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I'm back at home now and the journey is over. Post holiday depression has truly set in with the ugly, cold weather not helping matters. The prospect of going back to work soon is creating further large dark clouds in my mind. I wish I were financially independent and never have to go back to work; ever!
I thought it would be a good time to record the statistics for the journeys. Below are some figures for the two trips I went on during my year off;
..First trip (Darwin & Cape York)... Second trip (WA)..Total
Distance travelled: 17 454 kms ..........18 600 kms......36 054kms
Fuel consumed: ......2 209 lt ................2 119 lt ............4 328 lt
Kilometres per litre: ...7.9 kms ................8.8 kms
Litres per 100 kilometres:12.6 lt .............11.4 lt
Total time: .....114 days (16 weeks) ...114 days (16 weeks)
Cost of fuel: .........$3 134 .................$4 053 .................$7 187
(Average fuel cost per litre:$1.42 .........$1.91)
Camping fees:.......$1 595 ...................$1 648 .............$3 243
Sub Total: ............$4 729 ...................$5 701.............$10 430
Other items-
First trip
Ferry cost ...............$415
Wheel bearings .......$500
Stolen pushbike ......$690
Tours .....................$400
Sub Total .............$2 005 ...........................................$2 005
Second trip
Ferry cost............................................$456
Tyre repairs .......................................$350(so far)
Solar Panel .........................................$120
Stolen wetsuit etc. ...............................$500
Tours................................................. $200(approx.)
Sub Total ..........................................$1 626 .............$1 626
Grand Total .......$6 734 ................$7 327
Total cost ................................................................$14 061
You might notice the fuel consumption was much better on the second trip. I think the reason for this difference could be put down to my driving a bit slower on the second trip. I was also occasionally putting some fuel treatment in the fuel tank which may also have made a difference. I may have got some more favourable winds on the second trip too?
Also of (slight) interest was that I used less fuel on the second trip but went further. But even though I used less fuel, it cost me considerably more for fuel on the second trip. The fuel price went up significantly from when I finished the first trip and when I was on the second trip.
The length of time turned out to be exactly the same for the two trips. This was just a pure fluke.
What these figures really prove, of course, is how anal I am for bothering to record all this information! However, maybe someone out there is planning a similar trip and the above information may come in useful?
I have also been meaning to write something about my fellow road travellers for some time. I have heard that there are about 15 000 people living on the road at any one time in Australia. From what I have seen, I would suggest the figure was much higher than 15 000 but I wouldn't like to suggest a figure of my own.
Travelling on your own does give you plenty of opportunities to observe other people whom chose to park near you. I don't know how many times I have been asked "how do you cope travelling on your own?". It's a fair enough question but the way it's usually asked in a pitying way is annoying and also makes you suddenly wonder if there's a problem when, as far as I was concerned, there wasn't a problem at all. I often feel like replying to this question by saying "don't you wish you had left your nagging, boring wife/husband at home?". Of course I never do though. I usually reply how it may be lonely but travelling alone does give me the freedom to do what I want, when I want.
Of all the people travelling, the "Grey Nomads" would the most dominant group. The Grey Nomads are generally a couple of retirement age whom have decided to spend a long period of time travelling. They often have the largest and best caravans or campers and are in general the most organised. They also seem to always occupy the best camp sites before you do.
A sub group of the Grey Nomads is the winter wanderer. This group of travellers travels north for the winter and usually spends a long time in one site and returns to the same site year after year. I think they're onto something there.
Of all the travellers, the Grey Nomads usually make the best neighbours. Being more experienced in life and financially secure seems to make them seem more interesting and better at the art of conversation. I have also found them more considerate and quieter than other travellers.
The family group, in contrast to the Grey Nomads, are the most dreaded neighbours to get in a campground. This is due to the universally despised children that come with the family. Children are the least considerate of campers; one high pitched squeal can ruin the whole day. If I was ever to say something to the little brats, I would get the parents coming in to support their rotten offspring. All I can do is sit in my camper and seethe with hatred. It generally makes my heart sink if a family group pulls in beside me.
Another group I have observed is the foreign hire camper. They are generally "Euro-trash" whom have come to Australia for an extended stay. They are generally polite but not the best conversation makers; their English not being the best and me lacking in any Euro languages.
A subgroup of the foreign hire camper is the backpacker. They usually hire a small van (often a van with the "Wicked" slogan on the side) and have 3 or more people crammed in. The foreign hire camper somehow seemed to appear in numbers at popular destinations. I don't know how they get there as they aren't seen in any great number on the road. I have noticed that a foreign camper is more likely to camp next to you when there is plenty of space elsewhere in the campground. This is generally considered bad etiquette by an Australian camper. Maybe this is a Euro desire to be close to other people? The foreign hire camper also tends to turn up after dark far more often than your Aussie would?
Another traveller is the single male. This group is far les common than other groups. They are quite often older and also often have the most customised looking campers. They are often found spending long periods of time at isolated campgrounds with a wireless and a stock of cheap plonk. It really doesn't pay to get into a conversation with the lone male camper; unless you have plenty of time.
My favourite group of campers is the alternate hippy types. This group of travellers are the most laid back and interesting group of people. They seem to cluster around certain campsites only (such as Cactus beach in SA or Workmen's beach near Agnes waters in QLD). Surfing and guitars feature a lot with these people. This group of people are also often found having their first stubby or pulling their first cone at 10 o'clock in the morning. They are the most friendly and inclusive types whom don't let fat guts, lack of fitness or ability to stop them from having a go at their surfing.
The single female traveller is rare and nearly extinct. They are most shy and defensive. I avoid trying to make conversation with this group as it is generally most difficult. The single female is the opposite of the single male and seems to avoid any form of socialising at all. Their rigs are generally small but neat and practical (generally like the owner).
The young hoons is a group that is (thankfully) not all that common either. This is probably due to their self destructive habits and poor organisation. They are a most inconsiderate camper and are to be avoided. They are easy to spot due to their loud music and untidy campsites.
The travelling world is therefore a bit opposite to the rest of the community. By this I mean the old and grey are in control and the most gregarious with the young males "dying" out before the old people. Single people are vastly smaller in number to the couples which, I understand, is not the case in the rest of society.
You may be thinking where I fitted in this world? I probably have the habits of the grey nomad but about 20 years to young. I don't have a family and nor am I female or foreign so I don't fit in those categories either. I am a single male traveller but am not hardcore enough to fit into that group. I would aspire to be an alternative hippy but in reality I'm way too conservative to fit in there either.
It would seem I don't fit perfectly into any of the categories but have a few characteristics of each. I'm a traveller among travellers. Or was a traveller actually.
Yes it is the end of the Safari now. I do plan to make other trips when time and money allows. For now I have to do some time but after serving my sentence I shall get my freedom once more. Maybe I'll get a pardon?
Hope you enjoyed reading the blogs….
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