Good day, fellow adventurers! Are you sitting at home, staring out the window, dreaming of a life less ordinary? Well, grab your cuppa and settle in, because we’ve got a yarn that might just inspire you to pack your bags and hit the open road. Meet Gaye, a 63-year-old Aussie legend who’s turned the traditional idea of retirement on its head. Instead of settling into a rocking chair, she’s rocking the highways and byways of our beautiful country in her trusty campervan, proving that adventure has no age limit.
A five-year ultimatum: The journey begins
Gaye’s story is one of courage, determination, and a healthy dose of ‘why not?’ Back in 2019, before the world went a bit sideways with the pandemic, Gaye made a life-altering decision. After losing her parents, who never got to fulfil their dream of crossing the Nullarbor by train, she realised that life’s too short to wait for ‘someday’. So, she gave herself a five-year ultimatum: hit the road, explore Australia, and see if full-time travel was her cup of tea. If not, she’d sell everything and start anew.
‘I don’t want to wait and never get there,’ Gaye said, echoing a sentiment many of us feel deep down. Her parents’ unfulfilled dream became her driving force, a reminder that time waits for no one. And so, at an age when many are thinking about slowing down, Gaye put her foot on the accelerator, both literally and figuratively.
From office drudgery to outback freedom
Gaye’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. Initially, she swapped her office job for a gig in a pub, pulling beers and learning the ropes of hospitality at 57. But when COVID-19 threw a spanner in the works, she found herself back in an office, a situation that lasted all of nine months before the call of the open road became too strong to ignore.
‘I can’t deal with this,’ she recalled thinking, and honestly, who can blame her? The road was calling, and Gaye answered with a resounding ‘Yes!’
Starlink: The game-changer for road warriors
Now, you might be wondering how a modern-day nomad stays connected in the age of technology. Enter Starlink, the satellite internet service that’s become a lifeline for travellers like Gaye. With Starlink, she can work remotely three days a week, stay in touch with loved ones, and enjoy the safety net of connectivity, even when she’s camped out in the middle of nowhere.
‘I mostly free camp and I’m happy to camp on my own in the middle of nowhere as it gives me that extra safety factor,’ Gaye shared. And she’s not alone. Starlink has become a common sight in campgrounds across Australia, with around 200,000 users and counting. It’s a testament to how technology is enabling a new generation of retirees to live their dreams without sacrificing the comforts of modern life.
Nana on the road: Building a community
Gaye’s adventures are chronicled on her Facebook page, ‘Nana on the Road,’ where she’s amassed over 9,000 followers. But it’s not just about the likes and shares; it’s about the community she’s built along the way. From learning how to use a chainsaw (yes, you read that right!) to sharing stories and tips with fellow travellers, Gaye has found a tribe of like-minded souls who are all on their own unique journeys.
‘It’s a great community,’ she enthused. ‘One lady taught me how to use a chainsaw… I’d never used a chainsaw and now I own one.’ It’s this spirit of camaraderie and shared experience that makes the grey nomad lifestyle so appealing.
Gaye’s campervan chronicles is part of a larger trend sweeping Australia: the rise of the ‘grey nomads’. These are retirees who choose to spend their golden years exploring the country, often in caravans, campervans, or motorhomes. It’s a lifestyle that’s becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason.
The future is bright (and mobile)
As for Gaye, her five-year ultimatum turned into a long-term plan. Instead of selling everything, she’s setting up a home base in rural NSW, a place to return to when she’s ready to hang up her travelling boots (or should we say, tyres?). But for now, the open road beckons. Her next adventure? Cape York, a bucket-list destination for many grey nomads.
Gaye’s life on the road proves retirement is just the beginning of new adventures. What about you? Is the open road calling? If you could take a life-changing adventure, where would you go and why? Share your thoughts or dream destinations in the comments below!
Also read: New tech to revolutionise outdoor adventures: ‘Definitely beneficial’