Learnings from the road

A few years back I inherited the task of writing for a weekly newsletter that included LIFE LESSONS. At the time I found it incredibly crazy (not to mention presumptious) to think of myself as qualified to give anyone something as important as a lesson in life. (Surely we're all just along for the ride doing our best!) And yet here I am, about to write a post that could definately be construed as a bunch of warnings or lessons in what not to do. Maybe that's what I should call it- what not to do on the road. Regardless of the title- this post is just that- a bunch of ideas and learnings that we've noticed since beginning this epic trip. I imagine this list to be by no means exhaustive and will be added to along the way. Enjoy!

Never take camping recommendations from random strangers- Lee Point Caravan Park in Darwin is just one example! The sandflies were horrendous, poor Amelia looked like a measles or chicken-pox victim after just one night, and the rest of the park offerings unmentionable. It took weeks (and some special Pharmacy cream for them to heal)

Bring your chequebook! It is possible to pay more than $2 a litre for fuel; $2.09 at the Barkly Roadhouse, NT. It's just expected in the outback. The same goes for a cooked meal- who would have thought $28 for sausages and mash was reasonable? And finding real coffee is a great challenge!

Don't book campsites online- always check the place out before you commit to a certain site- Purnululu is an excellent example of this (Amelia- heatstroke, Tara- grumpypants and the store sold out of cool drinks!) Shady campsites are very important! As are sites when it's windy. Speed Point, SA was horrid for this reason- the sand grit on my scalp and pillow each night were not endearing. Try to drive through before booking at the office- although in Hughenden, QL, this approach was met with a stern telling off- almost enough to make me want to turn around. In other camps we've been encouraged to do this and even given a map- Kakadu just one example. 

Try and mix it with the locals. The Country Music Festival at Hughenden was great, a bit different to what we've used to, but an excellent example of the charm of small country towns. Country folk are generally friendly and able to give you great info and tips (take with a grain of salt), even if they just let you know when the bottle shop is closed. 

Plan ahead with your supplies. Many towns do not have a supermarket open on the weekends (or just open on Saturday mornings) so it's always a good idea to be prepared and check times. Otherwise maybe a dinner out is just as good. Again- expect to pay more for the convenience of whatever it is that you absolutely must have that you didn't know you needed until now. Surely blue castello is a necessity?!

Get into that camp kitchen and save your gas. We've met so many lovely folk from all about the place. One fellow, Ged from Casterton we met in Katherine and he's bravely riding around Australia on a push bike. He was such a lovely fellow, full of interesting stories and fun. Quite the artist; he did a few drawings for Amelia which she then turned into complete collage artworks using her art folder. Hi Ged if you're reading this. Other folk have included a family from Adelaide, a lady from Moriac and funnily enough two seperate couples from St Arnaud, Victoria. We make sure to complement them on the fine INDIAN restuarant they have in town. 

Again on financial matters- expect to pay more in certain areas for your patch of grass- the Kimberley, NT and touristy areas especially. In Mt Isa- where we had to stop for a two days we were charged $84 dollars for an unpowered site which was delightfully located between a rubbish skip and a pile of bark chips with dusty paddocks next door and freeway noise a constant. Especially annoying given that Chris was quoted $62 but when I went to pay the same woman apparently decided to value add. Mt Isa was exceptionally busy and the tourist information centre (unlike the brilliant service offered in Western Australia and Northern Territory) was not able to assist us in finding accomodation aside from handing over a free map of the town. When we did the rounds of hotels, motels and caravan parks everywhere was fully booked out. Yet another town like Port Headland and Broome where seasonal workers fill all the short term accomodation. And the park we stayed in was a BIG 4/ Discovery Park- so I guess the price is to be expected- but this time without the jumping pillow or children's playground! Not impressed!

EDITED TO ADD: $50 a night for a site in a campground near Yeppoon, Queensland, but that includes power, a playground, pool and jumping pillow!

When bush camping be prepared to stake your claim. During winter there are millions of grey nomads and other caravanning folk on the roads- everywhere. They like the free camps and often clog up the roadside stops with their huge vehicles as though they were parked in a caravan park. Well, when you do find a great campsite and you are in a tent this causes an issue. A note to those travelling in a van or camper- Tents do not have inbuilt toilets and showers! Caravans do, but seem to have no problem at all in parking right next to tents when there is plenty of room to be had- and not one public toilet in sight. At Julia River, we had the priviledge of many, many well heeled neighbours who despite Amelia's loud protestations "But where's Mum going to wee?" chose to suffocate us with their fancy vans. Not that I'm jealous of the big guys- but seriously- give us some room! The problem was solved creatively- but there were a few stressful words to be had.

When in caravan parks be wary of where you are camped. In peak season, sites can be pretty close together and noise travels. For many nights we have been woken to sounds of people cooking in the camp kitchen (too close), elderly (seemingly DEAF!) people's televisions usually tuned to something boring or worse- football- and even the sweet sound of an angle grinder as permanent residents complete boat maintenance. The joys! I usualy try to keep Amelia quiet, but it's tough not to want to retaliate when people are so obvously inconsiderate. 

More on Caravan Parks...
Use the camp kitchen and save gas!
Same goes for TV.
Take advantage of freezers and freeze water bottles to put in fridge when you leave- it helps fridge keep temperature when you're back on the road. You can also do the same for other food items.

Must have items for the journey...
Babywipes
Tissues and/or paper towel
BUSHMANS (even though it strips nailpolish!) or any strong insect repellant
"Ockie" straps for securing tricky items
Extra rope and clothespegs
Patience! ;)