My Advice

Day 5 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge is about giving my advice.  I have had to think hard about that one.  I have done so many things in my life that I could advise on, but two that “stick out” for me are (a) Travelling Solo and (b) Teaching English in China.  I choose the

former!!  Strangely it is something that I was asked about today – a young man who told me he was “dreaming” about travelling around Australia, but was a little anxious about doing it.  He was so impressed to hear that I had done it safely!

Travelling Around Australia

I was always an “adventurer” – in fact, I was referred to as “Adventure Grandma” by grandchildren earlier on.  In many ways I was fortunate in that we had lived in many places around Australia – I had lived in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.  Regularly we drove from wherever we happened to live to visit our parents in Adelaide or Melbourne.  Long-distance driving was a regular event for us, and I also drove solo around Ireland back in 2005!

My husband and I had often talked about driving around Australia, but he never got to do it.  I suspect he wasn’t as passionate about doing so as was I.

What Do I Do Next?

After our marriage ended, I went house sitting for two years, and I studied at the same time.  After graduating with my Master of Arts (Writing) in 2012, I had nothing to do, so I bought up some camping gear (most of which was never used!) and set off on a solo trip in my Mitsubishi Lancer, from Brisbane.

I did have a terrible “warning” from a former policeman.  My friend and I were rather shocked at his behaviour, but we later talked about the conversation and his attitude that women were almost totally incapable.  He said it was very likely I would be raped, bashed, robbed and probably killed out on the open road somewhere.  None of that happened, and I really didn’t have any scary moments.  (I phoned him on my return and bragged about my success!)

On one of the airfields in Northern Territory, used during World War II

So What is My Advice?

First of all, be as prepared as you possibly can be.

• Ensure your vehicle is fit for the purpose, that it has had all mechanical checks and you know how to fill the radiator, and know what to do if things didn’t work.  I was a member of a motor support company.  (I was a member of RACQ, which arranges help when you break down, tows if necessary and has brilliant info on their website!)

• Don’t pick up hitchhikers.

• Don’t stop to help at an accident unless you saw it occur.  (Some crooks will set up an accident with the sole purpose of stealing the car of the person who stopped to help).

• Get your vehicle checked at a mechanics occasionally or if you have any concern.

• Take plenty of water to drink, and to fill your radiator!  Take snacks.  I also had meal replacement packs for lunchtime – often you are miles away from shops, and it is easier and cheaper.

• Don’t get drunk.

• Take care who you befriend along the way.

• Visit Information Centres frequently for further information.

• Have a two-way radio – as you may find that there is no phone service.

• Keep your family informed of your whereabouts.

• Don’t drive at night in Australia.  (Camels, emus, and kangaroos might be on the road!)

• Don’t drive tired.  Get plenty of rest as it can be tiring driving alone on outback roads.

• Take care when passing big trucks or road trains.

And Wait, There’s More.

• I recorded plenty of Podcasts which helped amuse me as I drove, but I always started my day listening to the news on the radio, just in case there were warnings about fires or weather events.

• I would put on a CD and sing along (ABBA my favourite) to brighten me when I was getting tired, but I would stop at a town as soon as I could.

• Get plenty of exercise – walk a lot when you are stopped.

• Take photos of the wonderful scenery.

• Stock up on drinks and snacks in big town supermarkets.

I’ve probably missed a few, and you may create your own list of things you should be doing!

Can you add to my advice list?