Search

Dog care below freezing − how to keep your pet warm and safe from cold weather, road salt and more this winter

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/erik-christian-olstad-1505284">Erik Christian Olstad</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-california-davis-1312">University of California, Davis</a> Time outside with your dog in the spring, summer and fall can be lovely. Visiting your favorite downtown café on a cool spring morning, going to a favorite dog park on a clear summer evening or going on walks along a river when the leaves are changing color are all wonderful when the weather is favorable. But in much of the country, when winter rolls around, previously hospitable conditions can <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-winter-miserable-for-wildlife-108734">quickly turn chilly and dangerous</a> for people and pups alike. Winter brings some unique challenges for dog owners, since dogs still need activity and socialization during colder seasons. Studies have shown that dog owners are almost 50% less likely to walk their dogs <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113302">when the weather gets cold</a>. Knowing the basics of winter safety is critical to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your dog. I am an <a href="https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/faculty/erik-olstad">assistant professor</a> at the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine who weathered polar vortexes with my dog while living in Michigan early in my career. While I’ve since moved to sunny California, I’ve seen how quickly frigid temperatures can turn dangerous for pets. <h2>Breed and age differences</h2> Not all dogs have the same abilities to deal with cold weather. A short-coated dog like a Chihuahua is much more susceptible to the dangers of cold weather than a thick-coated husky. When the weather dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), the well-acclimated husky may be comfortable, whereas the Chihuahua would shiver and be at risk of hypothermia. Additionally, if your dog is used to warm weather, but you decide to move to a colder region, the dog will need time to acclimate to that colder weather, even if they have a thick coat. Age also affects cold-weather resilience. Puppies and elderly dogs can’t withstand the chill as well as other dogs, but every dog is unique – each may have individual health conditions or physical attributes that make them more or less resilient to cold weather. <h2>When is my dog too cold?</h2> Pet owners should be able to recognize the symptoms of a dog that is getting too cold. Dogs will shiver, and some may vocalize or whine. Dogs may resist putting their feet down on the cold ground, or burrow, or try to find warmth in their environment when they are uncomfortable. Just like people, <a href="https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/frostbite-in-dogs">dogs can get frostbite</a>. And just like people, the signs can take days to appear, making it hard to assess them in the moment. The most common sites for frostbite in dogs are their ears and the tips of their tails. Some of the initial signs of frostbite are skin discoloring, turning paler than normal, or purple, gray or even black; red, blistered skin; swelling; pain at the site; <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/ulcer">or ulceration</a>. Other <a href="https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/frostbite-in-dogs">serious signs of hypothermia</a> include sluggishness or lethargy, and if you observe them, please visit your veterinarian immediately. A good rule to live by is if it is too cold for you, it is too cold for your dog. Getting your dog a <a href="https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/pets/best-winter-dog-coats-jackets">sweater or jacket</a> and <a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/vets-corner/protect-dogs-paws-snow-ice-salt/">paw covers</a> can provide them with protection from the elements and keep them comfortable. Veterinarians also recommend closely monitoring your dog and limiting their time outside when the temperature nears the freezing point or drops below it. <h2>Road salt dangers</h2> Road salt that treats ice on streets and sidewalks <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/ice-salt-toxic-for-pets-1.5020088">can also harm dogs</a>. When dogs walk on the salt, the sharp, rough edges of the salt crystals can irritate the sensitive skin on their paws. Dogs will often lick their feet when they’re dirty, wet or irritated, and if they ingest any salt doing that, they may face GI upset, dehydration, kidney failure, seizures or even death. Even small amounts of pure salt can <a href="https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-tips/my-dog-ate-road-salt-will-they-be-okay/">disrupt critical body functions</a> in dogs. Some companies make pet-safe salt, but in public it can be hard to tell what type of salt is on the ground. After walking your dog, wash off their feet or boots. You can also keep their paw fur trimmed to prevent snow from balling up or salt collecting in the fur. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or <a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/how-to-make-your-own-paw-balm-for-winter/">paw pad balm</a> to the skin of the paw pads can also help protect your pet’s paws from irritation. <h2>Antifreeze risks</h2> <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/antifreeze-chemical-substance">Antifreeze, or ethylene glycol</a>, is in most vehicles to prevent the fluids from freezing when it gets cold out. Some people pour antifreeze into their toilets when away from their home to prevent the water in the toilet from freezing. Antifreeze is an exceptionally dangerous chemical to dogs and cats, as it tastes sweet but can be deadly when ingested. If a pet ingests even a small amount of antifreeze, the substance causes a chemical cascade in their body that results in severe kidney damage. If left untreated, the pet may have <a href="https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owner-blog/antifreeze-poisoning/">permanent kidney damage or die</a>. There are safer antifreeze options on the market that use ingredients other than ethylene glycol. If your dog ingests antifreeze, please see your veterinarian immediately for treatment. When temperatures dip below freezing, the best thing pet owners can do is keep the time spent outside as minimal as possible. Try some <a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/great-indoor-games-to-play-with-your-dog/">indoor activities</a>, like hide-and-seek with low-calorie treats, fetch or even an interactive obstacle course. Food puzzles can also keep your dog mentally engaged during indoor time. Although winter presents some unique challenges, it can still be an enjoyable and healthy time for you and your canine companion.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/221709/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/erik-christian-olstad-1505284">Erik Christian Olstad</a>, Health Sciences Assistant Professor of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-california-davis-1312">University of California, Davis</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/dog-care-below-freezing-how-to-keep-your-pet-warm-and-safe-from-cold-weather-road-salt-and-more-this-winter-221709">original article</a>.

Family & Pets

Couple who found love in chemotherapy raise funds for final trip

Ainslie Plumb, 22, and Joe Fan, 29, found love in an unexpected place, at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. The couple met in 2022 while they were both undergoing leukaemia treatment. “We met at an event for young people with cancer and became friends following that,” Plumb told 7News. “(We) would hang out during our hospital stays, I asked him out in October 2022 and (we) have been together ever since.” While Plumb successfully entered remission, last October, Fan was told that he was now terminal, as doctors had run out of options to treat his Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. With only months left to live, Fan, who has actively given back to the hospital and cancer community by playing his violin for patients and staff and worked with the Queensland Youth Cancer Service, has one final wish - to travel. The couple have set a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-joe-live-his-dreams" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a>, to help raise funds which cover flights, accommodation and specialised travel insurance, for Fan's final trip. “I go through my cancer treatments and observe the toll that takes on my physical and mental wellbeing,” Fan said. “The end of a trip can hopefully mark the start of another — and I have held onto hope, looked forward and dreamed for one more trip, more time, one more experience with that someone I love.” Their first destination will be Taiwan and Hong Kong, where Fan's parents are from and where he spent a majority of his childhood. They also intend to travel to New Zealand and Western Australia to swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo in the state’s north. “We’re aiming at going at the end of February to give us time to co-ordinate with his doctors around his appointments and infusions, which are all booked in advance,” Plumb said. “We recently reached 75 per cent on the fundraiser and are hoping to hit 100 per cent perhaps by the end of January.” As of today, the couple have successfully raised over $21,000 from their $20,000 goal, and have thanked everyone in their community and strangers for their support. “Truly, words do not suffice,” the couple said. Images: 7News

Relationships

Too big, too heavy and too slow to change: road transport is way off track for net zero

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/robin-smit-594126">Robin Smit</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a> The need to cut the emissions driving climate change is urgent, but it’s proving hard to decarbonise road transport in Australia. Its share of the nation’s total greenhouse gas emissions <a href="https://ageis.climatechange.gov.au/">doubled</a> from 8% in 1990 to 16% in 2020. New vehicles sold in Australia have <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-thought-australian-cars-were-using-less-fuel-new-research-shows-we-were-wrong-122378">barely improved</a> average emissions performance for the last decade or so. The federal government <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/publications/australias-emissions-projections-2022">publishes</a> emission forecasts to 2035 – 15 years short of 2050, the net-zero target date. Our <a href="https://www.transport-e-research.com/_files/ugd/d0bd25_7a6920bdd9e8448385863a7c23ec9ecf.pdf">newly published study</a> forecasts road transport emissions through to 2050. The estimated reduction by 2050, 35–45% of pre-COVID levels in 2019, falls well short of what’s needed. Our findings highlight three obstacles to achieving net zero. These are: Australia’s delay in switching to electric vehicles; growing sales of large, heavy vehicles such as SUVs and utes; and uncertainties about hydrogen as a fuel, especially for freight transport. These findings point to policy actions that could get road transport much closer to net zero. <h2>How was this worked out?</h2> Emissions and energy use vary from vehicle to vehicle, so reliable forecasting requires a detailed breakdown of the on-road fleet. Our study <a href="https://www.transport-e-research.com/software">used</a> the Australian Fleet Model and the net zero vehicle emission model (n0vem). The study focused on so-called <a href="https://www.cummins.com/news/2022/05/26/well-wheel-emissions-simplified">well-to-wheel emissions</a> from fuel production, distribution and use while driving. These activities account for about 75–85% of vehicle emissions. (<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-climate-friendly-is-an-electric-car-it-all-comes-down-to-where-you-live-179003">Life-cycle assessment</a> estimates “cradle-to-grave” emissions, including vehicle manufacture and disposal.) Working with European Union colleagues, our emissions simulation drew on an updated <a href="https://www.transport-e-research.com/_files/ugd/d0bd25_7a6920bdd9e8448385863a7c23ec9ecf.pdf">EU scenario</a> (EU-27) showing the changes in the EU vehicle fleet needed to meet the latest (proposed) CO₂ targets. Our study assumed Australia will be ten years behind the EU across all vehicle classes. We further modified the scenario to properly reflect Australian conditions. For instance, the EU has a much higher proportion of plug-in hybrid vehicles than Australia, where buyers are now bypassing them for wholly electric vehicles. <h2>Energy use is shifting, but too slowly</h2> Using this modified scenario, the simulation produces a forecast fall in total wheel-to-wheel emissions from Australian transport from 104 billion tonnes (Mt) in 2018 to 55-65Mt in 2050. Within the range of this 35–45% reduction, the outcome depends largely on the balance of renewable and fossil-fuel energy used to produce hydrogen. The modelling nonetheless predicts a large shift in energy use in road transport in 2050, as 2019 was basically 100% fossil fuels. The on-road energy efficiency of battery electric vehicles is roughly twice that of fuel cell electric (hydrogen) vehicles and roughly three times that of fossil-fuelled vehicles of similar type. The modelling results make this clear. In 2050, battery electric vehicles account for about 70% of total travel, but 25% of on-road energy use and only about 10% of total emissions. In contrast, fossil-fuelled vehicles account for about 25% of total travel in 2050, 60% of energy use and 75-85% of emissions. That’s even allowing for expected efficiency improvements. This means the shift to a mostly electric fleet by 2050 plus the use of hydrogen is predicted to fall short of what’s needed to get to net zero. It will require aggressive new policies to increase the uptake of electric vehicles across all classes. <h2>Lighter vehicles make a big difference</h2> But that is not the whole story. One neglected issue is the growing proportion of <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-may-be-underestimating-just-how-bad-carbon-belching-suvs-are-for-the-climate-and-for-our-health-190743">big, heavy passenger vehicles</a> (SUVs, utes). This trend is very noticeable in Australia. The laws of physics mean heavier vehicles need much more energy and fuel per kilometre of driving, and so produce more emissions. Currently, a large diesel SUV typically emits a kilogram of CO₂ for every 3 kilometres of driving, compared to 15km for a light electric vehicle and 200 kilometres for an e-bike. An average electric vehicle currently emits 1kg of CO₂ every 7km. This distance is expected to be around 60km in 2050, when renewables power the electricity grid. A lightweight electric car will more than double the distance to 125km per kilogram of CO₂. Reducing vehicle weights and optimising energy efficiency in transport will be essential to meet emission targets. The study modelled the impacts of <a href="https://www.automotiveworld.com/special-reports/vehicle-lightweighting-2/">lightweighting</a> passenger vehicles while keeping buses and commercial vehicles the same. If Australians had driven only small cars in 2019 for personal use, total road transport emissions would have been about 15% lower. The reduction in emissions from simply shifting to smaller cars is <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/publications/national-greenhouse-accounts-2019/national-inventory-report-2019">similar to</a> emissions from domestic aviation and domestic shipping combined. Importantly, lightweighting cuts emissions for all kinds of vehicles. <h2>The uncertainties about hydrogen</h2> Fuel cell electric vehicles using hydrogen account for only a few percent of all travel, but most will likely be large trucks. As a result, in our scenarios, they use a little over 10% of total on-road energy and produce 5-20% of total emissions, depending on the energy source used for hydrogen production and distribution. The modified EU scenario includes a significant uptake of hydrogen vehicles by 2050. That’s by no means guaranteed. The uptake in Australia has been negligible to date. That’s due to costs (vehicle and fuel), the need for new hydrogen fuel infrastructure, less mature technology (compared to battery electric vehicles) and limited vehicle availability. <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-must-rapidly-decarbonise-transport-but-hydrogens-not-the-answer-166830">Unresolved aspects</a> of hydrogen in transport include lower energy efficiency, the <a href="https://theconversation.com/for-australia-to-lead-the-way-on-green-hydrogen-first-we-must-find-enough-water-196144">need for clean water</a>, uncertainty about leakage, fuel-cell durability and value for consumers. <h2>How do we get back on track?</h2> Our study suggests Australia is on track to miss the net-zero target for 2050 mainly because of the large proportions of fossil-fuelled vehicles and large and heavy passenger vehicles. These two aspects could become targets for new policies such as public information campaigns, tax incentives for small, light vehicles, bans on selling fossil fuel vehicles and programs to scrap them. Other options to cut emissions include measures to reduce travel demand, optimise freight logistics and shift travel to public transport, to name a few. The study confirms the scale of the challenge of decarbonising road transport. Australia will need “all hands on deck” – government, industry and consumers – to achieve net zero in 2050.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/208655/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/robin-smit-594126">Robin Smit</a>, Adjunct Associate Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/too-big-too-heavy-and-too-slow-to-change-road-transport-is-way-off-track-for-net-zero-208655">original article</a>.

Travel Trouble

"A night in hospital and a trip to the burns unit later”: Concerned mum's warning against popular fruit

Warning: This article contains images that some readers may find distressing. An Aussie mum has taken to the internet and shared photos of her son’s severe burns that came as a result of him playing with a popular fruit. “A night in hospital and a trip to the burns unit later.” She began in her Facebook post. Her son Otis was playing happily outside with a lime in the sunshine, but the next day horror ensued. “It wasn’t until the next day that we noticed a rash appeared.” The mother said. The parents had assumed the rash must’ve been an allergic reaction to the lime juice, however, the rash quickly developed into a “horrific burn,” she added. The parents took Otis to the hospital where they were informed their son was suffering from a condition called phytophotodermatitis. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cku5QH2thxE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cku5QH2thxE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tiny Hearts (@tinyheartseducation)</a> </div> </blockquote> Phytophotodermatitis, more commonly known as margarita burn, is a little-known condition which causes burns to the skin when a chemical called furocoumarin reacts to sunlight. The chemical is found in limes, citrus fruit and some plants. “The small lime he had been innocently playing with - had now burnt his skin horrifically!“ The mum said. “If our story can help raise awareness into phytophotodermatitis at least something good has come out of our horrific experience!” The woman has urged parents to be on the lookout for this little-known skin condition. To minimise the risks of phytophotodermatitis, <a href="https://www.healthline.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Healthline</a> suggests washing hands and other exposed parts of the skin immediately after being outdoors, wearing gloves when gardening, putting on sunscreen before going outdoors and wearing long-sleeved tops and pants in wooded areas. Photo credit: Getty

Body

10 tips for planning a staycation that’s better than an overseas trip

We spent so much of our lives daydreaming to be somewhere else that sometimes we lose sight of how amazing our surrounds actually are! Of course it’s nice to venture overseas, but sometimes it’s equally as nice to take a moment to smell the roses. Here are 10 tips to help you get the most out of your staycation: 1. Plan ahead Not having a clear idea of what you’re actually going to do on the day is the death knell of any staycation. So do some research and figure out some interesting activities to try in your city. A little bit of planning ahead can go a long way. 2. Find timely events Is there a festival you’ve always wanted to go to but never managed to find the time? Well, a staycation is the perfect opportunity to try this. Staycations are pretty much designed for this sort of experience, so enjoy! 3. Don’t go it alone A staycation is also a great opportunity to catch up with some old friends (or even make new ones) so make sure you invite some other people along. 4. Set a budget Even though you’re not really travelling anywhere, it makes sense to set a weekly budget to make sure you’re not spending too much. Or if that seems like a bit too much, even just set out a basic daily limit. Also, take advantage of free regular events in your own city. 5. Check the weather before you head out There’s nothing worse than getting rained on without an umbrella. Check the forecasts and make sure the weather suits your staycation. 6. Say yes as much as you can We spend so much of our lives saying no, but when you’re on a staycation this is your opportunity to say yes as much as possible. Be spontaneous and fun! 7. Ice cream and junk food Well you are on vacation after all! This is a great opportunity to take advantage of those foods you avoid on a weekly basis, even if your belt ends up fitting to a different notch. 8. Mix up your routine Sleep in, stay out late and throw your routine out the window. Enjoy your city for what it is and make sure you take advantage of everything. 9. Be silly Don’t take yourself too seriously when you’re on a staycation and make sure you spend plenty of time enjoying the company of those that are nearest and dearest. 10. Reward yourself While you’re technically not travelling everywhere, staycations still require a lot of work, so make sure you reward yourself with a glass of wine. Image credit: Shutterstock

Domestic Travel

“The greatest American novelist” Cormac McCarthy passes away at 89

American novelist Cormac McCarthy, the mind behind the classic works The Road, No Country for Old Men, and All the Pretty Horses, has passed away at the age of 89. The news was broken by McCarthy’s publisher, Alfred A Knopf, with a post to social media announcing that the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer had “died today of natural causes at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.” McCarthy enjoyed a near 60-year career, penning 12 novels, five screenplays, three short stories, and two plays. And while some may not have soared to commercial heights, many achieved critical acclaim, with late literary critic Howard Bloom even dubbing him the “true heir” of the likes of Herman Melville and William Faulkner. And in 2007, his novel 2006 The Road won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, also for Fiction. The Road was arguably McCarthy’s best known work, and followed the journey of a father and his son in a post-apocalyptic world. It was adapted into a film in 2009, like McCarthy’s other two critically acclaimed books, All the Pretty Horses and No Country for Old Men. The latter saw great success in the 2008 Academy Awards, claiming the coveted title of Best Picture. And despite his literary accomplishments, McCarthy opted to remain in relative obscurity for the majority of his career. In 1992, the New York Times Book Review suggested that he might be “the best unknown novelist in America”. The media painted McCarthy as a reclusive figure, and it was well-known that the author preferred not to discuss his books, though Oprah Winfrey managed to get him in for his first - and only - TV interview after The Road featured in her book club. “You always have this hope that ‘today I'm going to do something better than I've ever done’," he told her. "I like what I do." “Some writers have said in print that they hated writing, it was just a chore and a burden. I certainly don't feel that way about it,” McCarthy went on to explain. “Sometimes it's difficult but you always have this image of the perfect thing which you can never achieve but which you never stop trying to achieve." Friends, writers, and fans took to social media in the wake of the news, with tributes to share their love for McCarthy and his works, as well as their agreement that he had achieved something very special throughout his life and literature. “Cormac McCarthy, maybe the greatest American novelist of my time, has passed away at 89,” author Stephen King wrote. “He was full of years and created a fine body of work, but I still mourn his passing.” “When a great artist dies, there is the moment when the world understands it will never again have a new creation from that mind, that heart, that vast soul. It is a loss beyond measure, but what that soul has left us is a gift beyond time,” writer Joseph Fasano shared. “I love every book McCarthy wrote,” one fan declared. “From a film point of view, his writing was so good that the Coen Brothers hardly changed a word of dialogue when they adapted No Country For Old Men. Why would they? You can't improve on perfection.” And as another said, “Cormac McCarthy’s writing was mean, and despairing, with a pretty withering view of humankind, and the cruel engines that drive it. but he had that faint flicker of belief that it could be different. ‘He can know his heart, but he don’t want to.’ gotta tend that flame folks. RIP.” Images: Getty

News

"Who picks a fight with a rock star?" Jimmy Barnes confronts on-road "bully"

Jimmy Barnes' wife Jane has ripped into a truck driver who "bullied" the couple on the road, with the driver attempting to "fight Jimmy on the roadside". Jane Barnes said the incident occurred on Wednesday night in the south Sydney suburb of Botany Bay, when the couple had been driving home from a charity event. In a furious thread on Twitter, Jane detailed the terrifying incident which resulted in the police being called. Jane wrote, "(He) cut us off across our lane and swiped our mirror, wanted to fight Jimmy on the roadside." "Trucks are like weapons, bullies behind the wheel a danger to us all," she wrote, alongside the hashtags #TOLL and #NOtobullies. Jane then shared a photo of the truck drivers' side profile as he almost came to blows with the rockstar, as well as photos of the truck's license plate and the Barnes' car which shows the drivers' side wing mirror bent out of place. Jane went on to say the truckie had shared his details with the couple and that NSW Police had been called over the altercation. However, she said, officers "couldn't do much" if there were no injuries or damages. Jane's post drew in a wave of attention, with one fan asking, "Who picks a fight with a rock star?" Ms Barnes replied, "Shouldn't matter who it is. This guy was just a pig. Swearing, smug, ignorant, misogynist bully." The musician continued her rant on Instagram, writing, "When you drive a truck you're in charge of a weapon. A bully at the wheel can kill people." Many sent their sympathies to the couple, with some saying the tweet was "poignant" given the increase in accidents on Aussie roads. Image credits: Twitter

Travel Trouble

The Long and Winding Road

Road-trip preparedness. If you're planning on taking a road-trip for your next holiday, think beyond your standard checklist. Snacks, music and emergency kits are necessities, but pre-planning and forget-them-not extras will make for smoother trails ahead. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; background-color: #ffffff;">Safety Don’t wait until the last minute to have your car tuned up if you’re taking your own. Many a trip has been delayed or cancelled due to maintenance issues. If you haven’t already got roadside assistance, sign up with your insurer. <p style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; background-color: #ffffff;">The right ride Is your vehicle ideal for your trip? For maximum convenience, find one to match your itinerary. Opt for a fuel-efficient car for longer trips or get an all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive if you’re planning to explore back roads. <p style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; background-color: #ffffff;">Insurance If you already own a vehicle but are choosing to rent another for the trip, talk to your insurance provider about adding to your plan if you’re not already covered. <p style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;">PACK SMART <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; background-color: #ffffff;">A road atlas You’ll probably bring a smartphone or GPS unit, but electronics can get lost or break down, and there are always some spots where you can’t get a signal. Road atlases never fail. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; background-color: #ffffff;">Stand-up comedy When road trips don’t go as planned, moments of levity are scarce. Funny CDs or podcasts from your favourite comedian will release tension. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; background-color: #ffffff;">Refreshers Wet wipes, travel-size deodorant and a small spritzer bottle full of water can bridge the gap until your next shower. <p style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; background-color: #ffffff;">Sports equipment A Frisbee, skipping ropes or bocce balls will motivate you to take regular breaks and get your blood flowing. Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/travel/road-trips/long-winding-road" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest.</a>

Domestic Travel

Bring your furry friend’s face along on your next big trip

Devoted pet lovers around the world are no stranger to the struggle of setting out on their next adventure without their faithful companions at their side. And while it can help to set a paw-fect portrait as a phone wallpaper to check in everytime the distance feels too much, it isn’t always enough - especially when you’re used to seeing their sweet little faces every single day. Luckily, the people over at July have come up with a solution in ‘Petsonalisation’. It’s something sure to set tails wagging, offering pet parents the exciting opportunity to have their best friend’s face on their suitcase and travel accessories. Forget limiting yourself to lettered monograms, all customers have to do is upload their desired pet pic, and then July will do the hard part for them - illustrating the image, and personalising the luggage, tags, bottles, kits, and notebooks on offer with the friendliest of faces. “People love their pets, and often pets are the ones you leave behind when you’re off travelling. We wanted to create a way for all travellers to be able to take their pets with them, no matter the journey,” July’s Richard Li explained. “Our personalisation offering has always been unique,” July’s Athan Didaskalou added. “We know that for something to be truly personal the offering needed to be diverse and inclusive. Multiple fonts, colours, emojis, and languages. In a world-first, I am excited to extend our personalisation service once more to include the most loveable beings in people’s lives: their pets. “We’re a customer-centric business and our products are derived from what people want, with over 50% of orders already opting for personalisation. Your suitcase stands out even more on a luggage carousel and is less likely to be mistaken for someone else’s bag when it’s got your initials on it. “A lot of people would love to be able to take their dog or cat on holiday with them, but with cost and customs, that’s just not an option. We like to think this is our way of enabling our customers to bring their pets on their travel adventures.” Since launching in 2019 with their Carry On suitcase, July have progressed in leaps and bounds, now offering <a href="https://july.com/nz/shop/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an entire suite of travel products</a> - from luggage to backpacks, bottles, phone cases, notebooks, and various other travel accessories. And now, the code ‘Petsonalisation’ can be applied for up to two pets per product on all of July’s luggage and accessories until April 25th - at $25 for accessories, and $65 for luggage. While dates are limited for July’s pet offering, they’re no stranger to personalisation, and have been offering enthusiastic customers the chance to create truly unique items since 2019. Their efforts are no small feat either, with shoppers able to “personalise up to five characters with 11 different font styles and 28 colours to choose from, even adding emojis”. And for those worried that they may not be limited in what they can write, July have an answer - they’re one of a limited number of companies worldwide, and the only one in Australia, to offer “personalised Chinese characters and additional Latin based languages such as French and Spanish for monogramming.” There’s no stress when it comes to having it sent your way either - as anyone in Australia or New Zealand is aware, postage costs can be half the battle - as with orders over $100, July offer free shipping. So, if you want to show the world your best pet friend, it’s time to hop on over to check out July’s range before April 25th, and <a href="https://july.com/nz/pet-personalisation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get their face put front and centre</a>! Images: July [supplied]

International Travel

Couple’s hiking trip thrown into jeopardy days before take off

When US-based couple Neil Lapetina and Denise Cordero spent $20,000 to explore the world - and one of its most unique locations - they had dreams of a once-in-a-lifetime hike through Lord Howe Island’s stunning scenery. But days before their departure, their excitement turned to horror when the pair learned that a large number of eco-destinations had been suddenly closed off - up to 75 per cent of them. The reason? The Lord Howe Island Board [LHIB] were working to contain an airborne fungus with potentially devastating consequences for the World Heritage-listed destination, and the 241 species of Indigenous plants to which it is home - 47 per cent of which can only be found there. Additionally, those can primarily be found along the island’s numerous hiking trails in the Permanent Park Preserve [PPP], prompting the mass closures for three-quarters of its total area. However, this meant that Neil and Denise - as well as any other traveller with tickets to visit - were in some trouble, as compensation wasn’t being offered to them. “We were told that they knew about this on February 3,” Neil said, “by their own admission, and if they knew about it [then]), then there’s a chance we might have not have paid our non-refundable balance due. “First and foremost, myrtle rust has hit the island hard — our first concern is with the island. We’re confused: if it’s as bad as they say it is, then don’t have people come out.” Myrtle rust has the potential to destroy entire Australian ecosystems, and spreads at rapid pace as its spores can be carried by wind, animals, insects, and humans alike, so it’s no small wonder the LHIB took immediate action to combat the threat. Fellow traveller Ian Freestone - who has visited the island numerous times before - had plans to celebrate his birthday there with 30 guests. After forking out a staggering $60,000 for the trip, they were informed that the trails would not be available to them, with closures to the PPP. Ian told 7News the whole thing was like “going to Luna Park but not [being] allowed on all the rides.” And for those who had been left on the island after the LHIB’s “effective immediately, the PPP is temporarily closed” announcement, the situation was not much better, with some claiming they - and their holiday funds - had been “left in limbo”. And while the island’s initial closure had been sudden - and crucial - it was only 10 days before the LHIB announced that the PPP would be partially reopening. “After extensive monitoring, no new sites of myrtle rust infestation have been located on the island. Importantly, as of yesterday (March 23), there were no active spores at known sites,” they said. But for some, this wasn’t enough, with many noting that they just would have appreciated “a bit of notice”, especially after spending so much to visit in the first place. Neil - and assumedly Denise - were of a similar opinion. Although they value the island’s flora, they pleaded for some compassion from the LHIB in the wake of their snap decision, and its consequences for themselves and the other impacted travellers. “We’re putting $20,000, between the two couples, into this. I’ve worked hard all my life for this, for money - this doesn’t grow on trees,” he said. “We’re nature lovers ... we get it. But communication has been lacking. To hear about this first through word-of-mouth, that’s not the way to do it. “Please, show your visitors some respect.” Images: Facebook

Travel Trouble

Why it’s so much better to explore your own backyard

Travelling overseas is very enticing. From diving into a new culture and learning their customs, to absorbing and learning a new language, it’s no doubt an incredible experience – but don’t neglect the beauty of your own country. You might be surprised at what you're missing out on right on your own doorstep. Here are just a few simple reasons why thinking local is often the best way to explore. 1. It’s cheaper Most people are eager to see the world but overseas travel is expensive! You can have your holiday with money left over if you travel locally. You can stay with friends to keep accommodation costs low and since you’re in your own country, you don’t need to worry about taxi drivers ripping you off, or if lunch comes with a hefty price tag as you are already well acquainted with currency and costs. 2. It’s more eco-friendly Road trip time! Or just shorter flights. Driving or taking shorter flights will reduce your carbon footprint compared to travelling overseas. Driving in particular is a fantastic way of taking in the scenery. 3. It’s easier You don’t need months to plan a domestic trip, and if your plans change, no worries! Last-minute changes are much easier to handle since you’re already in the country. Travelling locally also allows for far more spontaneity. 4. It’s a chance to support local enterprise Travelling in your own country will help to give your local economy a boost. You’re sure to discover hidden gems and form long-lasting relationships with small businesses, which will only entice you to return for years to come. 5. It’s never too late to go back Coming home from a holiday and realising you haven’t ticked off all the boxes on your itinerary can be disappointing because you don’t know when you’ll have the money or the time to go back! Travelling locally allows for more trips, especially if you drive, so you’ll have the opportunity to go back again and again! Image credit: Shutterstock

Domestic Travel

3 simple DIY trips to spruce up your home with money left over

With the cost of living… need I say more? Well, with the “price of life” going up, everyone is looking for more affordable ways to spruce up their home. Here are some of the best tips for those looking to decorate with a little change left over. 1. Decoupage an old table to personalise it All you really need is a standard wooden table, some newspaper cutouts or patterns, and no matter the colour or stain - it will work. First, sand the table down and then apply the decoupage glue to the table and the back of the paper. From there, just stick the paper down in the desired pattern and smooth it down with something flat. About half an hour later, apply the glue directly onto the paper and maybe another layer once this has dried - that’s it! 2. Upcycle your furniture with marble effect sheets While marble bank accounts can hurt the wallet, up-cycling your furniture affordable to get that look is easy enough using self-adhesive plastic sheets Start by placing the sheet on the top of the table and tuck the ends underneath. Make sure you have a tight fit by using a credit card to flattest and then smooth the edges, and that’s it! Enjoy your stylish new table. 3. Replace silicone around the house The silicone around your shower and sink will deteriorate over time, sometimes so much so that it will get damaged or break off. Before playing a new layer on top, remove all the old silicone beforehand. Make sure to clear any residue that has been left behind and clean the area with denatured alcohol. Before applying the new seal, bring some tape and place it around the edges you want to reseal. Now, using sealant, slowly close the gap and smoothen the new finish with a caulking tool. Image credit: Shutterstock

Home & Garden

Why do people tailgate? A psychologist explains what’s behind this common (and annoying) driving habit

It’s hot, you’ve had a battle to get the kids in the car, and now you’re going to be late for the family lunch. You turn onto the freeway only to get stuck behind a slow driver in the fast lane. You want them to move over or speed up, so you drive a little closer. Then closer. Then so close it would be difficult to avoid hitting them if they stopped suddenly. When that doesn’t work you honk the horn. Nothing. Finally, frustrated, you dart into the left lane and speed past them. Today was one of those days where many small annoyances have led to you being aggressive on the road. This isn’t how you usually drive. So why was today different? <h2>Aren’t holidays supposed to be relaxing?</h2> Holiday driving may look a lot different to your usual commute. It may involve driving longer distances, or involve more frequent driving with more passengers than usual in the car. Holiday driving comes with <a href="https://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/ongoing/road_deaths_australia_monthly_bulletins">increased risk</a> (road deaths tend to spike during the holidays). That’s why news bulletins often carry the latest “road toll” figures around public holidays. But whether you drive differently to normal comes down to the value you place on your <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0001-4575(03)00037-X">time</a>, rather than when you drive. If you are in a rush, your time becomes more precious because you have less of it. If something, or someone, infringes on that time, you may become frustrated and aggressive. This is basic human psychology. You can get angry when someone gets in the way of what you are trying to achieve. You get angrier when you think they are acting <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.106.1.59">unfairly or inappropriately</a>. Usually before you respond, you evaluate what has happened, asking who is at fault and if they could have done things differently. But when you are driving, you have less time and resources to make detailed evaluations. Instead, you make quick judgements of the situation and how best to deal with it. These judgements can be based on how you are <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-3514.81.1.146">feeling</a> at the time. If you are frustrated before getting in the car, you are likely to be easily frustrated while driving, blame other drivers more for your circumstances, and express this through aggressive driving. Tailgating and speeding <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7967(01)00063-8">are examples</a> of this aggression. A driver frustrated by the perception that someone is driving too slowly, or in the wrong lane, might speed past the offending driver, and maintain this speed for some time <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/02699931.2010.551184">after the event</a>. Aggressive tailgating may be seen as reprimanding the driver for their perceived slow speeds, or to encourage them to move out of the way. The problem is, when you are angry, you underestimate the risk of these behaviours, while <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-3514.81.1.146">over-estimating</a> how much control you have of the situation. It’s not worth the risk. A <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1513271113">study of real-world driving</a> shows both tailgating and speeding increase the odds of being in a crash more than if driving while holding or dialling a mobile phone. Drivers who are tailgating or speeding have a 13 to 14-fold increase in odds of being in a crash, compared to when they are driving more safely. <h2>Here’s what you can do</h2> One way to stay safe on the roads these holidays is to recognise the situations that may lead to your own dangerous behaviours. The Monash University Accident Research Centre has <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2022.07.011">developed a program</a> to help drivers reduce their aggressive driving. This helps drivers develop their own strategies to stay calm while driving, recognising that one strategy is unlikely to suit every driver. Almost 100 self-identified aggressive drivers <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022437522000998?via%3Dihub">developed</a> four types of tips to remain calm while driving: <ol> <li> before driving: tips include better journey planning, allowing enough time for the trip and recognising how you are feeling before you get in the car </li> <li> while driving: this includes travelling in the left lane to avoid slow drivers in the right lane, or pulling over when feeling angry </li> <li> in your vehicle: such as deep breathing or listening to music </li> <li> ‘rethinking’ the situation: acknowledge that in some situations, the only thing you can change is how you think about it. For example, ask yourself is it worth the risk? Or personalise the other driver. What if that was your loved one in the car in front? </li> </ol> Four months after completing the program, drivers reported less anger and aggression while driving than before the program. The strategies that worked best for these drivers were listening to music, focusing on staying calm and rethinking the problem. A favourite rethink was a 5x5x5 strategy. This involved asking yourself whether the cause of your anger will matter in five minutes, five hours or five days. If it is unlikely to matter after this time, it is best to let go. The holidays are meant to be relaxing and joyous. Let’s not jeopardise that through reactions to other drivers. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-people-tailgate-a-psychologist-explains-whats-behind-this-common-and-annoying-driving-habit-193462" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Travel Tips

What to do if your motorhome breaks down

If you’re thinking about taking your motorhome for a drive down the coast, be prepared if it breaks down with these simple tips. Breaking down in any vehicle can be inconvenient, but you can make the experience much less stressful if you’ve prepared for the situation. Preparation is key, as they say, so here’s a list of what to do if your motorhome suddenly decides to stop moving. Be prepared Before taking to the open road with your motorhome, it’s a good idea to be prepared for any situation. Together with a first aid kit, a roadside safety kit is a great way to plan for life’s little speed bumps. The kit could include jumper cables, reflectors, basic tools, warm and waterproof clothing, a torch and an empty petrol can. Keep a few litres of water in your vehicle as well, especially if you’re travelling long distance in remote or isolated areas. While GPS systems and Google Maps are great tools for tracking where you are, it’s always a good idea to pack a road map for where you’re going. This is always reliable since it doesn’t run on power, batteries or the need to be connected to a phone network. Know your numbers If you have motorhome insurance, make sure you know the contact details of your insurer and roadside assist company. This will be important in the event of a breakdown, especially if it’s been caused by a major mechanical fault. Most people are aware that the number for emergency services in Australia is 000, however, people may not know that if you’re calling from a mobile or satellite phone it could be 112. Phone signals can be weak at the best of times when in regional areas, so make sure you let someone know where you’re going and your estimated time of arrival – just in case you can’t contact anyone due to low network signals. Reliable communication is essential While most of us have mobile phones, these devices may not always work if you’re travelling somewhere remote which doesn’t have strong network signals. For long drives that are not on major highways, consider hiring emergency communications equipment, like a satellite phone or an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPRIB) device. However, EPRIB devices should only be used in the direst of circumstances. Another popular option is satellite phones, which are easy-to-use hand-held devices that connect to orbiting satellites and provide reliable communication for users. You can buy these outright, which may be a good idea if you take regular trips to remote places, or you can hire the devices for your period of travel. What to do if your motorhome stops If you can, pull over to the side or emergency lane. Get out of the vehicle by the left-hand door and if it’s dark, put on a high-vis jacket (if you have one available). Getting out to inspect your vehicle can be dangerous on roads with high speed limits, so be careful at all times. Remember to also put on your emergency lights. A flat tyre is a common problem to encounter on long trips, so always have a spare tyre on board in your vehicle. It’s a good idea to brush up on your skills for changing a tyre if it’s been a while. If you’re about to embark on a road trip down the coast or across the country, be safe and enjoy your travel. By preparing before you go, you’re going a long way to ensuring a memorable journey – for all the right reasons. Image: Getty Images

Travel Trouble

Top 10 spooky stays for those Halloween weekend road trips

It's the spookiest time of year, and there are plenty of ghoulish places to discover around Australia. To help you plan your next spooky road trip, Toyota Australia has compiled a frightful list of ten top stays for a Halloween-themed road trip like no other. 1. <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.montecristo.com.au/__;!!IHJ3XrWN4X8!Ngc0COUlXfvAPcWa76VI_T27Ce9juwK-Y7cUZh4HcjW0O7Lv9maA12KJkUIyW9mqjnZreRPe2Jy4IZ1YHy1xZb_k4JCv$" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monte Cristo Homestead</a>, Junee NSW <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/monte-cristo-homestead2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Images: Monte Cristo Homestead (Facebook) Dubbed “Australia’s most haunted homestead”, Monte Cristo – only two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Canberra – is said to be haunted by at least ten ghosts, most significantly its original owners Christopher and Elizabeth Crawley. Christopher still haunts the room in which he passed, as kind a spirit as he was in life – Elizabeth, however, is not so nice; if she doesn’t like you, she’ll cause a chill across your skin to scare you off. Don’t believe us? For the thrill seekers and sceptics out there, Monte Cristo offers accommodation for you to sleep – or stare at the ceiling wide awake in terror all night. 2. <a style="text-align: center;" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.georgeiv.com.au/accommodation/__;!!IHJ3XrWN4X8!Ngc0COUlXfvAPcWa76VI_T27Ce9juwK-Y7cUZh4HcjW0O7Lv9maA12KJkUIyW9mqjnZreRPe2Jy4IZ1YHy1xZYG9SB7T$">George IV Inn</a>, Picton NSW <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/george-iv-inn.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Images: George IV Inn (Facebook) If you’re game, how about a night or two at the century-old George IV hotel in Picton? The eerily stripped-back interior couldn’t be more fitting for accommodation located in what is considered Australia’s most haunted town. Picton in NSW – an hour’s drive from Sydney – is host to a variety of ghostly locations. If you dare, venture down to the Redbank Range Railway tunnel, where it is claimed the spirit of Emily Bollard, who was killed by a train in 1916 – stay on the lookout for a pale, faceless figure of a woman. That’s not all - according to residents, the cries of babies can be heard from Picton’s now-defunct Old Maternity Hospital, three ghosts haunt the Wollondilly Shire Hall, and the jukebox has been known to start playing while unplugged at the Imperial Hotel. 3. <a style="text-align: center;" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.qstation.com.au/__;!!IHJ3XrWN4X8!Ngc0COUlXfvAPcWa76VI_T27Ce9juwK-Y7cUZh4HcjW0O7Lv9maA12KJkUIyW9mqjnZreRPe2Jy4IZ1YHy1xZemwu4JL$">Quarantine Station</a>, Manly NSW <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/quarantine-station.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Images: Quarantine Station Ghost Tours (Facebook) Q Station in Manly – only half an hour’s drive from the Sydney CBD – is a stunning venue with accommodation ranging from guest lounges, suites, and cottages, and multiple on-site harborside fine dining restaurants and bars. Yet, the station also has a dark history as a quarantine station for the unwell, first operating over 150 years ago and only closing in 1984, where it has since been the site of almost 600 deaths. As a result, the place is allegedly riddled with ghosts – that’s why Q Station also offers a range of ghost tours around the property, including through the onsite cemetery and morgue. 4. <a style="text-align: center;" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.jenolancaves.org.au/__;!!IHJ3XrWN4X8!Ngc0COUlXfvAPcWa76VI_T27Ce9juwK-Y7cUZh4HcjW0O7Lv9maA12KJkUIyW9mqjnZreRPe2Jy4IZ1YHy1xZac_sEC_$">Caves House Hotel</a>, Blue Mountains NSW <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/caves-house-hotel.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Caves House Hotel (Facebook) Described on its website as a “romantic and relaxing place to stay overnight”, you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise if you knew the haunted history of the Jenolan Caves. From disembodied screams and unexplained shoulder taps within the caves to sightings of ghostly arms and the sounds of playing children deep into the night in Caves House, the official website has been sure to <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.jenolancaves.org.au/about/blog/spinechilling-stories-from-the-underworld/__;!!IHJ3XrWN4X8!Ngc0COUlXfvAPcWa76VI_T27Ce9juwK-Y7cUZh4HcjW0O7Lv9maA12KJkUIyW9mqjnZreRPe2Jy4IZ1YHy1xZVr10l2I$">document</a> any stories and sightings of spirits and spectres of those brave enough to stay the night in their stunning – but spooky – Blue Mountains lodgings, a three hour’s drive from Sydney. 5. <a style="text-align: center;" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.booking.com/hotel/au/castlemaine-gardens-luxury-safari-tents.en-gb.html?aid=356980&label=gog235jc-1DCAsoD0InY2FzdGxlbWFpbmUtZ2FyZGVucy1sdXh1cnktc2FmYXJpLXRlbnRzSDNYA2gPiAEBmAEJuAEXyAEM2AED6AEBiAIBqAIDuALvvsqZBsACAdICJGM1YWMzNWExLWNmOWMtNDMwZS04MDg5LWUwZjM3ZjIyMzQ4ONgCBOACAQ&sid=7840f168f5ccfb8a42fa50883655b5f2&dist=0&group_adults=2&group_children=0&keep_landing=1&no_rooms=1&sb_price_type=total&type=total&__;!!IHJ3XrWN4X8!Ngc0COUlXfvAPcWa76VI_T27Ce9juwK-Y7cUZh4HcjW0O7Lv9maA12KJkUIyW9mqjnZreRPe2Jy4IZ1YHy1xZaDDH6o3$">Castlemaine Gardens Luxury Safari Tents</a>, Castlemaine VIC <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/castlemaine-gardens.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park (Facebook) Glamp in style at the Castlemaine Gardens Luxury Safari Tents, a semi-open-air accommodation tucked away in beautiful gardens in outer north-west Victoria – only an hour and a half’s drive from Melbourne. With an exposed wood interior and white tulle mosquito nets draped over the four-poster beds, the tents are reminiscent of the gold rush era. To further your historical-themed getaway, you could perhaps consider a trip to Old Castlemaine Gaol – a colonial-era prison famed for housing some of the time’s most violent criminals, many of whom are said to still haunt the hallways. If you’re too scared to go back to your tent, how about sticking it out for one of their infamous 12-hour overnight ghost tours? 6. <a style="text-align: center;" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/craigsroyal.com.au/accommodation/__;!!IHJ3XrWN4X8!Ngc0COUlXfvAPcWa76VI_T27Ce9juwK-Y7cUZh4HcjW0O7Lv9maA12KJkUIyW9mqjnZreRPe2Jy4IZ1YHy1xZb3Qyc0y$">Craig’s Royal Hotel,</a> Ballarat VIC <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/craigs-royal-hotel.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Images: Craig's Royal Hotel (Facebook) You know it’s worth the drive if the whole city has a dedicated website to ghost tours in the area. That’s the case with Ballarat’s <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.eerietours.com.au/__;!!IHJ3XrWN4X8!Ngc0COUlXfvAPcWa76VI_T27Ce9juwK-Y7cUZh4HcjW0O7Lv9maA12KJkUIyW9mqjnZreRPe2Jy4IZ1YHy1xZW8NcLBZ$">Eerie Tours</a>, which offers a variety of historic ghost tours across both Ballarat, including its Old Cemetery and the Town Hall, and the nearby infamous Aradale Lunatic Asylum in Ararat – known as one of the most hostile haunted locations in Australia. After a night of frights (or two), it’s only fitting to retire in somewhere as grand as the heritage-listed, Victorian-designed Craig’s Royal Hotel – only an hour and a half’s drive from Melbourne. 7. <a style="text-align: center;" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.spencersuitesalbany.com.au/__;!!IHJ3XrWN4X8!Ngc0COUlXfvAPcWa76VI_T27Ce9juwK-Y7cUZh4HcjW0O7Lv9maA12KJkUIyW9mqjnZreRPe2Jy4IZ1YHy1xZZpDd-oj$">Spencer Suites</a>, Albany WA <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/spencer-suites.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Spencer Suites (Facebook) Far down south in WA – five hours away from Perth if you drive – is the former colonial settlement of Albany, a seaside town rich with tales of ghost stories. From the ruins of a lighthouse said to be haunted by its keeper, a former hospital with doors closing on its own, a 150-year-old quarantine station and an old gaol, Albany offers so many spooky experiences you’ll just have to spend a couple nights – how about checking out Spencer Suites, where “heritage meets chic”? The refreshing modernity of the self-contained apartments would be a welcome change from the haunted colonial-era ruins. 8. <a style="text-align: center;" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.babindaquarters.com/__;!!IHJ3XrWN4X8!Ngc0COUlXfvAPcWa76VI_T27Ce9juwK-Y7cUZh4HcjW0O7Lv9maA12KJkUIyW9mqjnZreRPe2Jy4IZ1YHy1xZS_cs8AM$">Babinda Quarters</a>, Babinda QLD <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/barbinda-quarters.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Babinda Quarters (Facebook) Most of the locations on this list so far have been colonial man-made institutions housing spirits of those who passed within their four walls, yet, a short drive from the beautiful tropical town of Babinda are the Babinda Boulders – a stunning and tranquil swimming and picnic area with a particularly treacherous stretch of the creek aptly named Devil’s Pool. According to local Indigenous legend, a young widow named Oolana came to the pool to grieve her husband, ultimately drowning herself to overcome her sorrows. It is said she still haunts the pool, with unexplained tides and sudden rushing torrents. Morbidly curious travellers beware: this creek has claimed many lives, something expressed on a sign as you approach it; most of them young men a similar age to the Oolana’s husband. If staying in Babinda to explore the rainforest (both haunted and not), Babinda Quarters, a recently refurbished art deco homestead offers stunning and quirky accommodation with a rainforest twist less than an hour’s drive from Cairns. 9. <a style="text-align: center;" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.fothergills.net.au/__;!!IHJ3XrWN4X8!Ngc0COUlXfvAPcWa76VI_T27Ce9juwK-Y7cUZh4HcjW0O7Lv9maA12KJkUIyW9mqjnZreRPe2Jy4IZ1YHy1xZXtl3Uxs$">Fothergills of Fremantle,</a> WA <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/fothergills-fremantle.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Fothergills of Fremantle (Facebook) Just half an hour’s drive from the heart of Perth CBD, Forthergills of Fremantle is a stunning 19th century heritage listed building, with rooms filled featuring local craftwork and fitted with on-theme colonial furniture – lit quite eerily in their official photos. Fittingly, Fremantle is home to one of the most infamous haunted locations in WA – the Fremantle Arts Centre. The former lunatic asylum is claimed to be one of the most haunted buildings in the state, with reports of faces being seen in windows, strange bouts of cold air, and doors opening and closing on their own. 10. <a style="text-align: center;" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.thestationkapunda.com/__;!!IHJ3XrWN4X8!Ngc0COUlXfvAPcWa76VI_T27Ce9juwK-Y7cUZh4HcjW0O7Lv9maA12KJkUIyW9mqjnZreRPe2Jy4IZ1YHy1xZZZ0jA3h$">The Station</a>, Kapunda SA <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/station-kapunda.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Images: The Station Kapunda (Facebook) While the most haunted hotel in Australia might not be available for bookings, we thought it’d be more advisable to stay in a nicer, considerably less-ghostly accommodation such as The Station at Kapunda, a stunning and modern escape in a 162-year-old renovated railway station, only an hour by car from Adelaide. That way you can escape from The North Kapunda Hotel should the spirits cause you too much distress. Kapunda is also known as an extremely haunted town, with tours across the town available for any thrill seekers out there. Images: Facebook

Domestic Travel

Five things to keep in your car's glove box

Whether it’s a long drive to visit family or a quick trip to the local shopping centre, your car should always be equipped with a few essential items. Does your car have all of these items? While many of today’s new cars feature the latest gadgets and technologies for comfort and safety, many don’t come with other useful everyday items which are vital in case of emergency or an unforseen event. For example, a flashlight would come in handy if you need to change a tyre in the evening or an in-car phone charger for when your battery has gone flat. By storing these types of essential items in your glove box, you’ll always be prepared for when life takes an unexpected turn. 1. Important documents wallet One item that should always be stored away in the glove box is a plastic folder or wallet with your vehicle documents, such as owner’s manual, emergency contact numbers and proof of insurance. A spare pen and paper will also come in handy. The owner’s manual should always be left in the car so you never lose it and should be the first point of reference for when experiencing car trouble. 2. Plastic bags and tissues You would be surprised at the number of times you’ll need a plastic bag or some tissues. There could be a spill, a car mess or a passenger may not be feeling well. All good reasons for keeping a few plastic bags handy. The same can be said for tissues or wet wipes, which will be useful if your hands get greasy from having to change a tyre or lift up the hood of the car to check the oil and water levels. 3. First aid kit Always a good inclusion no matter where you go. A basic first aid kit can be purchased from your local pharmacy. Along with the basic contents, such as bandages, antiseptic cream or solution, and a pair of tweezers, make sure you include any items specific to you. If your first aid kit won’t fit in the glove box, pop it under the front passenger seat so it’s easily accessible, if needed. 4. Torch For long trips, it’s a good idea to have a torch stowed away. You never know when you might need to change a tyre or inspect your vehicle for unusual sounds that might occur whilst driving at night. A small LED flashlight would do the trick – and remember to keep a spare pack of batteries in the glove box too. 5. Mobile phone charger Back in the days before we all had mobile phones, we actually remembered phone numbers! However, nowadays, many of us have these important digits stored away in our phones. This makes having a spare phone charger very important, especially when you need to contact someone and your phone has run out of battery. There are phone car charges which you can plug into the power outlet in your car to then charge the battery on your mobile phone. Image: Getty Images

Home & Garden

Beloved US musician and his wife found dead on desert road

A beloved US musician and his wife have been found dead near California under mysterious circumstances. Larry Petree and his wife Betty, who had been married for more than 60 years, were found dead on a desert road in a bizarre tragedy, leaving family members wondering what happened. “When deputies arrived, they found the bodies of an adult male sitting in the driver’s seat and adult female leaning against the rear tire,” the Kern County Sheriff’s Office said. Criminal activity is not suspected in the case, so homicide detectives didn‘t respond to the scene, while investigators added that it appeared the couple had run out of petrol. It is unclear where the couple were heading, and an official cause of death has yet to be revealed. Larry was known for his musical talents and played the pedal steel guitar, contributing to the iconic Bakersfield Sound era. He was playing shows in the area up until his passing, with Larry‘s final show being with a band called The Soda Crackers. “We had the honour of having Larry as our steel guitarist at our first ever show in Bakersfield and had the even greater honour of playing with him for his last show a few weeks ago,” the band wrote in a Facebook post on Monday. “We send our condolences to the Petree family and the greater Bakersfield Sound community.” Larry’s cousin, Laurie Sanders, told The Californian that Larry had been disoriented recently and got lost when attending his own gig. He failed to show up for the performance, and a family friend had to pick him up and take him to the concert. Image credits: Facebook

News

Do you need travel insurance for domestic trips?

When adding up your travel budget, insurance can seem like an unnecessary extra that you never really use – especially on a domestic trip. But before you dismiss the idea, here are a few reasons why you should insure every trip. 1. You’ve booked your tickets, packed your bags and bought your sunscreen – then disaster strikes. There can be any number of reasons that you need to cancel a trip: a close family member gets sick, you have an accident, a cyclone hits the resort you’re staying at or your employer cancels your leave. Travel insurance will cover the out of pocket costs associated with cancelling flights, rental cars or accommodation. It can also cover any additional expenses that you incur if an airline cancels your flights. 2. Theft doesn’t just happen overseas and insurance will cover you for any of your property – and, sometimes, cash – stolen while you’re travelling. It can also cover items that are lost or accidentally damaged during your trip. 3. No one thinks they will injure another party or cause damage to property while they’re travelling, but it happens. If you’re at fault you could be sued and damages can run into the millions. Travel insurance generally includes coverage for personal liability, which covers you for legal expenses and compensation you may be required to pay to the other party. 4. If you travel a few times a year, purchasing an annual policy makes domestic insurance really cheap. Because you are covered by Medicare premiums are much lower than international policies. For only around $200 a year you can have full coverage around the country – and that’s less than the cost of one night in a hotel because of a delay. Image: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Heartbreaking final texts from teen who died on school trip

After the distraught parents of the 15-year-old boy who died on an overseas school trip in June 2019 stated that more should have been done to prevent his death, the upsetting final text messages he sent to his mother have been revealed. Timothy Fehring was meant to be on the “trip of a lifetime” in Germany with his classmates from Blackburn high-school, with two teachers serving as chaperones. Now it has been shown in a string of text messages received from her son that his condition appears to have worsened everyday, along with his desperation to feel well enough to enjoy the trip. He initially messaged to say he was “very sick” after arriving in Germany, which he linked to the spicy food he was served on the plane and in his dinner: “Hey mum it’s 6:58 here and I’m very sick. I think it’s all the spicy food because I have been on Thai Airlines and they only gave me spicy food and now I’m having dinner that has spices in it because it’s German,” he wrote, according to an image of a text exchange. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/Texts1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> “I almost throw up and am working on getting better so I can have a better time. I’m going to sleep like a baby because it might be exhaustion. I have not slept in hours and I always feel dizzy," he messaged. In a separate message, Timothy wrote: “Love you mummy and will keep you up to date with more.” About an hour later suggested that the water he was drinking might have been contaminated, causing him to feel sick. “I also think it has to do with the water because someone had a blood nose when they had it and I was feeling sick so I might have to buy some water,” he wrote. Shortly after that message he asked his mum for help with the water issue. “I can’t buy the water because it’s just the same water ugh can you help me mum?”. The teenager’s <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-trouble/grieving-parents-call-for-change-after-aussie-teen-dies-on-school-trip" target="_blank" rel="noopener">parents say teacher's were too fast to dismiss his illness as homesickness</a> following the release of a coroner’s report that documented the days just prior to his passing Timothy was vomiting from the beginning of the trip and couldn’t keep food down, was persistently exhausted and lost about five kilos in just a few days, according to details outlined in the report. Attempts to revive him via CPR were unsuccessful, and he passed away on June 28, 2019. Images: Nine

Caring

Grieving parents call for change after Aussie teen dies on school trip

The parents of a teenager who died on an overseas school trip say more should have been done to prevent the death of their “fit and healthy” 15 year old. Blackburn high-school-student Timothy Fehring was meant to be on the “trip of a lifetime” when he attended a school trip in Germany in 2019, along with 16 other students and two teachers who chaperoned during the trip. But, after departing Melbourne and arriving in Germany on June 23, Timothy became ill. His mum, Barbara, received a text from Timothy that read: "I almost threw up and am working on getting better so I can have a better time." Barbara and her husband Dale said their son wasn’t one to complain and rejected claims he was just “homesick” in the leadup to his death. "He was a super fit and healthy child and he would never want to make a fuss or bring attention to himself," Barbra told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/timothy-fehring-family-speak-after-melbourne-schoolboy-dies-on-school-trip-in-europe/b8144abe-790c-46d1-8a35-f2dedfd5f1ff" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a>. As he continued to participate in activities, TImothy became violently ill, vomiting multiple times and eating very little on the first two days of the trip. When a teacher took him to a chemist and explained his symptoms, he was given some medication. Waking up the next day, Timothy asked his mum to get him home. "He expressed dissatisfaction about how he was being treated," the coroner’s findings read. Timothy was then taken to Munich Children’s Hospital and “thoroughly examined” by a doctor, and left six hours later with a diagnosis of a combination of homesickness, constipation and gastroenteritis. On June 27, he joined the group on a walking tour in Vienna, Austria, with the coroner’s findings stating he carried a “vomit bag”, walked slowly and looked tired. He asked to go back to the hospital, but staff denied his request. Then, when he threw up his dinner that night, staff contacted Timothy’s parents and made arrangements so he could fly home alone on June 29, which would include making a trip to a GP to secure a fit-to-travel certificate on June 28. But, after walking into the hallway to get some air, Timothy was found unresponsive with blood trickling from his nose. He was hospitalised but died on June 28, with an autopsy revealing he had a “highly acute” infection in his stomach and lungs, and had suffered a heart attack. Barbara and Dale said they weren’t made aware of the severity of Timothy’s illness, and are calling for change to staffing for overseas school trips. His mother acknowledged that the two teachers were trained in first aid, but said a school nurse would have had a better understanding of his illness. "They would have picked up on the signs quicker and we wouldn't be here today," she said. “He wasn’t homesick,” she continued, adding that having more adults accompany students would have helped save her son. "When he said he was sick and said something wasn't right, that was the truth. "No one was being his advocate, we think it's important to have more adults to student ratios.” In his findings on Timothy’s death, Coroner Simon McGregor called on the Department of Education and Training to increase the staff to student ratios on these trips, and recommended that organisers should ensure there were enough resources available if someone did fall ill. "With the benefit of hindsight, staff made the wrong judgement call that Tim's complaints were not sufficiently serious," McGregor commented. Since then, the department said a group the size that Tim was in now requires three adults, not two. The Fehrings continue to mourn their son, with Dale saying it has been a “hard three years”. “Children shouldn’t die, this is so tragic,” he said. "It hits you hard and it has been a hard three years. We have tried to cope." Images: Nine

Travel Trouble

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Dog care below freezing − how to keep your pet warm and safe from cold weather, road salt and more this winter

Couple who found love in chemotherapy raise funds for final trip

Too big, too heavy and too slow to change: road transport is way off track for net zero

"A night in hospital and a trip to the burns unit later”: Concerned mum's warning against popular fruit

10 tips for planning a staycation that’s better than an overseas trip

“The greatest American novelist” Cormac McCarthy passes away at 89

"Who picks a fight with a rock star?" Jimmy Barnes confronts on-road "bully"

The Long and Winding Road

Bring your furry friend’s face along on your next big trip

Couple’s hiking trip thrown into jeopardy days before take off

Why it’s so much better to explore your own backyard

3 simple DIY trips to spruce up your home with money left over

Why do people tailgate? A psychologist explains what’s behind this common (and annoying) driving habit

What to do if your motorhome breaks down

Top 10 spooky stays for those Halloween weekend road trips

Five things to keep in your car's glove box

Beloved US musician and his wife found dead on desert road

Do you need travel insurance for domestic trips?

Heartbreaking final texts from teen who died on school trip

Grieving parents call for change after Aussie teen dies on school trip

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Dog care below freezing − how to keep your pet warm and safe from cold weather, road salt and more this winter

Couple who found love in chemotherapy raise funds for final trip

Too big, too heavy and too slow to change: road transport is way off track for net zero

"A night in hospital and a trip to the burns unit later”: Concerned mum's warning against popular fruit

10 tips for planning a staycation that’s better than an overseas trip

“The greatest American novelist” Cormac McCarthy passes away at 89

"Who picks a fight with a rock star?" Jimmy Barnes confronts on-road "bully"

The Long and Winding Road

Bring your furry friend’s face along on your next big trip

Couple’s hiking trip thrown into jeopardy days before take off

Why it’s so much better to explore your own backyard

3 simple DIY trips to spruce up your home with money left over

Why do people tailgate? A psychologist explains what’s behind this common (and annoying) driving habit

What to do if your motorhome breaks down

Top 10 spooky stays for those Halloween weekend road trips

Five things to keep in your car's glove box

Beloved US musician and his wife found dead on desert road

Do you need travel insurance for domestic trips?

Heartbreaking final texts from teen who died on school trip

Grieving parents call for change after Aussie teen dies on school trip

Join Over60