VANNING ENTHUSIASTS OR VANNING PHILOSOPHERS

VANNING ENTHUSIASTS OR VANNING PHILOSOPHERS

Well the great vanning journeys of 2012 have begun. As I type, vans from Queensland and Victoria (and probably Arthur from Tasmania) are already on the road to the Murray River in WA and we wish they all have a safe trip. While many others are packing their vans for the Murray River in NSW for what is hoped will be another annual event on the vanning calendar.

The traditional Australian Van Nationals is being held in WA for the first time and many long term entrants of this event are trekking across the country to support our WA mates who have been crossing the Nullabor almost every year since 1975. If you've never been to WA, what better time to go than during a national event to see vans from around the world's most isolated capital city.

However, if you're not already on the road, bought a cheap return flight to Perth a few months ago, or have a fat wallet to get a last minute Easter flight, Russell "Rusty" Smith, who is a regular to the Van Nationals is co-ordinating the Majestic Vanners Van-In at Albury NSW. Looks like a great alternative for those limited by time, money or both from going to WA. If it goes as well as expected under Rusty's guidance, and becomes an annual event, I'll be first to sign up for 2013.

For Easter 2013, all van enthusiasts will be together again in Caboolture QLD, as one of the country's most famous vans, Alley Cat, is expected to return for the 30th anniversary of it taking out the Top Van in Australia award way back in 1983. A Queensland van nationals is traditionally well attended as many enthusiasts take the kids along and drop in to the Gold Coast for a holiday after the event.

So with three major vanning events in 12 months, 80 to 90% of the population is within 3hrs drive of one of these events, do what you can to get to one or two of these events. If you have read this far you must have an interest in motoring (driving a vehicle) as opposed to someone who ponders on the meaning of life, religion or time & space. Your participation in these type of events will define you as a vanning enthusiast, not a vanning philosopher. Swap the keyboard for steering wheel for a weekend or two, it will be still there when you get back home. You will be inspired to finish off that long term project before the next major vanning event and more vans will bring more events.

Details of all events can be found on SouthernCrossVans.com and make sure you travel safely during the Easter period.

Fres