Saturday, May 10, 2014

holidaying








:a short walk through the forest :: a steep climb to the lighthouse
 :: a breathtaking view from Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse
 :: a magical family day out.


It felt like we had traveled to another country. From kangaroos at our back door to pelicans at our front door. From a lake full of rainbow trout to a lake full of fresh farmed oysters. A family road trip for two blissful weeks in Forster, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.

There's a very friendly atmosphere in caravan parks. Walking by neatly spaced out caravans and campervans you always get a cheery hello - just like in small towns where you say "g'day" to almost every person that passes you by.

We arrived home on a holiday high and had grand plans of selling everything we own and buying a caravan and traveling around Australia for a year. After some number crunching we realised it's not as cheap as we thought. Also, where would I put all my crafty stuff? What about the veggie garden? Could we have a mobile veggie garden growing in the trailer? Okay, we can't take the trailer. Oh that's right, I really just want to move to a property where we can have chickens. Could we just go camping in the school holidays? Yes, this seems like a much better idea.

But there are some major issues in the camping community. Caravan parks have moved towards attracting more clientele by catering for younger families with facilities such as games rooms and jumping pillows and the entry fees reflect these "extras." Many grey nomads have invested in upfront costs in self sufficient caravans and motor homes and rely on free or low-cost camping areas which are under threat. Both types of camping styles would make it fun yet keep holidaying affordable, except for the initial cost of a second hand camper van, yikes!

For now the shorter and colder Autumn days has brought us back to reality and we are busily preparing for the frosty winter ahead. And next summer? Perhaps a "staycation" will be our only choice.

Do you stay in caravan parks? Are you an RVer? Have you been affected by any of these issues?



10 comments:

  1. Lovely photos, Zena. No I have never travelled in a caravan but some people and grey nomads my age love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very kind, thank you. It's a nice change from blurry pics with my cheap digital camera. It's so lovely to be able to capture the true beauty I see before my eyes.

      Delete
  2. I love staying in caravan parks - much more space and open areas. Although the cost is equivalent to motels (once upon a time they were cheaper). I just find it more convenient for us! I haven't travelled in a caravan (lived in one for 12 months with 3 children aged up to 4yrs!) or a motor home but have been seriously thinking at looking into a campervan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I was taken aback at how expensive it is. Wow, under 4 years and for a whole year. That would of been something. We'll wait for the second one to get bigger and then it'll be easier.

      Delete
  3. Oh what beautiful photos!! We dream of travelling. The idea being to buy an old caravan one day. Who knows...it may very well stay a dream! haha. I find it upsetting when I see a caravan park offering camping at a reasonable rate and then I have to add on an extra $10 per child x 4 per night and then it makes it too expensive!! to pay $70 + per night for tent camping is crazy!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, the whole point of camping is it's suppose to be cheaper and you get to enjoy the great outdoors. All your boys would love the adventure:) Thank you. I was lucky to capture that magical day.

      Delete
  4. Hi Zena, it's Heike here...I am also doing the blog with Pip course. I have been dreaming of owning a VW Camper Van, decorating it with a lot of crochet items and then travel around Europe. Hopefully one day!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow, you live in such a beautiful place! Camping is still cheap in Canada- at least in the less populated areas- come on over!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Canada is so beautiful - the city is so eclectic and the wilderness is stunning. I have seen and heard such amazing things. Many folks from here have lived in Canada.

      Delete