MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: McGirr on May 16, 2012, 08:54:01 AM
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I had to laugh talking to people at work showing them photos from last years Cape trip they just shook their head and said its not for them.
Their idea of camping is a 5 star resort by the sea.
We are a unique breed spending money on our vehicles and campers to explore and take on the toughest tracks this country has and camp in unbelievable locations.
Mark
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G'day Mark,
Yep, not that we have jumped in as deep as you guys, Yet :D
We're working our way up to it ;D
The sister inlaw and her hubby, wouldn't sleep anywhere else other than under 5 Stars. Yet the bloke loves to fish, surf, triathlons and ride road bikes and motorXers, camping is not for them.
They reckon we are nuts camping away from the creature comforts of home.
We love it and can't enough.
:cheers:
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Both my Borther and SWMBO Brothers will only go to resorts or on cruises, they cannot understand how we do it, yet, they want to see the country that we see when it is unspoilt ??? not sure how you get both ???
;D Cracka
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Well we are minorities on this forum as well, most stay in Caravan parks and use 240v or camp in designated camp grounds with full amenites.
Personnally I don't get it, but hey, we are all different in the way we do things.
Baz.
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Nothing like "glamping" under 5 million stars!
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Well we are minorities on this forum as well, most stay in Caravan parks and use 240v or camp in designated camp grounds with full amenites.
Personnally I don't get it, but hey, we are all different in the way we do things.
Baz.
Minorities? Really?? I thought this was an 'offroad' camper trailer forum? As in you take the trailer 'off the road', the black top? While I've yet to do the likes of the Cape I do prefer stopping up in spots where there are not many people at all, and get a little annoyed when a vehicle turns up at our empty serene spot. "Quick, time to do naked cart wheels" my wife always says "that'll scare 'em off". Now we've got kids we still camp in out of the way spots - so thats no excuse.
Couldn't believe it last year when, on a whim, on our way back from Mackay to Canberra we thought we'd check out a particular coastal Qld town that will remain unnamed - it was the middle of winter, thought it would be quietish. The place was wall to wall people, vans, tents, camper trailers, back packers - even a drunken brawl with smashed vehicle windows outside the local pub. Was even a line up for fuel. It was horrible, made my skin crawl. Picked up some food and headed into the nearby National Park and found it to be just about devoid of people, and we had a fantastic spot near the water looking back at the town across the bay. A couple who were camped nearby offered us some fresh Barra for dinner that they had an over supply of! What a contrast. The place did have amenities though - a long drop or maybe composting toilet... Have experienced this time and again, people crowded together in one spot, where just around the corner is the most magnificent quiet jewel, empty.
Guess its character building.
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I had to laugh talking to people at work showing them photos from last years Cape trip they just shook their head and said its not for them.
Their idea of camping is a 5 star resort by the sea.
We are a unique breed spending money on our vehicles and campers to explore and take on the toughest tracks this country has and camp in unbelievable locations.
Mark
I agree, we have relo's who think 'reducing' themselves to a caravan park cabin is camping!
I have to admit I love a bit of luxury on the odd occasion..........spa bath....expensive meal....no kids.....well you get the drift but put me in the bush around a fire and I am in my element.
Put me in some adverse situations in the 4wd with like minded people travelling to the next camp site and I am in heaven :)
In fact the one thing i get a real kick out of is seeing everyone else enjoy what I enjoy. I cant help but think if some of these 5 star people actually come out with us in a good 'camping' set up and saw the country as we see it they would also get hooked on the life style?
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We have only ever camped in caravan parks. I'd love to get out to a few 'bush' sites when we pick up our camper but I'm having a hard time convincing the cook that the enjoyment we would ALL get would be worth the outdoor shower and port a loo. Aparently we 'don't need to live like third world people' and 'how bored would the kids be!'. I will get pushing slowly but I don't want the arguments that may go with it!!
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'how bored would the kids be!'.
Kids are very good at amusing themselves if they have the time and can get used to it. I reckon boredom teaches them to be inventive. Our kids love camping, especially the 'fire' bit.
I agree, we have relo's who think 'reducing' themselves to a caravan park cabin is camping!
Sounds like my mother-in-law who has twice stayed in a cabin in the park where we have our holiday on-site van (only does it to see the Grand kids I'm sure), spends the entire weekend wearing a face like she's chewed a dead cockroach. Funny to watch.
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I agree, we have relo's who think 'reducing' themselves to a caravan park cabin is camping!
Sounds like my mother-in-law who has twice stayed in a cabin in the park where we have our holiday on-site van (only does it to see the Grand kids I'm sure), spends the entire weekend wearing a face like she's chewed a dead cockroach. Funny to watch.
Completely agree with you re: the kids. It's the wife I have to convince. I am an advocate for the kids finding their own form of amusement and not needing to be on the go all the time. I intend to leave the cook at home and just take the kids for a weekend here and there.
When push comes to shove (literally :laugh:) shw would do it but I some how need to convince her that it's 'normal' so she cheers up a bit and looks forward to it. I hate being the only one looking forward to events.
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We have only ever camped in caravan parks. I'd love to get out to a few 'bush' sites when we pick up our camper but I'm having a hard time convincing the cook that the enjoyment we would ALL get would be worth the outdoor shower and port a loo. Aparently we 'don't need to live like third world people' and 'how bored would the kids be!'. I will get pushing slowly but I don't want the arguments that may go with it!!
Ill probably get a visit from some child welfare agency for saying this but give my kids fire and they are amused for hours LOL
Fire, fishing rods, kayaks, hot days...water holes, dvd at night sometimes, their bloody electronic gizmos and plenty of food and the kids love it.
As for your wife, she is either that way inclined or not I guess but in my experience give her a nice bed, keep her warm, do most of the cooking for her, a nice clean toilet and she will love it....especially watching the kids play with the fire ;)
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I wouldn't be knocking people for being a member on An "Off Road Camper" forum and staying at caravan parks. At least there out and about enjoying there camper, Some members here have campers that don't even get used >:D
My wife and I love Bush and beach camping as much as the next person, We try to go camping once a month and have done longer 2-3 weeks trips to Fraser Is, Moreton Is and outback Queensland.
But in our group of friends we also enjoy camping at caravan parks just for something different, Especially for the young kids in our group (all under 4 years old). The facilities some of the better caravan parks offer for kids are fantastic.
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I saw a ripper grey nomad setup this morning on my way to work. All looked brand new, it was an Isuzu 4wd tray truck with a boat and trailer on the tray, towing a 20 odd foot Evernew caravan with a motorbike hanging off the back of the caravan. The were obvioulsy heading north for the winter. They probably paid $200K for the rig and would have a better time than staying in any 5 star resort. Pity the new super laws won't allow any of us to have the same experience.
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Yep, some of my relatives shudder and simply cannot believe that we simply pull of the road "out back of beyond" and set up camp for the night/week. Or that for our last three month trip we stayed in 5 parks the whole time ;D.
The best camps are miles from anyone, beside a creek(optional) a camp fire, clear starry nigths and having the family enjoying it........and all for free ;D but shhhhh dont tell everyone
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We deliberately set up our CT to cater for not just our family but to also cater for a few guests.
We like introducing friends to our way of camping and they so far appeciate it, althought there is a bit of vetting done prior!
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We deliberately set up our CT to cater for not just our family but to also cater for a few guests.
We like introducing friends to our way of camping and they so far appeciate it, althought there is a bit of vetting done prior!
Total with you on that Mallory Black. Our camper usually carries more than what we need as a family too. Our friends love comping camping with us. They call the camper the mother ship as anything they may have forgotten we will usually have. They usually only bring their own sleeping arrangements, eating utensils, food and we usually bring all the cooking gear, water, lighting, etc.
Mark can you imagine what the OTL would be like if all the Toorak Tractors driving up and down there and to scared to take their 4x4's through a river crossing because it will get dirt and you may scratch the duco. Any where would they stop for their mid-morning double decaf soy latte???? ;D ;D ;D You would never make it to the tip.
Why would anyone want to go and sleep it the bush like us nutters!!!! They can stay in their resorts and motels, means less people we have to put up with disturbing our serenity in the bush. Oh, and think of all the whining you would have to listen to.
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I wouldn't be knocking people for being a member on An "Off Road Camper" forum and staying at caravan parks. At least there out and about enjoying there camper, Some members here have campers that don't even get used >:D
Exactly. This weekend will be a van park with powered site, because with the temps we have been getting I want my electric heater. Same for the June trip. But I'd rather be out there in a park then sitting at home.
The trip after that will be mostly bush camping - except for whatever you class Birdsville as. ;D
No crime to have some luxury at times. Heck, I have camper trailer with a bed rather than a swag on the ground.
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WOULD YOU ALL PLEASE STOP !!!!!
We have been moaning and groaning about how long it will be till our next trip and you guys are not helping !!!!
We had 4 nights out of 15 in caravan parks last trip.................4 to many, ( but did enjoy the pub meals and interacting with the locals )
Those great people you meet at free camps or national parks are just the best !!!
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I'm with Moto Mech on this
The best camps are miles from anyone, beside a creek(optional) a camp fire, clear starry nigths and having the family enjoying it........and all for free ;D but shhhhh dont tell everyone
Thankfully lots of people like caravan parks and the like, leaves more "remote" room for those of us that enjoy the elbow room.
I have been known to upgrade camp in a caravan pk so the CHEESE AND KISSES can enjoy some LOOxury and a real (read long) hot shower.
JUST DO YOUR OWN THING and enjoy ;D
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I wouldn't bag or slate anyone who is out there doing there best.
I prefer free camps, my wife probably more so, she loves it, I'm just a tight git.
Either way, we both love to get out when we can.
We use camp sites, sometimes they are convenient, other times you just need to wash and clean properly.
my folks only use caravan Parks as they are in their 70s and they don't feel safe free camping. So totally understand.
They are on their second trip round Australia.
Good on them.
Likewise, I wouldn't bag anyone whatever their set up, a great wall or a Toyota, makes no difference. They are still out there doing their best.
I remember the original poster of this thread asking recently if we take too much to go camping and noted packing his electric kettle etc.
does this make him any less of a man than anyone else.
No.
And just because some have gone to the cape and others haven't, doesn't make you any more matcho than anyone else.
As long as your out there doing your best, then you get my vote.
If it's weekends or 6 months travel, doesn't make anyone better than anyone else.
I would help and encourage anybody that wanted to try it, I don't think I am any better than anyone else. Likewise, anybody who thinks they are more matcho than anybody else, I'm sure we all have our own stories about what we have overcome and battled in the past.
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As some have already mentioned, it doesn't matter if you are camping in a caravan park or in the bush miles away from other people, you are enjoying what the great outdoors has to offer.
I think Mr McGirr original post is more about people who don't know how to enjoy the great places the same way we do simply because they limit their experiences to being stuck inside a small motel / resort room and that is what they enjoy. Absolutely nothing to do caravan parks or bush camping. Good luck to them just means more room for us more adventurous types.
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We Are?
I just thought we were normal and everyone else was strange. Well bugger me.
Kit_e
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I wouldn't bag or slate anyone whobis out there doing there best.
I prefer free camps, my wide probably more so, she loves it, I'm just a tight git.
Either way, eve both love to get out when we can.
Eve use camp sites, sometimes they are convenient, other times you just need to wash and clean properly.
my folks only use caravan Parks as thy are in their 70s and they don't feel safe free camping. So totally understand.
They are on their second trip round Australia.
Good on them.
Likewise, I wouldn't bag anyone whatever their set up, a great wall or a Toyota, makes no difference. They are still out there doing their best.
I remember the original poster of this thread asking Jeffrey if we take too much to go camping and noted packing his electric kettle etc.
does this make him any less of a man than anyone else.
No.
And just because some have gone to the cape and others haven't, doesn't make you any more matcho than anyone else.
As long as your out there doing your best, then you get my vote.
If it's weekends or 6 months travel, doesn't make anyone better than anyone else.
I would help and encourage anybody that wanted to try it, I don't think I am any better than anyone else. Likewise, anybody who thinks they are more matching than anybody else, I'm sure we all have our own stories about what we have overcome and battled in the past.
Hear hear!! Well said mate. I have said on a few other threads that we are all here on Myswag for the same reason; that is, we love getting out there. We each have our own way and reasons of doing it, but the end result is the same.....
Cheers
Matt
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Correct Theo
No way am I suggesting camping in caravan parks is not camping, in fact I stayed at mission beach over Easter at a van park near a great bar overlooking the ocean.
We all camp the way we find enjoyable, but you are camping. As mentioned a lot of people would not do what we all do and that's enjoying what this country has.
Going to the Cape does not make me macho, maybe crazy for organising these trips ;D ...but the joy I get taking my swag members up there and seeing the buzz they have in tackling the otl and standing on the tip of Australia is fantastic.
Mark
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They don't know what they are missing :cup:
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the joy I get taking my swag members up there and seeing the buzz they have in tackling the otl and standing on the tip of Australia is fantastic.
Awesome , well done. Thumbs up.
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The missus and I met each other in the army. The camping we were doing was not what your average 4WD person would typically do. It normally went hand in hand with a good deal of no sleep, running around like a blue @rse fly, sleeping with your rifle, someone barking at you if you did something wrong, all this in the middle of no-where with nothing of note to capture your interest. Although I did see a lot of Queensland, would they have been camping locations of my choice, no. After leaving the army, it took a good many years before I could convince SWMBO to go camping again. Started tenting again around 15 years ago, finally moved up to a camper last year. Been to a mixture of national parks, caravan parks, free campsites (Martin's Bend at Berri, its fantastic). If I've learnt anything over the years, the more comfortable you make yourselves, the more inclined you will be to get out there and have a go. Each type of site requires different levels of preparation. Do you take the ensuite tent and water heater or not, and so on.
Since buying our camper we have done more as a family together than we did in the 8 years that I owned a ski boat. It's much more affordable to go camping. We can go anywhere we want (within the limits of an FG Falcon tug), we can go year round (unlike skiing which is limited to warm months) and the best thing of all, we're loving it.
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Treg up & make dust or mud , but do make tracks . Preaching to the converted by the sound of it , just what we need . If we tell everybody there gose the serenity :cheers:
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just what we need . If we tell everybody there gose the serenity :cheers:
Good point mate.
Hmm but, we need more to enjoy & appreciate this great country and to keep it this way for generations to come.
God I love this country and I loveto listen to the people that travel it and share their little secrets.
:cheers:
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;D :cup: :cup: :cup: :cup:
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The first time I went to the Cape was in the 80's in a 1.9 lt Holden 2-door Jackaroo with 5 adults , two dogs and a huge fridge in the back .We spent 9 weeks back and forth , camping in various places and buying and burying beer and fuel for further forays north ! Our main camp was in the Iron Range area but went back to Cooktown twice as we had mates there running Palmer Kates Coin Laundry and we could buy more beer !! The Jackaroo was a disaster by the time we got back but the fisherman that owned it didn't seem to care .We had another two mates in some early Suzuki with a soft top that tore off on the second day .They wore motorcycle goggles the whole way and looked hilarious covered in red dust and whatever other nasties the road threw up .
The last time I went far north was in air-conditioned comfort in a late model Rodeo --bit of a breeze really .No drug-addled co-travellers ,no hangovers ,no hassles from cops , reliable cars and civilised meals --no shoot your own anymore !! Still , a wild youth is a good start for great memories
Anyone else spend Australia Day 1988 in Cooktown??---I did --roast dugong on the beach with the local Murri people .