Try something new & you might just surprise yourself

Today I have a story for the doubters. Anyone who says, ‘I hate camping’ or ‘I couldn’t do it’ or ‘I’m too old for that’ – read on for an inspiring story.



My Dad always loved heading out into the bush – fishing, camping, bushwalking, photographing nature. I often think Dad has adventure in his blood (and that’s where I get it from!): his parents moved from London to literally the middle of nowhere in the Tasmanian bush, so to them camping or bushwalking was something to do but not a big deal in the scheme of things they’d done in their lives.

Mum didn’t like any of that. She wasn’t exposed to it either – her father was a prisoner of war during World War II and had no intention of living out of a tent ever again. Being able to provide his family with safety and a roof over their heads was a source of pride for Grandad, and he saw no reason to mess with that.

For years, Dad tried to convince Mum that camping and outdoorsy holidays were the way to go. When my siblings and I were younger we’d head out on the occasional camping trip to caravan parks or my aunty’s farm. Mum hated every minute she spent in a tent.

Dad missed it, though, and eventually they reached a compromise and purchased a caravan. They made a couple of small trips in it, but neither Mum nor Dad enjoyed it. The problem when you live where they do (near me in the hills) is that you get used to space, not being close to your neighbours. In a caravan park, you’re surrounded by people.

When Dad turned 60, he wanted to go away for a couple of weeks. He informed Mum that they’d be taking their caravan into the bush. She was nervous, but they bought a few camping ‘luxuries’ – a shower and toilet, for example – and headed off. They both loved it.

The freedom, escaping from life’s pressures and noise: this was heaven for a couple who lead busy lives (Mum and Dad both still work full-time).

Mum was transformed after that trip – she’d seen what could be. Soon she was talking to Dad about bushwalking (expecting the occasional stroll through the national park), and he was so excited he had them booked on The Great Ocean Walk soon after.

They started training – and they did it. Dad, who hadn’t been hiking for years, and Mum, who had never wanted to do anything like that. And now they’re unstoppable: they’ve since completed The Great Ocean Walk and some day-hikes in Tasmania. Every weekend they’re found in the national park training. They’ve slept in tiny hiking tents, in the back of their car, and truly ‘roughing it’.





They’ve started all of this in their 60s. And they’ve never looked healthier, fitter, more relaxed or happier than they do right now.

Mum and Dad have no intention of using their caravan again (in fact, it’s up for sale). They’ve caught the true camping bug.

I asked Mum the other day what changed her mind after all this time. She said that once she’d realised the places she could see, the things she could do, and the experiences she could have if she temporarily left some comforts behind, she knew she wanted to keep doing it. Camping and hiking have given her confidence that she can push herself to do anything.

All that, just by getting fit and going without a proper shower for a few days at a time.

Mum and Dad prove that if you just give something new a try, you might just surprise yourself and find it makes your life a little better.