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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: doc evil on August 13, 2019, 03:31:27 PM

Title: What has happened..........
Post by: doc evil on August 13, 2019, 03:31:27 PM
Yes, it's a whinge!!

Having just travelled almost 10,000km of rural WA including the Canning Stock Route the "wave" is almost non-existent now.
For the sake of the argument, this equates to approximately 7500km not on a "goat track" and to further the equation, we'll exclude 1000km from major town centres. So, therefore 6,000km of high speed dirt and bitumen. We were a single vehicle with a roof top.
My partner who observed this started counting and the results are in........

Cars - 408. 400 did not wave (98.04%)
Caravanners - 327. 315 did not wave (96.33%) - this included the Britz et al units
Campers - 295. 269 did not wave (91.19%)
Trucks - 185. 65 did not wave (35.14%) - cannot explain this except for I moved over to the fog line giving them room and pulled over completely on the dirt.

Now the interesting stat and I put this down to pure arrogance especially of the wobble road block towing people.
100% of the 8 towing carvanners AND 50% of the 10 campers trailers did NOT have their UHF on to allow us to overtake safely on DIRT. Why the F would you tow on a dirt road and either not have a UHF or if you have, switch the bloody thing on!!
On the bitumen was almost the same. 100% of the caravanners doing 90km/h or less would not move over to the fog line allowing a clear sight of the road ahead to the point almost all moved to the centreline once they realised someone was behind them. Calling on the UHF on both 18 and 40 and even if it was blazoned all over the back of their van was a waste of time as they still didn't acknowledge.
What, was I going to hold them up? Was I going to claim the best spot at the next "free" camp?

We all are travelling on the road together with less than a metre from death with a vehicle going the opposite way, we all are exploring this great land, why can't we be courteous??

Now, don't get me started on the white n brown ticker tape that litters the roads..........either women learn to "air" dry or take a ziplock bag to put ya Shit-tickets in and blokes, well we shake so if we are taking a crap, burn it or bag it (and burn later). It's not hard!!


Feel a little better now!! ;D
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Bird on August 13, 2019, 03:40:10 PM
Im more disappointed in the fact your surprised with these numbers these days :( ;)
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Hairs on August 13, 2019, 03:54:36 PM
Hey doc,
It's the ME generation.
It has no age, it's about me, screw you jack.
:(


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Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: tombie on August 13, 2019, 04:40:15 PM
Hey doc,
It's the ME generation.
It has no age, it's about me, screw you jack.
:(


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Most of those will be the US generation though.
The ME generation are all playing Xbox!


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Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Steffo1 on August 13, 2019, 04:41:50 PM
A few years ago, I can't remember quite where, I stopped to see if I could be of any assistance to a couple of blokes with their heads under the bonnet of a twin cab.
The 1st bloke said "Mind your own business" and the 2nd bloke said "You're in a Land Rover. How could you help?"
I left.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Zooks4life on August 13, 2019, 05:47:16 PM
I just went on a 12000km trip and got sore from waving to everyone and for the most part got waves back. Tanami, Gibb, Birdsville areas. Notably, I also tow a white brick around as well. I feel that helps with the nomads(I am not one).And also, waved someone down, the 1st person stopped and went out of his way to help.

As for the litter, couldn’t agree more.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Kangaron on August 13, 2019, 05:48:45 PM

The ME generation are all playing Xbox!


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I went to a barby a few weeks ago and went inside to grab another beer and in the louge were about 4 blokes playing some PlayStation, and
these blokes were 30/35 yrs old!
Unbelievable.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: gronk on August 13, 2019, 06:18:03 PM
Im more disappointed in the fact your surprised with these numbers these days :( ;)

I'm wondering what device he used to tally those numbers ??

I don't know how Doc drives, but on dirt some could be a bit wary of people overtaking at high speed, showering them with rocks...not that I know he overtakes at a high speed ??
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: tryagain on August 13, 2019, 06:49:52 PM
I went to a barby a few weeks ago and went inside to grab another beer and in the louge were about 4 blokes playing some PlayStation, and
these blokes were 30/35 yrs old!
Unbelievable.

Average age of someone who plays video games in Australia is 34yrs old. A lot old than most would guess.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: bob65 on August 13, 2019, 07:06:27 PM
What is a fog line?
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: tombie on August 13, 2019, 07:10:19 PM
What is a fog line?

Not a common AU phrase.  It’s the white line on the edge of the road delineating the limit of the primary road surface.


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Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on August 13, 2019, 07:11:02 PM
The solid line on the kerbside, indicating the edge of roadway, quite often with blobs of plastic/paint that make your tyres howl loudly.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Bird on August 13, 2019, 07:11:40 PM
Quote from: Steffo1
"You're in a Land Rover. How could you help?"
you could have said Im used to breaking down :P
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: JD-120 on August 13, 2019, 07:16:51 PM
plenty of people waving on our recent trip to the cape. even it is the subtle finger move on the steering wheel, or a nod. I got sick of it to be honest, stopped waving to everyone, just acknowledged the lucky few ;)
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Marcus73 on August 13, 2019, 07:31:06 PM
you could have said Im used to breaking down :P

Beat me to it


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Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: tombie on August 13, 2019, 08:00:30 PM
you could have said Im used to breaking down :P

If I did that I’d be lying...


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Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Steffo1 on August 13, 2019, 08:24:28 PM
Beat me to it


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Geez, your even slower than Bird?  ::)
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Marcus73 on August 13, 2019, 08:48:36 PM
Geez, your even slower than Bird?  ::)

Does this emoji work here?


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Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on August 14, 2019, 03:56:45 AM
plenty of people waving on our recent trip to the cape. even it is the subtle finger move on the steering wheel, or a nod. I got sick of it to be honest, stopped waving to everyone, just acknowledged the lucky few ;)

Same out here in the valley.... every silly bastard wants to friggin wave at me.
I don't know them from Adam, don't really wanna know them either....oh oh, unless they wanna buy a car.

I'm probably known as the arrogant ol fuk in the Cadillac.... but I can live with that. 
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: weeds on August 14, 2019, 05:25:04 AM
I assume it tongue in cheek.....

If not,

I don’t wave, don’t really see the point

I have a UHF, rarely turn it on...but I’m saying that I don’t have it advertised on the back

I don’t really use my mirrors, although do pull over if somebody is right up my arse, otherwise I leave it to them to make their own way around.

Couldn’t really give two hoots if ya beat me to a camp site.


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Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Champin on August 14, 2019, 07:23:14 AM
Some people use one finger to wave at me. Sometimes two.

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Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: doc evil on August 14, 2019, 08:47:27 AM
I'm wondering what device he used to tally those numbers ??

I don't know how Doc drives, but on dirt some could be a bit wary of people overtaking at high speed, showering them with rocks...not that I know he overtakes at a high speed ??

I used the missus..............she was bored so started a tally (I jokingly said for her to count the white lines or even better, the trees  ;D )

The wobble boxes were doing 40 - 60km/h  I was doing 80 (capable of more as the roads were really good!!). Not gonna sit behind the aluminium road block choking on their dust. A simple call over the UHF and he could pull over (so I don't go onto the wrong side of the road in a cloud of dust like that poor bugger who died on the PDR last week) and I pass at a slow safe speed. It ain't rocket science..........just FN common sense.......


I assume it tongue in cheek.....

If not,

I don’t wave, don’t really see the point

I have a UHF, rarely turn it on...but I’m saying that I don’t have it advertised on the back

I don’t really use my mirrors, although do pull over if somebody is right up my arse, otherwise I leave it to them to make their own way around.

Couldn’t really give two hoots if ya beat me to a camp site.


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Not tongue in cheek........and that attitude is what drives road rage and gives caravanners the image that becomes them.........self centred twats!!
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Bird on August 14, 2019, 10:08:46 AM
Why would you bother having a UHF and not turning it on?
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: plusnq on August 14, 2019, 10:56:45 AM
Saw it a lot coming back from Innamincka this year. Call them up several times and no response. Eventually just choose your moment to pass. It’s so much better for everyone if they have it turned on.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Bird on August 14, 2019, 11:17:01 AM
Quote from: plusnq
Saw it a lot coming back from Innamincka this year. Call them up several times and no response. Eventually just choose your moment to pass. It’s so much better for everyone if they have it turned on.
And its all road users.. on our way to Fraser, we had a truck coming up on us more than once.
I was at the back of our car/camper train.. We were on 18 at the time, so I called up on 40 and coordinated a safe pass for all.
Most were grateful as they are on the clock, we were on holidays not in a rush.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: rossm on August 14, 2019, 11:55:15 AM
Why would you bother having a UHF and not turning it on?

UHF was useful when finding  a way past the many wide loads travelling to and from the Pilbara in the last month.

The rest of the time the bad language bugs me.

But I am old fashioned. What I regard as bad language seems par for the course these days. Women and children use words I never used in the hearing of women and children.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: SimpleSi on August 14, 2019, 12:02:16 PM
I too, am just back from Bris-WA-Bris and surprised by the number not using UHF, and people towing massive caravans with piddly side mirrors. Ignorant geriatrics.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Bird on August 14, 2019, 12:11:39 PM
Quote from: SimpleSi
Ignorant geriatrics.

Oh, you saw Keith?  :cup:
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: weeds on August 14, 2019, 12:58:14 PM



Not tongue in cheek........and that attitude is what drives road rage and gives caravanners the image that becomes them.........self centred twats!!

The wave is long gone.....I’m on a road trip at the moment and reading this post made me realize I don’t even look at the driver approaching than alone their hands.

I thought I’d deliberately look and wait for a wave, spotted one from an old farmer, it more looked like he waved out of habit than genuinely waving at me, I waved back and wondered if he even noticed. One lady caught me out, I thought she was waving but she was playing with her hair.

I got bored after an hour waiting for a wave so I figured I’d wave at every car, tried all sorts of variations without luck, not even a fellow POS hi-lux driver waved. Hi-lux is my work car, I have a ‘campervan’ as my tourer (well a 4WD that I sleep in and it has a kitchen/fridge and storage)

I assume if one initiates wave often enough they might get a few in return.

I don’t think my general approach is representative of the rest of the road users and I doubt generates any road rage

- I don’t wave, and haven’t experienced any road rage from not waving.

- I only turn my UHF on when really needed, big wide loads maybe, roadworks maybe, if I’m traveling with somebody than generally yes other than that there is no real need, well no lawful need. Normally the tunes are pumping pretty loud and there is no chance of hearing the UHF. I must get around to relocating and fitting my new antenna so that joe blow doesn’t see I have a UHF fitted.  The few times I’ve assist people around on the dirt ends up in a spray of rocks. The brides always spends at least 1/3 of the day steering, don’t recall her ever turning on the UHF.

Again bored today I put the UHF on and turned the tunes down, heard a wide load calling up but never come across it, although it pretty hard to miss them when they are approaching. While the radio was on two caravans pulled over to let traffic by, didn’t hear anybody on the radio not that it was required. I had the radio on Scan so figured it would have covered 18/40. Don’t reckon I’ll turn it back on for the next 1600km.

- on the black stuff I sit on the speed limit (GPS), on the odd time somebody decides to be a hemorrhoid and I notice I generally don’t make any adjustments as they’ll sort it out at the next opportunity, considering they are sitting on the speed limit. The bride normally drives to the speedo or slightly slower....doesn’t seem to upset anybody.

- on dirt, I drive to conditions, the few times I’ve decided to help the impatient it normally ends with a shower if rocks. Billowing dust, why would one want to plough throw with limited vision putting a lot of trust in the car calling you through

Oh, I got 100k into my trip today before I notice the mirror were still at the brides adjustment.

Oh I no longer tow but used the same principles when I did......don’t reckon I’ve upset anybody today.

I have a two week road trip to Lucindale and back in September in the tourer, I’ll make a point of seeing how I fit in with the rest of the road users.

Happy counting waves.




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Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Pete79 on August 14, 2019, 01:41:57 PM
Why would you bother having a UHF and not turning it on?
Traveling in convoy (club trips) UHF is on from the start of the trip to the end, then it’s turned off again until the next group trip.

I don’t really want my family to be listening to a bunch of foul mouthed meth heads yelling at each other for hours on end, so the 2 way stays off.



As for the driving wave, I have a couple of stats...

100% of drivers in modified Jeeps wave at me when I’m driving the wife’s modified Jeep.. :D

About 50% of Sierra drivers wave when I’m in my Sierra (the more modifications on their vehicles the more likelihood of getting a wave). 

Exactly 0% of any drivers wave when I’m in my Triton. :P
Sometimes when I’m in the Triton I forgot that I’m not in the Jeep when I wave at other Jeeps and they all just look at me weirdly.... ;D

Waving on rural roads is hit and miss these days, on our last trip out through Emerald/Longreach/Townsville I got a lot of return waves, probably better then 50%.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Luke_D on August 14, 2019, 02:05:32 PM


I don’t really want my family to be listening to a bunch of foul mouthed meth heads yelling at each other for hours on end, so the 2 way stays off.

 

X2
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: knightlux on August 14, 2019, 02:25:52 PM
I just got back from 7000kms to Uluru and I recon about 75% of drivers towing caravans or camper trailers waved. Especially once you were off the main roads.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: rotare on August 14, 2019, 03:28:01 PM
What's the fixation with waving at every passing car, or expecting others to wave back at you?

Does it make people feel like they're back in the good ol' days, when people waved because they were genuinely gesturing a 'hello', as compared to someone travelling past at 100km/hr and waving purely out of habit, and doing so with no real intent?

Genuine question.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Merts on August 14, 2019, 04:22:05 PM
Of all the things you could choose to be annoyed about, you pick drivers not waving at you? Lol....
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Traveller on August 14, 2019, 04:39:53 PM
What's the fixation with waving at every passing car, or expecting others to wave back at you?

Does it make people feel like they're back in the good ol' days, when people waved because they were genuinely gesturing a 'hello', as compared to someone travelling past at 100km/hr and waving purely out of habit, and doing so with no real intent?

Genuine question.


I am from the old days, and yes, I miss the genuine hello wave. In fact I am so old that I remember that when travelling in the Vic High Country, or remotish outback, and pre electronic everything, that often oncoming vehicles would stop to enquire about track conditions. Life must have been a bit slower, windows up air-conditioned machines didn't exist, and people thought 'talking' was something that didn't involve a phone.

We have just returned from a 7 week jaunt mainly around Qld (thanks Xcavator for taking all the flack for us Victorians) and certainly there are a lot less people waving. There are always more when you are on the dirt and even away from cities.

I doubt I will stop waving, and I feel sorry for you if you are annoyed by it.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: rotare on August 14, 2019, 05:42:11 PM

I am from the old days, and yes, I miss the genuine hello wave. In fact I am so old that I remember that when travelling in the Vic High Country, or remotish outback, and pre electronic everything, that often oncoming vehicles would stop to enquire about track conditions. Life must have been a bit slower, windows up air-conditioned machines didn't exist, and people thought 'talking' was something that didn't involve a phone.

We have just returned from a 7 week jaunt mainly around Qld (thanks Xcavator for taking all the flack for us Victorians) and certainly there are a lot less people waving. There are always more when you are on the dirt and even away from cities.

I doubt I will stop waving, and I feel sorry for you if you are annoyed by it.

No need to be sorry for me..... and I'm not sure exactly how you came to the conclusion that I personally might be annoyed, given I asked a question rather giving my opinion  ???

I just find it kinda funny that some people are clearly hung up if other drivers don't wave to them.  My point is, does it really matter if they do or don't?  It's been almost implied it's rude if someone doesn't wave back at you.... 

It seems a good majority of those few people that are still waving at passing cars, are doing so simply out of habit, or because they feel a need too, rather than because they are genuinely wanting to gesture a 'hello'.....

I'm sure it actually meant something at one time, but does it really mean something now? 

 
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Steffo1 on August 14, 2019, 06:59:38 PM
It may have something to do with the volume of traffic these days. Where once you may have encountered 10 or so vehicles between, say Mckinlay and Kynuna before the road was sealed, today would probably be 10× that.

Also, the loosely  termed " Iconic" routes probably have more vehicles  in a month now, than they had in a year 20 years ago.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Traveller on August 14, 2019, 08:33:18 PM
No need to be sorry for me..... and I'm not sure exactly how you came to the conclusion that I personally might be annoyed, given I asked a question rather giving my opinion  ???

No, wasn't having a go at you, it was a at the world in general. I don't really give a jot if people wave or not, I just miss what I took to be the camaraderie of the road. I think Steffo nailed it with the number of cars doing the tracks these days.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Bird on August 15, 2019, 09:35:29 AM
Quote from: Traveller
I am from the old days, and yes, I miss the genuine hello wave. In fact I am so old that I remember that when travelling in the Vic High Country, or remotish outback, and pre electronic everything, that often oncoming vehicles would stop to enquire about track conditions. Life must have been a bit slower, windows up air-conditioned machines didn't exist, and people thought 'talking' was something that didn't involve a phone

When I was young the olds had a fitted out Kombi, we traveled, and on remote tracks, quite often everyone would stop and have a chat... sometimes you'd end up with 5-10 cars pulled up. quite surprising considering out back of Sofala you'd be lucky to see 5 cars a day... LOL
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Champin on August 15, 2019, 11:24:52 AM
It's like that everywhere these days. Say gidday to someone in the city and they back sway and avoid eye contact. In trucking if you had a flat tyre there would be 3 trucks pull up behind you ready to lend a hand. Not now days. Everybody seems too time poor. Different in the country. I can't go into my towns shop/post office without bumping my gums over something inconsequential for at least half an hour. I like that. It reminds me I'm part of something greater.
 I think community spirit is been replaced by economy spirit.

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Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Bird on August 15, 2019, 01:02:31 PM
Quote from: Champin
I can't go into my towns shop/post office without bumping my gums over something inconsequential for at least half an hour. I like that. It reminds me I'm part of something greater.
 I think community spirit is been replaced by economy spirit.
Agree..  And I find that can happen still in small rural towns, even when your not from there.
I grew up in a town of ~1200... I miss that small town feel and small town caring as you say walk down the street, see someones dad working on his car, you'd just stick your hand up and offer to help... We have neighbours now on one side who have been there at least 7 years, and have never tried to be neighbourly to us or those on the other side of them. Guess I didnt realise how amazing the neighbours I had growing up in Kurnell for 40yrs were :(
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Kangaron on August 15, 2019, 04:13:19 PM
Shortly I'll be moving to a rural town of 800 people.
I've had the place there for about 7 years.
It is a 10 minute walk to the pub/bakery/IGA /butcher, etc.
No matter where you go, it turns into an hour round trip.

Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Bird on August 15, 2019, 04:27:24 PM
Quote from: Kangaron
It is a 10 minute walk to the pub/bakery/IGA /butcher, etc.
No matter where you go, it turns into an hour round trip.
Sounds awesome Ron... Selling the current joint, or keeping n renting it out? be good $ where you are...
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: BaseCamp on August 15, 2019, 04:53:35 PM
The world seems to have become so indifferent these days - that I can't even get a return "Hi" from the guy sitting outside my local Woolies that sells the Big Issues...

But I do remember with fond nostalgia, the beach runs up and down Fraser in the 1970s....

Very few vehicles on the beach; wild Brumbies galore;  camp anywhere you felt like; campsite fires no questions; and seemingly nearly everyone gave you a wave as they drove by....

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Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: Kangaron on August 15, 2019, 05:07:07 PM
Sounds awesome Ron... Selling the current joint, or keeping n renting it out? be good $ where you are...

Already own the joints in the bush, selling here, thats my our spending money.
Kids have been warned.
Title: Re: What has happened..........
Post by: gronk on August 15, 2019, 08:12:58 PM
When I was young the olds had a fitted out Kombi, we traveled, and on remote tracks, quite often everyone would stop and have a chat... sometimes you'd end up with 5-10 cars pulled up. quite surprising considering out back of Sofala you'd be lucky to see 5 cars a day... LOL

So, you were stopped and chatting  for two days ????   ;D ;D