Here I am writing this blog in the country. I love to sit somewhere peaceful with a view to write. It inspires me and gets all the creative juices flowing.

But to have the flexibility to escape the rat race replenishes my soul and gives me a chance to focus on what’s important in my life.
Three years ago, I finished renovating my house during Covid and split it into two units: a three-bedroom unit and a small two-bedroom unit for me. It seemed so silly to live in a big five-bedroom house by myself after my son left home, but I didn’t want to sell as I love my garden and where I live.
So, I rent out the back part of the house and have seriously downsized to live in the front unit. I suppose you could say that this is what people my age do, but it was a practical solution that also gives me a weekly passive income.

To give me room to grow and adventures to go on, I bought myself a little second-hand caravan two years ago. It’s my home away from home and is packed, ready to go at a moment's notice. It’s not flash, but it has everything I need to enjoy a few days away at a time, taking my gorgeous labradoodle, Robbie, with me.
The first year, I did 27 small trips; last year, 21; and I’m writing this on my first trip away for 2025.
My Caravan Rules Are Simple:
I don’t drive for more than 2 hours. That’s all I can cope with.
No TV – I read a book instead.
I don’t camp – I glamp, so I need water and power to be comfortable.

I’m not set up to be off-grid in the caravan, and to be honest, I prefer a caravan park as I feel safer than being out somewhere random by myself. Robbie is a meeter and greeter, not a guard dog. After spending years in the Northern Territory camping out with work, I don’t need that at this stage of my life.
There is a huge community out there of single women doing the same as me, and I come across some lovely ladies in my travels. My workdays have been changed so that if I want a short break, it is easy to do.
I’m also very fortunate to live in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, where I have a large number of places to visit – all within two hours from my home.
Robbie is the best companion. He loves riding in the car and has quite a lot of instructions to tell me as we go. Of course, when we arrive, he loves exploring places just as much as I do.

❤️