We've now been on the road in the camper trailer for just over 6 weeks and we've had some fabulous adventures and experiences, as well as some challenges, to date. Whilst we have been on many camping holidays in the past, this is our first venture together into the wilderness as gypsies, with a broad plan but no fixed address or schedule.
We thought it might be fun to share some of our early observations and insights into the life of a nomad in this great country by writing about 'a day in the life of a nomad'. This is about a typical day when you are not travelling on the road or doing any major sightseeing.
A Day in the Life of a Nomad
Wake up
The day usually starts with a wake-up call from various bird species, such as galahs, corellas, magpies and/or ravens. It's a lovely time of day when you're in the bush as you watch the dawn light emerge and enjoy the cool breeze whilst sipping on a cup of tea or coffee. We then go for a walk or do some light activity to wake up the brain and body. Then it's breakfast time! I love a good breakfast as this fuels you up for the day ahead.
Breakfast is ready!
There are lots of options for camp breakfasts. Two of my favourites are berry pancakes and the good old omelette.
These pancakes are super easy to prepare and delicious. We use almond meal to reduce the carbohydrate level. Mix around 30g of almond meal with 2 fresh eggs, 60g of cream cheese and a dash of vanilla essence. Pan fry and serve with greek yoghurt and berries.
Eggs are a campers best friend. They are so versatile, healthy and delicious. Today I made a tomato and spinach omelette. It's also a great way to use up any leftover meats or vegetables. This will keep us going until lunch-time.
Camp watching #1
After breakfast, you decide what you want to do for the morning and watch any fellow travellers do their pack-up and departure. It's always interesting to see how other travellers do things and what type of vehicle and accommodation they are using. There are a huge number of camper trailers, caravans, roof top tents, swags and other camping paraphernalia on the road, so it's fascinating to compare and contrast and share stories with others. This is also a good time to do any camp chores, such as laundry, grocery shopping or equipment cleaning. After that, it's time for a percolated coffee.
Lunch-time
My favourite lunch-time repast is a salad. Firstly, there is minimal cooking involved and secondly, salads are simple and easy to prepare as well as being healthy. As an example, the rainbow salad is simply a mix of shredded cabbage and carrot (or fresh coleslaw mix without dressing), with a diced apple, a diced capsicum, cashew nuts and pumpkin and sunflower seeds for added crunch. This is dressed with an asian style dressing of soy sauce, oil and rice wine vinegar. Light, refreshing and high in nutrients and fibre. Yummy!
Post-lunch
On a non-touring day, the post-lunch period is great for catching up on emails, reading the news or a good book, having a walk or swim (if possible) or even having a little doze...
Camp watching #2
The second round of camp-watching starts in the early afternoon as new fellow travellers arrive and prepare their campsites. This is usually done with a nice plate of cheese and biscuits and a cool sparkling water, G&T, beer or glass of wine. After swapping stories with some new travellers, it's time for a nice hot shower before dinner.
Dinner
There are endless dinner options whilst camping. We have found the Weber Baby Q BBQ to be really useful for BBQ, slow-cooking, roasts and baking. The stove-top is great for pan-frying and boiling.
A typical easy meal for us is a BBQ meat with salad or vegetables. Last night we had BBQ porterhouse steak with a grilled nectarine salad and honey mustard dressing. The left-over grilled nectarines will be used to make lunch the following day. Ready to eat in 15 minutes!
Post-dinner
After dinner, it's time to wash up and pack away all the gear. We can then sit in our chairs, watch the sunset and enjoy the cooler evening breeze before retiring to bed. Time to read that latest novel before dropping off to sleep.
Bon Nuit!
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