A CHANCE MEETING DURING A WORLD CRUISE IN 2011 WAS ALL IT TOOK FOR GEMLIFE BRIBIE ISLAND HOMEOWNER JEAN IMMS AND ANNETTE SCANLAN TO STRIKE UP A FRIENDSHIP.
It wasn’t just a fleeting friendship but rather, one that has seen them cruise the world together for three months almost every year since they met and continues today through roadtrips despite both living in different countries.
“We were seated together on the `singles table’ for dinner. It was something the cruise ship would do to enable single people to meet up and get together for shore excursions etc. Annette and I hit it off straight away and got along so well that we continued our friendship over all these years,” said Jean, adding that they both were the same age and originally from New Zealand.
Annette still lives in New Zealand, but the pair don’t let distance get in the way of their travels together.
Recently, the avid travellers hired the Explore by GemLife motorhome for a different type of cruise – this time opting to cruise the roads of Australia’s east coast.
“We stopped cruising the high seas when Covid hit and have since become fascinated with the many wonderful roadtrip destinations here in Australia. There is so much to see,” said Jean, who has lived in Australia since 2000.
Was it hard to convince Annette to travel from New Zealand to join her on the roadtrip?
“I jumped at the opportunity,” said Annette who loves to escape the NZ winters whenever possible.
With Jean at the wheel and Annette the designated navigator, the friends took in some wonderful sights in the ultra-modern Explore by GemLife motorhome including Wivenhoe Dam where the sunsets were a highlight, Mount Nebo National Park, Lake Moogerah in the Darling Downs, and Stanthorpe to catch up with Jean’s family who also convinced them to visit Liston Hall for some dancing.
“At the hall we met a couple who told us about a cattle farm they stayed at called Gordon Country at Goomburra where there was plenty of parking, camping, glamping tents, and barns for weddings and catering. It was in the middle of nowhere, but we eventually found it and stayed a night, which was fabulous,” said Jean.
Asked if they missed cruise ships, Jean said that since moving into GemLife Bribie Island in 2021, she has felt like she is on a cruise every day.
“Everything I would get on a cruise is virtually here at the resort – activities, reading books, playing the ukulele, fabulous facilities and socialising – GemLife has it all. Besides, our interest in cruising is not what it used to be. We are far more interested in seeing Australia these days.”
Both agree long distance friendships last longer, and the pair have no plans to stop travelling together any time soon.
“While we love our travels, we are not tied together, do our own thing and are never bored.
We make our own fun and there is never a dull moment. We still have so much to see, and we plan to do that together!”