Memories – Rolling Solo
I have been so fortunate to have had a good life with many great adventures, great working situations and more. I am often reminded of some of my experiences – especially those over the past 20 or so years – since I started blogging and recording events on Facebook.
This past couple of weeks, Facebook has been reminding me of some adventures in 2017.
After my marriage broke up back in 2010, I house sat for several years – in homes in Paddington, Wakerley, Bribie Island, Wamuran, and more , as I did not have a car initially or the funds to pay rent or buy a car. It was challenging, but somehow I managed quite a good life.
I joined Rolling Solo Australia, around early 2017 or perhaps the year before – a group of women in an organisation especially for women who lived/travelled in caravans, motor homes or campervan. I met with members at a few events. Then I learned about a plan to camp at Ross River, out of Alice Springs in August that year.
Could I do it? Yes, of course. I had inherited some money from my parents, and I spent some of it on a 1983 Toyota Coaster! I didn’t have anyone to advise me – but I had it all checked and was told it was in good condition and should present no problems driving from Brisbane to Alice Springs.
I remember the first time I drove it with a plan to camp out for the night at a site not far from Wamuran north of Brisbane. As I approached Wamuran, the vehicle filled with smoke. I pulled up on the roadside, and we (I had a friend travelling behind), found out that there was no water in the radiator. We put some water in and I drove a few kilometres into Wamuran and went straight to a mechanic. We never made it to our planned destination, and spent two nights in a car park there, and the mechanic eventually replaced a hose and we were able to return to Beachmere – an interesting weekend, but not what we planned.
It was only a few weeks later that I had to leave for Alice Springs, and strangely, I was asked to be on the Insight program with SBS. A photographer came and filmed me in the van just before I departed. I didn’t have much time to practice living in and driving Myrtle, as the van was named, and a few days later I set off on the amazing drive to Alice Springs, all alone.
I nearly freaked out. What in the hell was I thinking? I had the vehicle checked before I left, and it drove well all the way, though going up the Toowoomba range the sun visor flew off into the bushes on the side of the road. There was nowhere to stop, so I just kept going. That night was my first night in a caravan park at Dalby.
When I reached Mt Isa, I had to leave Myrtle in a caravan park, as I flew to Sydney for the Insight session. A good night’s sleep in a lovely hotel before heading to airport and return to Mt Isa via Brisbane! Mt Isa was full of “cowboys” for it was the Rodeo time!
I drove on after another good sleep, and continued on my journey staying overnight in a free camp at Camoweal and then a night at the Barkley Highway, and then south on the Stuart Highway to Alice Springs. I booked into a Caravan Park there and found a group of other “Rollers” and we watched part of the Insight program.
The Fun with Rollers
Then it was on to the Ross River Resort where we were to spend the next few days with a range of activities for the Rollers – from exploring the Ross River area, bus trips to some of the great places around the Alice, workshops, parties and more.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH0E3yjSG-a/
We had a great time! I went on to Uluru, and spent a couple of days there before setting off on my return journey – and some challenges with my Coaster that had some issues that meant I met quite a few mechanics, but I arrived home safely.
I was thrilled that I had done the trip – safely, and on my own. And got to see so much of the wonderful Australian outback!
I have so many memories, so much fun, and met some great ladies, some of whom I still connect with. I had several events and many great memories. Thank you Facebook for reminding me!
My transport to the Rolling Solo event at Ross River.
