13 Apr 10. For as long as we can remember our plan was to travel extensively once we had retired. Originally we were going to sell up everything, travel and then when we had seen all that we wanted to and/or were not fit enough to continue, settle at Clayton SA (near Milang) and grow old/older disgracefully.
The plan was amended about a year or so ago; Clayton was not progressing, has very few facilities particularly as we get still older, but the plan now is to downsize to a retirement/lifestyle village in Goolwa and use that as a base for our travelling.
We've been to just about every caravan and camping show that's ever been held gathering ideas for our van; changed our minds at every show and at every van we looked at. Thought we had it "sussed" but then we'd find another one that would do the job. Finally in late 2009 stumbled on the new Jayco Starcraft, "budget luxury" they call it. After more research and rethinking went to this year's February caravan and camping show and placed the order for a 19ft Starcraft with ensuite bathroom, cafe dinette, solar and battery pack, larger fridge etc, due late Aug 2010. This ties in with the move to Goolwa Sep/Oct this year.
Upgraded the tow vehicle to the new Mitsubishi Challenger LS auto; a good deal cheaper than a Landcruiser/Patrol/Pajero/Prado, but should still be quite capable. The relatively light weight of the Starcraft also helped with the decision.
We're now in the process of buying all the extra "bits" for both the van the the car; towbar, brake controller, reversing camera, crockery, cutlery. The list goes on and on and on but we should be ready for a couple of quick test runs soon after we pick up the van. Maybe one decent trip this year and we should get serious next year; we could be on the road for up to a total of 6 months each year.
