6 months and counting...

Submitted: Sunday, Feb 13, 2011 at 15:54
ThreadID: 84321 Views:2685 Replies:2 FollowUps:3
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So 6 months ago we set off into the unknown. Now we are here, on the sunshine coast, sitting on the other side of Australia. I'm not sure how long we'll end up travelling for, but right now it seems we could travel forever and still have more to see!
Our 2 little boys absolutley love this life, and it's great to see them really grow! Our 2 dogs have also adopted this way of life as the only way life should be, perhaps this is how it should be for everyone.

So nothing really too informative in this post, perhaps it's a little gloating excercise, or maybe just to reassure others with the same idea that it really is a possible, maybe even an essential way to live.

So to anyone with the same idea, Like many others will tell you too, just do it! It really was a lot easier to get going than you realise, a lot of prep, but after procrastinating, everything is possible. I've realised now that the one's travelling aren't the 'lucky ones', they're just the few that decided to give there dream a go!

Anyhoo, back down to the river with a beer for me :)

Enjoy

Cheers Troy
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Reply By: Member - Paul B (WA) - Sunday, Feb 13, 2011 at 18:08

Sunday, Feb 13, 2011 at 18:08
There's a lovely saying coined by doyen of ocean cruising, Larry Purdy, who says "go small, go simple, GO NOW!"

I think maybe the same applies to land cruising!

Good onya Troy & keep the posts coming.

Paul B Kalgoorlie
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Follow Up By: Member - troy s (WA) - Monday, Feb 14, 2011 at 07:54

Monday, Feb 14, 2011 at 07:54
Cheers Paul, sounds like good avice to me!
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Reply By: brushmarx - Monday, Feb 14, 2011 at 10:05

Monday, Feb 14, 2011 at 10:05
Hi Paul
I guess you are doing what is called "living the dream", sounds good.
Have you had any problems travelling with two dogs?
Has the National Park restrictions caused any problems?
Is there a general feeling about dogs in caravan parks, or do you avoid these?
Do you keep the dogs tied up at night, carry an enclosure, or are they just well trained?
Any suggestion for travelling with dogs, or any websites/blogs etc worth mentioning?
Glad it's all working out for you.
Cheers
Ian
AnswerID: 445381

Follow Up By: Member - troy s (WA) - Tuesday, Feb 15, 2011 at 19:38

Tuesday, Feb 15, 2011 at 19:38
Hi there Ian.
Travelling with dogs is not as easy as travelling without, saying that, travelling with kids is more hassle than travelling with just a pack of blokes! So I guess it's all compromise.
We started this trek with my 10 year old kelpie cross, and my wifes 3 month old border collie, so 2 active dogs. We couldn't think of a better way to bring up a young dog, though I'd understand if some thought we were crazy. Our dogs were our family befoer our kids came around, and they still are, so leaving them with someone else would have been to give my dog away for good.

We do, obviously, have dramas with national parks, we simply can not camp in these areas. However to be told that the only places worth camping are in national parks is pretty ignorant.

As to Van parks, we prefere bush camping, however thats not always possible. Therefore camping in van parks does require a bit of time and effort into research them. I can't really recomend a website as such, but we just do a few different searches, and end up finding something. I also try to make sure that even if it's a dog friendly park, that there is enough room for us to be a bit away from people, 2 dogs and 2 kids does get a bit full on for some people.

Our dogs are well trained, but at night they are always on a lead. Our dogs don't wander off, but I don't sleep too well if I'm not sure where they are.Bush camping there is always the dingo around, and my dog is sure to sniff them out and say hi, just peace of mind I guess knowing they are always safe.
As for camps, once we know enough people and sure not to offend anyone, we'll let them off most of the day, but are very aware of who is keen and not so to have our mutts sniffing around.

I can't really recomend any GREAT sites to do with dogs and camping, I think the best way is to get a few quides, such as Camps Aus wide, and also Camping in Aus (by explore OZ i think) and usually they tell you where dogs can go. I personally found 'bush camping with dogs' to be a waste of time once you have these 2 books.
Basically heaps of research makes you better informed, and don't give up at once if you think dogs are a no go. One of our best camps, the Camps book said was 'no dogs' but the council did allow them. So glad I rang the council to check it out.

Anyway, if youre after any more info, please do ask. As much as it made it more effort to travell, we'd have it no other way.
Good luck, live your dream!
Troy
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Follow Up By: brushmarx - Wednesday, Feb 16, 2011 at 10:03

Wednesday, Feb 16, 2011 at 10:03
Thanks Troy.
It looks like I have a bit of research to do. We have two Jack Russells, and they wouldn't even of thinking of backing down from a Dingo, or snakes. If we go the big trip, it will take some planning.
Cheers
Ian
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