I started The Ageing Rambler to record my travels. I wanted to prove that we can document for others what we learn while entertaining readers along the way. Then the world was turned on its head by the pandemic. It has taken me a long time to realign my goals for the new world order. I will record the details of closer destinations instead of setting my sights on the (sort of) big unknown. Views can be bush walks or a drive up a mountain. Reviews will be discussions on the equipment I use – with a focus on problems I have encountered. If you want detailed maps, videos and commentary on the Crows Nest National Park or find out about stumbling blocks when using a GoPro Max 360 camera, then this is the place for you.

Views

While I was coming to terms with COVID19, I revitalised my passion for recumbent trikes. The Ageing Rambler now has a partner site called The Recumbent Rambler. They will share some trips when riding the trike. Views are governed by going to places where I can ride. It is not a bad thing to be about the detail and opportunities rather than the sweeping vistas.

I use a 360 camera to provide interesting footage and still images from a trip that I may not have thought of or had an opportunity to take at the time. I provide a link to the 3D video. Use this to investigate details that I overlooked. With 360, you can find things behind me that my eyes did not see. On the 2D video, I discuss where I am, what I see and my thoughts. It is also on a transcript, and where possible will be a story. Yes, I am ambitious.

I will be providing GPS paths. You can follow the trip by using AllTrails, Relive, Strava, Bikemap, Ride with GPS, Google Maps or similar. Many will be loaded and ready to go. I will also provide the gpx file for other sites. Let me know what you use and I will look into including it.

Rides

Rides will reference back to articles on The Recumbent Rambler. Most places a recumbent trike will go also make for good rambling walks.

Walks

And then some paths are too narrow, rugged or stepped to ride but will make a great walk. These can vary from national parks to zoos to city centres. We will see what we will see.

Drives

Australia is a big country. We are used to driving long distances. Unfortunately, in the modern days of being time-poor, we go from A to B without considering what we are missing.

Before the start of the first Covid19 scare, we were driving through the western Darling Downs. A farmhouse in a valley below has a water tank on a high stand beside it. The tank was full of what looked like cane, growing even taller over the house. It was a most unusual sight. The road did not allow me to stop for a picture. I am hoping to mount a 3D camera so that I can capture magic moments in post-production.

Reviews

These are not your average reviews – in fact, I call them “Unreviews”. They will only be about the equipment I use to pursue ramblings – and then only if there is something special to report. I use the term “Unreview” as my comments are specific to my needs rather than those who use the equipment differently.

When I decide to purchase something, I read the manufacturers details all the reviews I can find. I make a judgement call on the quality of the feedback. I find that even with all the sources, unmentioned details trip me up. It is a classic case that you cannot expect to learn the answer if you don’t know what question to ask. If a stove is excellent for searing meat, is it good for simmering? The official site will not mention this limitation, while the independent product reviews may not have tested this aspect.

Conclusion

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