 20 years ago but Father Time has caught up.
Keanie
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Generators are a necessary evil for long-term travellers. There are times when ‘the sun don’t shine and the wind won’t blow’. The important thing is consideration, consideration and consideration.
KerryI use a 2kva and have had it going all night outside my off-road camper trailer and it is so quiet I had no trouble sleep-ing. Let’s just all accept what we can afford and learn to be just a tad more tolerant.
ChipsWe prefer our solar but my husband uses a CPAP machine which means we could use up to 80 amp hours per night.
Fishcakesfisher The gennie wins hands down as solar cannot run the a/c in extreme conditions. I would never run one if it disturbed other campers.
Brian EWe always travel with our gen-erator but cannot remember the last time we used it. Our caravan is fully run by solar, except the aircon and some electrical devices. If it gets really hot up here in the north, we might start the gennie for an hour or two just to cool the van down.
Joan MWith a couple of substan-tial solar panels (150 watts
or greater) and a couple of deep-cycle batteries (100 Amp hour), our gennie has been used maybe 12 times in 15 months. The 2kVa is still great to carry as a backup.
Nige & LeeWe have enough solar (2 x 120W panels coupled with 2 x 120Ah batteries) to run nor-mally and last year went for six weeks at a remote location Middle Lagoon in the Kim-berley. We used a generator every couple of days to run the washing machine (around 1.5 hours) and used it from 10am. We have a Honda 2kVA, it’s very quiet and super fuel ef-ficient.
MaxS
Issue 119: April 8, 2016
TheTHE GREAT ‘GREY NOMAD’ DEBATE: gennies vs solar / see below for next topic
Readers want the reliability of a gennie on overcast days ... and for a/c in the tropics
Spending to save?THE GREAT ‘GREY NOMAD’ DEBATE CONTINUES:
Ding, ding! It’s round four in our grey nomad ‘Great Debate’. And so, without further ado,
LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!
In the red corner, we have the nomads who choose to spend over the odds on food, fuel and perhaps a coffee in small local shops. They say showing support is more important than the cost, especially if there’s free camp-ing. But in the blue corner, we have budgeting nomads who say they’d be silly to pay big bucks for items they can stock up on for much less at at big supermarkets in larger centres. What do you think? Click to contribute
How ensuite it is with your own toilet and showerWhen we bought the van, we got both panels and a gennie, but we have never used the ge-nie and don’t carry it anymore. Biggest waste of money ever!
Steve MWe have been travelling for nine years and solar has never let us down. I hate the smell of fuel when people with gennies are near us ... and the noise. One time, a group travelling together had four gennies running together. They stayed up until midnight. No one else could sleep but someone who complained got told: ‘Get a life’.
Pat D
If power is that important, stay home.
GB
Battery technology is so good, and solar panels so cheap, that
there is no longer a need for generators. These offensive noise makers belong on the tip.
Set a course for Semaphore ... a charming seaside town
The Adelaide suburb of Sema-phore is a seaside gem that is being increasingly discovered by grey nomads seeking the perfect base from which to explore the city of churches.About 15 kilometres to the north-west of the CBD on the LeFevre Peninsula, Semaphore boasts white sandy beaches, calm clear waters, a spacious foreshore, a fishing-friendly jetty, a colonial era fort, and much, much more. A stroll along the foreshore path leads to the jetty which was built in the mid-19th cen-tury and stretches nearly 600 metres out to sea. This is the perfect place to cast a line or to simply gaze out at the tankers that appear on the skyline, or to look out for the many small yachts or windsurfers who make this lovely corner of the world their playground.Just opposite the jetty is the gloriously wide Semaphore Road, which is very much the social heart of the suburb. It is lined on both sides with cafes, pubs, and an interesting variety of shops and boutiques. The Semaphore Street Fair is held annually on the last Sunday in November and is the perfect showcase for all that the com-munity has to offer. The historic buildings and monuments on the street
simply serve to emphasise the traditional suburb’s seaside village atmosphere. There are tin-ceilinged cafes and some lovely and lively historic pubs. What is now the Semaphore Palais Hotel was the Palais bathing pavilion back in the 1920s. Then there’s the Time-ball Tower, the oldest work-ing carousel in the southern hemisphere.Other heritage-listed struc-tures include the World War 1 memorial clock built in 1925, the water tower, the customs boarding station, the library and the post office.The historical piece de resist-ance though is Fort Glanville Conservation Park which incorporates a functional 19th century fort. Completed in 1882, it is said to be the first colonial fortification built in South Australia and is the best preserved and most functional in Australia.One of South Australia’s most important heritage sites, the
fort and visitor centre is mostly operated by the Fort Glanville Historical Association which holds monthly public open days complete with historical recreations which include drill demonstrations and the firing of the fort’s weaponsThe Fort Glanville Tourist Rail-way is a well-loved 457mm-gauge steam train which runs parallel to the Esplanade connecting the fort to the jetty two kilometres away. It gener-ally runs on Sundays and on school holidays and adds yet another charming element to this special place.There’s also the well-equipped Adelaide Beachfront caravan park here, and there’s spacious parking spots along the Espla-nade for those wanting to drive closer to the seafront action.All this, and the attractions of historical Port Adelaide and of Adelaide itself are just down the road.
Click to comment
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QUIZ CORNERLast week’s picture puzzle solution: The winning entrywas sent by Pat P.
No overnight parking
Win 2 grey nomad bumper stickers!
Email the solution to the pic puz-zle. Winner drawn from entries and announced in Issue 120. CLUE: A lot of grey nomads don’t look forward to this.
Do You Know 1. Which South Australian town might have been named after a street vendor?
2. Katherine and Gregory will be forever joined together ... by which road?
3. Shortest road distance between Parachilna and Marree a) 130km b) 183km c) 226km
4. Award Style (anagram) You’ll find me near where the Savannah Way meets the Stuart Highway.
5. If aria = er this Outback Queensland Gulf would sound like somoene who works with wood. (Answers on p. 8)
Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,I feel terrible for saying this, but I don’t want my husband’s grieving best friend to come travelling with us! Del and I were all poised to head off on ‘the big one’ when Del’s best mate, Eric, unexpectedly lost his wife and we delayed everything. They have been close since high school so I totally ‘get’ that Del wanted to support his friend in such a difficult time. But that was now three months ago and Eric is still clearly struggling with being on his own. Unbe-known to me, the pair of them hatched a plan whereby Eric travels in convoy with us. I’ll be honest, it’s not what I wanted or imagined. I don’t want to sit in my campchair and listen to them talk about footy or weight distribution hitches ... but I don’t want to damage my relationship by coming across as the wicked witch, either!
Denise
A difficult dilemma Sudden bereavement is a terrible thing and it can knock even the strongest of people for six. You and Del have responded in the way that good friends should and shown support and encour-agement for Eric while he re-adjusts to a different life than he imagined. I completely understand your reluctance to be the villain in this tragedy but also you have every right to wonder when you can focus on your lives again. You must talk to Del and explain how you are feeling. While I under-stand you would never ask Del to abandon his pal in his time of need, there are compromise options. Maybe Eric can just travel with you for a lim-ited time, or maybe you can negotiate whereby you have evenings alone, or maybe it’s best just to delay your trip by six months to the two of you can eventually go alone.
Jaclyn
Losing a loved one, particular-ly unexpectedly, is a hammer blow and it is only the support of friends and family that get many people through that initial terrible empty feeling. Sometimes we all have to make sacrifices to help those we care about. It is what makes us hu-man and part of what makes life wonderful. You are lucky to be married to a decent man who is going to be there for his friend until he regains some of his equilibrium. Del was certainly ‘out of order’ to make travel plans with Eric without properly discussing it with you first, but he is probably strug-gling with conflicting loyalties. Make it easy for him. Show him sympathy and under-standing. Time will pass and Eric will eventually adapt to his new life as much as anyone can, and then you and Del will have your time.
HeidiClick to comment
Campers trashed River Murray siteThe huge numbers of camp-ers who flocked to the banks of the River Murray over Easter have not won them-selves many friends s after leaving massive amounts of rubbish littered across numerous campsites.A big clean-up job was need-ed along the river and at pub-lic bins near the Lyrup ferry, Cadell ferry and Goolwa St boat ramp at Renmark ... and
Hike hopeA proposed new walk-ing track from Farmhouse Creek to Lake Geeves in southern Tasmania could lure thousands of extra tourists. Proponents say the main drawcard would be the views at the end of the walk of the cliffs, which tower 670 metres over the lake.
BlazeAid thanksBlazeAid volunteers are leaving the tiny Western Australian town of Grass Patch some four months after devastating bushfires in the area. In their 116 days ‘on the ground’, 164 volunteers pulled down and helped repair some 917km of damaged fencing.
it’s left some calling for greater camping regulations.Among the solutions being suggested are additional camp-
ing fees, a camping ban, keep-ing records of campers’ details and the provision of additional bins.“People want to come and camp in a nice pristine place but don’t have the decency to leave it as it was when they first got there,” said Renmark Par-inga mayor, Neil Martinson.And Mid Murray councillor, Kevin Myers, said the local council had resolved to charge
Issue 119: April 8, 2016
for camping along the Cadell riverfront.“We think that will bring in a different clientele,” he said.One local resident, Daniel McGurgan, agreed.“If you are going to pay for a campsite you are more likely to look after it,” he said. “Council shouldn’t have to use our ratepayers’ money to clean up other people’s mess.”Click here to comment
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HOUSESITTING
SHARK BAY, WAHoliday Accommodation establishment in the beautiful Shark Bay region are seek-ing a fit/active, self-motivated couple for a caretaking and cleaning position. A knowl-edge in maintenance and building repairs essential. Pay is low but comes with a fully self-contained cottage and utilities are included. If suitable, employment can commence immediately. Click here.
***NORTHAMPTON, WACaretakers Required (couple) to help owner for small caravan park (Northamp-ton Caravan Park) 500 kls north of Perth rom April through to end of October this year. Duties include cleaning ablutions, bbqs , cleaning and making beds for on-site accommodation, help in maintaining lawns and gardens etc. Click here.
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CATTLE STATION, NW NSWCaretaker(s) wanted. Cattle/sheep station in NW NSW, 32km from town, sealed road to the grid. Looking for retired couple with knowledge of country life and skills. Some occasional fence repairs etc, mowing, checking water and livestock. Comforta-ble house with reverse-cycle aircon, wood stove, renovated kitchen and bathroom. Click here.***KYOGLE, NSWHouse sitter wanted from the 14th May 2016 for 5 weeks. Would include watering plants and looking after farm animals, miniature horses, 2x dogs, chooks and ducks. It is approximately 40 acres farm located 20 minutes from Kyogle in the mountains. Click here.***HUMPTY DOO, NTWe would like a block minder from mid April to end of May. We will be in and out of town randomly. Light garden duties and 2 small old dogs to walk/feed. Own van site and bathroom available. Suit grey nomad couple. Click here.
***BURNETT HEADS, QLDHousesitter wanted from the 17th June for about 8 weeks. We live at Burnett Heads (Bundaberg). We would like our garden/fernery watered and may be the lawn mowed if required. Any any mail that comes collected. Our yard is fully fenced so a dog is ok. Click here.
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NULLARBOR AREAMy name is Peta and I created the Trek Series in 2013. I’m embarking on my third charity trek. This time I’m raising money for groups in WA, SA and NT and these are Blaze Aid, Project Numbat, Foodbank and the Tiwi Bombers. I aim to leave Norseman at the beginning June and trek across the Nullarbor to Ceduna for a month, doing about 35-50km a day. I’m carrying my own food/water/tent and replenishing supplies at roadhouses. I’d welcome a couple heading along this route to be a support for me and can as-sist with some fuel costs. Please call me on 0419 818 700. Thank you.
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UPPER COLO RESERVE, NSW We are currently looking for a caretaker to manage the camping site at Upper Colo Reserve, Colo. The camping area is iso-lated so the caretaker will need to live on site and must provide their own accom-modation. The person will be working by themselves and their duties will include: the collection of fees, opening and locking of gates, cleaning of the public facilities, cleaning and maintenance of shelters and BBQ areas, rubbish removal, and other general labouring duties such as brush cutting. Click here.
***BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSWHousesitter couple required to manage 100 year old guesthouse in Blackheath, Blue Mountains, NSW. Suit persons with experience in B&B or hotels. Mid July to end September 2016. Guesthouse will operate only on weekends with six B&B rooms. Duties include guest relations, preparing breakfasts and housekeeping. Click here.
***DARWIN, NTDarwin Bowls & Social Club Caretaker Po-sition. Ideally suited to a Retired couple. Involves garden maintenance and odd jobs around the club and some assistance with large group bookings. This work would be in exchange for accommodation & power in small furnished unit attached to Club. Click here.
***HAYES CREEK, NT We are looking to employ a Morning cook / Road side inn worker, in a quiet little place called Hayes Creek 150 km south of Darwin, on the Stuart Highway, we have a spring fed creek with swimming hole, green grassy caravan sites all year round, swimming pools etc. We will also be look-ing for a caretaker with the caravan park, to do light duties in place of rent/ acco-madation, and or the opportunity to offer more, this would be dependent on amount of work done. All negotiable. Click here.
***WINTON, QLDJoin a dynamic Opal and Gem stone shop in Outback, Queensland that’s looking to hire a passionate, reliable, personable and honest retail jewelry sales person / manager. Must have a genuine interest in gemstones, people and jewelry with exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire customers and close deals. Click here.
***MT NORMAN, QLDHelp wanted on cattle station, Mt Norman 140km north of Richmond. Quite a bit of work available to update a twin Donga set-up that has recently been re-stumped and re-roofed. Click here.
***JULIA CREEK REGION, QLDHelp wanted in our Cattle Station, Lara Downs, 90km north of Julia CreekImmediate work in simply being there to secure the property, to check the watering points and to feed the chooks while our family is away at our other property doing a muster. Click here.
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Issue 119: April 8, 2016
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