Hello from Tasmania

[YankTank]

Hi All,
I've just discovered Bob's Youtube Channel and what an eye-opener!

I'm an ex-pat American & I've been in Tasmania for 26 years now. 
I'm a 56 y/o IT manager in a good stable job but due to several marital "do-overs", not the brightest retirement outlook. At least not one than would allow much travel or "after working life" adventure. That said, Australia does look after us a lot better than I am finding out, on this forum, that the US does you lot.  

I could, if I wanted, work for the next 10 years and pay off my (3rd) home and stuff cash into a Superannuation (401k) plan but Bob's videos have struck a chord in me that simultaneously draws me in and terrifies me. While I said that I have a stable job with a good working environment and co-workers, I am finding it increasingly boring, stressful and unfulfilling.

My partner of 5 years is more of a free spirit than I am and about two years ago we purchased a 1989 Nissan LWB "Urvan" pop-top.
This has been a good intro to van living: storage, freecamping (Boondocking I think you call it?), solar, etc., all those practical experiences.
At present we are in the planning stage of researching a van for an extended trip but CRVL has opened up another possibility - chucking it all in for a life on the road.

I don't yet know if this lifestyle can translate to Australia as it's not as densely populated as the US. This, in my mind, brings up some unique problems that CRVL might not be able to solve: living cost & jobs mainly but also the variety of locations (climate wise). 

Well, I've blathered on enough for an intro so I'll leave you with a couple of photos of Tasmania.

Cheers & here's hoping you are all safe & well.

Bronte Lagoon: Central Highlands, Tasmania.

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Lake Murchison: Western Region, Tasmania

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[SternWake]

Welcome.

I travelled out of a Holden kingswood for much of 99 and early 2000.

Loved that car, that time of my life.

 

[YankTank]

Welcome.

I travelled out of a Holden kingswood for much of 99 and early 2000.

Loved that car, that time of my life.

Cheers Sternie!
Dead set classic, Mate. A Kingie wagon would have been sweet! (bit of Aussie slang there )
Where was that photo?

 

[SternWake]

That was in Boranup forest on the Leeuwun pennisuala in West Oz.

Slept many a night in that front seat folded all the way down, Surfboards riding shotgun. Drove it across the nullabor, sold it in Sydney for the same price I paid. Less than 400 US

 

[Wabbit]

Hi YankTank! Cool pics. Really like the view of the mountain. Morning coffee with a view like that!

 

[AbuelaLoca]

Wow! Simply gorgeous scenery! I hope you get to "chuck it all and live life on the road!"

 

[jimindenver]

Welcome to the forum. Morning coffee as the rising sun washes over the mountains is still my favorite time of day.

 

[YankTank]

Hi YankTank! Cool pics. Really like the view of the mountain. Morning coffee with a view like that!

More like an evening wine

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to the CRVL Forums    

I've had an eye on Eapatraiting myself and would like to know more about it.   In the States a lot of people are
taking to RV's or fixed up Van Rig's to live and work out of.  There are some jobs that lend themselves to it rather well and some of us here are engaged in them presently. 

Since you're in IT #5 on this list "web developer"  may be something you could consider while enjoying a life on the road,  or working remotely for a web developer in some capacity. 

25 highest paying jobs that don't require a college degree:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/25-highest-paying-jobs-dont-194413843.html

 

[YankTank]

Cheers eDJ_!
Yes, this is an option and one that has not gone unnoticed. I'd also thought of IT assistance and repair at camp sites and RV parks. My partner has done a lot of work and research into affiliate marketing, blogging, etc but has yet to take off. Early days.

Good luck with your dream

 

[cyndi]

One of our members, Romana-S, is in Australia. he's written quite a bit about vandwelling there and many other places
http://vandwellers.org/

I'm not sure he is still active here, or how current his posts on his website are.

 

[YankTank]

One of our members, Romana-S, is in Australia. he's written quite a bit about vandwelling there and many other places
http://vandwellers.org/

I'm not sure he is still active here, or how current his posts on his website are.

Thanks Cyndi!
Romana-S hasn't made a post since Feb 2015 but there is still a site with useful info. He had a forum, which would have been nice for an Australian perspective, but it's no longer available.
Cheers!