FREEDOM: Saga of the "Recreational Vehicle"

My husband retired and I, in sympathy, stopped working - about 7 years ago. Traditionally, here in Australia, when people retire they generally buy a caravan or motorhome and "drive around Australia". These people are fondly named "The Grey Nomads". Well I colour my greying tendencies - so the name never quite fit me. What little hair my husband has, was and is, in fact, very grey - so he fits this mould.

We bought a small motorhome (sight unseen - just pictures) over the internet, and my husband flew to Sydney to pick it up and drive it home. Here it is:

"Matilda" - camped at Ormiston Gorge - Northern Territory

Here she is with full outfit on, Arthur's lake, Tasmania.

Over the span of about 2 and a half years, we saw a lot  of Australia over four trips, spanning about 4 months per trip. Needless to say, the whole experience was AWESOME and a fitting introduction to "Freedom" in retirement. 

We then sold Matilda to a very nice older couple (greys) who live on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. The motorhome was unable to be stored at our place due to her height. And to leave it out (not undercover) was not an option.

While we were happy to have sold her privately, and pretty much recoup the money we had paid for her,

there was this niggling "oh no, what have we done!!" feeling inside.

Have we just sold our FREEDOM??

After a while I started feeling a little sad for the loss of our "Recreational Vehicle" and began to think how nice for us AND our little dog "camping" and "adventures" would be. But there were very few options for people travelling with dogs.

Well...............

Guess what we did today????

Happy Days!!! After much deliberation, my husband and I decided on a compact and fold down caravan, small enough that we could tow it with our medium sized car. We ordered a brand newy today with many extras including air-conditioning and full annex and awning to double the living space when camped. It will take approximately 4 months to be constructed and delivered. 

So who's a Happy Camper now??????