EXPECTED DEPARTURE DATE SET

Hopefully, the 30th of January 2013 is the day when I will head off on the first big trip. I only need a few more things to get before I go, mainly a TV aerial setup. The rest of what I need is essentially already packed into the Van and it all fits, with some room to spare. I'm getting a bit excited now.

I'VE TAKEN THE PLUNGE!

THERE IS NO LOOKING BACK NOW! I gave a months notice to my Agent today and will be leaving the unit on 14th January. I will stay with my Sister, Deb for a week or so to finalise things here and then the Van will be my permanent home. I am a bit anxious about not knowing what to expect. I have made contact on the Grey Nomads forum with others that are out there now and they assure me that it won't take long and I'll be more relaxed. It is amazing how many people are travelling alone and many of them keep in touch on that site. It is worth a look if you are interested...the Link to the page is at the bottom of this blog.

MY FIRST TRIP IS PLANNED

My first trip will be around central and outback NSW. I know it will be a bit hot but I want to stay in the state until I get the Van fully sorted. I intend to go from here at Nelson Bay firstly to Port Macquarie futher up the coast. My old neighbours have moved there to manage a Motel and they have asked me to visit on my way. From there the route will zig zag through central west NSW , dipping down to Mildura, just across the Victorian border then up to Bourke, across into QLD to Lightning Ridge and back down to Nelson Bay.

The route is well planned (as those that know me well would expect) and covers about 6500 kls. There are 82 stops on the way, I will stay at some and just check out others. My plan includes all the published Free Campsites and Caravan Parks on the way so that I can pick and choose. I prefer to Free Camp most of the time but will be limited to battery capacity (mainly to drive the fridge). I reckon I will get away with 2 days or so per week in Caravan Parks to recharge. I may consider fitting Solar Panels to the Van if needed as I would like to Free Camp for up to a week if I can.
The expected time to do this as about 5 months. Then I'll be back at Nelson Bay to prepare for trip No2 which is to Cairns and Central Qld over the Winter months.

I have bought a decent digital camera (Olympus SP-810UZ with 36x zoom lens) and intend to post regularly on this blog with the best pics. So, if you are interested follow my progress and experiences here.
You can Google this blog at http://solosteveontheroad.blogspot.com.au/ and then put it in your favourites.

PREPARING FOR THE TRIP

Well I have been busy getting the Van ready for the big trip. It is a 1993 Toyota Hiace Commuter, a type of minibus with the seats removed so it was perfect for a Campervan base. It is a Diesel and so should be fairly economical. I had it fitted out by Macron Campers at Ourimbah on the central coast of NSW. They did a great job and I highly recommend them for a fit out, modifications or repairs. Talk to Brett if you need help and mention my name, you will get excellent service. Here are some pics of the fit out process:

 

I have just added a flat screen TV, a GPS and a few other gadgets. I intend to fit a UHF Radio as well. I will see how the first trip goes and if necessary may fit Solar Panels on the roof and Satellite TV at a later date.



I have given away heaps of stuff that I had but no longer need like tools etc to friends and neighbours and only have a some clothes left...no turning back now!