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The let loose tour
  • Jo Lowe
  • Jo Lowe

The let loose tour

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    1

    A very quiet day.

    7. juni 2025, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ -2 °C

    After the thrills of yesterday I've had a very quiet day ,mainly relaxing in my accommodation. Looking out at the mountains I could see it's very definitely snowed overnight. A road I was on 2days ago over the Crown pass has been closed.
    I did a brief walk along the lakeside and then walked to the Irish pub again.I had the Best ever steak and Guinness pie,sitting by the fire.The pie was huge.
    I needed to buy a replacement woolly hat and having done so I was about to walk back when a taxi appeared so I bailed and took the easy option, as the cold weather has a real bite to it,which stings your face.
    Spent the evening chilling in my room
    The photos and videos of the lakeside barely do the scenery justice...its stunning and so difficult to capture on film.    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    NZ temperatures!🥶🥶🥶
    A kiwi sculpture by the waterfrontSheep shearing demonstration high country farm. QueenstownStreet food at the waterside.in QueenstownView over a valley in Queenstown seen on coach tripWorld flags left at the view point of the valley in previous pic.no uk 🇬🇧 flagKnown as the Crown Rd is now shut due to snow ❄️An NZ tuk tuk ..bit of an upgrade from the ones in asiaWaterfalls Milford Sound cruise. memorial to the sheepdogs working on the hills between Queenstown and ChristchurchActually in ChristchurchMaori carving in ChristchurchMaori sculpture in ChristchurchCorgi sculpture to mark Queens jubilee in ChristchurchQueen Victoria statue in Christchurch

    Keeping warm!

    8. juni 2025, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 0 °C

    I was due to go.on a coach tour this morning but it was cancelled
    With no other plans immediately stayed in at my accommodation, until it was time to go out for my evening meal,keeping warm as its winter here and really cold .!
    Realising I'd no travels in Sept and I can't have that! 🤣...I've made enquiries about a volunteer placement in Namibia 🇳🇦. It's animal conservation for lions ,cheethas and others..on one of the projects it's possible to go for a walk with a cheetha.
    I'd also call into Cape Town and go to Nelson Mandela's house ,which i forgot to take Math to when we went and also go to the Victoria falls...might as well whilst in the area..will see what I can arrange.
    Some photos not had chance to include from both Queenstown and Christchurch    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    Today's ItineraryFog lifting on lake manapouriFog lifting on lake manapouri or possibly cloud inversion..Hydroelectrics lake manapouriHydroelectrics lake manapouriThe approach to Doubtful sound is very steepThe sail boat for Doubtful soundOne of the 3 sails on the boatSpot the rainbow over the waterfallAn island in Doubtful soundDoubtful soundDoubtful sound at the silent spotAt the silent spotDoubtful soundAt the waterfall next to the one with the rainbow. We pulled right up to it🌈Doubtful sound from the back of the boatThe sound of silence in Doubtful soundBack in my icebox room .

    Magnificent,Breathtaking,Doubtful Sound

    9. juni 2025, New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 0 °C

    Having been to Milford sound, which is the well known tourist day out ,I debated whether it was worth going to Doubtful sound
    The tour company assured me it was ....but were they just after a sale??.
    Anyway with adrenaline activities over ,and a few days left in Queenstown ,i decided to go
    Its more of an adventure that Milford ..though both start at 7am with pick up at 6.45am. So I've been up since 6am to get ready and walk to the collection point.
    The journey to Doubtful sound...a bus to Te Anu ,swap to a mini bus as everyone else was going to Milford sound....then the minibus to a boat across Lake manapouri
    This lake is Vast and stunning and is of paramount importance in hydroelectricty in NZ.
    off the boat into another bus to the boat at Doubtful sound
    The boat was a beautiful old sailing boat and we had the sails open throughout though driven by engine.
    Doubtful sound is breathtaking, magnificent, stunning and no photos or videos can fully do it justice
    It was cold ,but simply forgot that .It had snowed overnight so the mountains looked incredible and with the sun shining the staff said even they couldn't believe what an amazing day it was
    Even better...there were only 13 of us on the boat 🚢..it was like a private event.
    At one point they turned off the engine for about 10mins and you could hear only the birds and the waterfalls and silence....it was Very special and very emotional..
    A fabulous day well worth the 400km plus to get there on 3coaches and 2 boats..its vastly superior to Milford although that is amazing in its own right. However Doubtful is my favourite.
    Returning to Queenstown I decided to have a Macdonalds. Honestly it turned out to be the quietest Macdonalds ever and I got hot food!...you never get hot food at Macdonalds!🤣
    As I came out i spotted a taxi and succumbed as its bitingly cold 🥶
    When i got in my room it was like an ice box...I'd turned the little heater off as I knew I'd be out for a long day..The room has 2large outside walls ..Currently sitting under my bedding with the fleece and double quilt folded over and wearing my puffer jacket fleece and long sleeved top.plus woolly hat glove on left hand and right hsnd shrunk into thesleeve ..as I'm.chilled from being on the boat deck in the wind for best part of 3hrs...though my windproof coat did help.. and this room is freezing 🥶 😫    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    The red shed is quite famous but not sure why
    Info on the boats and red shedInfo on the boats and red shedInfo on the boats and red shedInside the red shedGlenorchy library open one day a weekGlenorchy gift shopManuka honey plantNative Nz ducksNative Nz birdParadise ....apparently..not in my viewCows in Paradise ,watching us drive bySnacks in Paradise at.side of the minibusA forest of native Beech trees in the Paradise areaA braided river ..deliberately evolves like this ..not a droughtsBraided riverDelicious dinner at Boardwalk restaurantDelicious dessert at Boardwalk..lemon meringue with chocolate sauce

    Last day in Queenstown

    10. juni 2025, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 1 °C

    Today is my last day in Queenstown. I've had a great mix of adrenaline experiences and day trips seeing the wider area and stunning locations
    I will miss waking up to my lake View and snow capped mountains each day
    I booked a trip for Sunday but it was cancelled and postponed till today.
    So ,another early start to visit Glenorchy and Paradise. Maybe because it was after the epic doubtful sound yesterday but I was underwhelmed by both places
    Glenorchy is a small local village with nothing happening and the area known as Paradise,in no way matches my vision of Paradise
    I've learned that Nz farmers are moving away from sheep 🐑 farming to cattle farming
    We collected refreshments in Glenorchy and took them to the Paradise area where we had the refreshments at the side of the minibus in the least scenic location iv visited the whole time. I've been here .It was however an area I'd flown over in the helicopter and had been used for some other world scene in Lord of the rings
    Apparently Brad Pitt is currently filming in the area and Taylor swift has also filmed here .
    They have rivers known as braided rivers ,which in the UK would look like there is a drought, but, this is a deliberate kind of low water river where the water appears to run in channels.
    On our return to Queenstown, I returned to my accommodation tidied my room and packed my bags!🥲
    Once I was all sorted I returned to my favourite restaurant in Queenstown, called Boardwalk, where I've had several excellent meals at a table by the window so I could look out at the waterside. Returning to my room wasn't as bad as yesterday as I'd left the heating on .    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    Queenstown airport
    View over the Queenstown south island alps from the planeView over the south island alps from the planeView from the planeView from the planeGreat bag with Nz humour,thankfully not neededView of Wellington from lookoutView of Wellington from the lookoutView of Wellington from the lookout

    Bye Queenstown, Hello Wellington

    11. juni 2025, New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    An early start (6.30am) for a flight from Queenstown on the South island to Wellington on the North island to stay with Maura and Ian for 2days
    Maura is a British nurse, my age who is married to Ian .He is a New Zealander( kiwi).I met them a few weeks ago on the Sri Lanka bus tour. They invited me to stay and we kept in touch,which has resulted in actually staying
    Maura met me at the airport.I had had to check my case in,so needed to collect it .Rather unusually ,I was met by Maura and then we went together to collect my bag....different than M/c airport where you collect bags 1st and then meet family. We went for lunch ,and then up to a viewpoint over Wellington. It was raining so low cloud . However got an overall idea of the layout of the city.
    Returned to Maura's house and met Ian and their lovely golden labrador, Honey. We spent time chatting and catching up..Ian made a beautiful lamb dinner.    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    Westport chambers Wellington. I liked the buildingA traditional Maori carvingIn the Te Papa exhibitionCopy of the treaty between Nz and UK. There's disparity in the translation from English to MaoriDocument showing the disparity in translation of the treatyZoom this photo to get better ideaA traditional Maori house not sure if it's a style still usedBeautiful stage in the centre dressed for the new year celebrations on 20th JuneStaff at the centre rehearsal at lunchtime fir the Maori new year cincert on 20th JuneLadies doing a Haka ,watch their hands especially the girl in black top ,white skirt on the end

    Spa morning and Te Papa Centre

    11. juni 2025, New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    Maura and I spent the morning at a Spa in Wellington, having a very welcome massage and facial after the thrills of Queenstown.
    We then went to the Te Papa Centre, where there is a Maouri Exhibition, celebrating traditional New Zealand culture, which is something the New Zealanders are really proud of .It was evident when Matthew and I came 20yrs ago and I feel this is still the case now .
    We happened to experience a group of Maori staff rehearsing for a concert for the Maori new year on 20th June...It was beautiful to listen to ...
    They also did a Haka ,the ladies on the front row, were doing the hand gestures and the wide eyes that stare unexpectedly at you..it is a little unnerving...but I think it's meant to be ...not sure
    Im.also even more gutted now to be leaving Nz on the 20th. I'd no idea it would be Maori New year and I'd like to have seen what happens.
    This is the 2nd cultural New year I have narrowly missed experiencing ,as it was the same in Cambodia..I just missed their cultural/ religious New year.... Both of these New year celebrations have made me realise that Ive only ever considered the New year we celebrate ,whilst making the assumption, that it is the same for everyone and there aren't any other kinds of New year celebrations..so I've learnt something.
    In the evening Maura Ian and I went to a local place which seems to be a hub for the community they live in ,in Paraparaumu..45mins outside Wellington.Very nice food. They have the beach at the end of the road..which I absolutely loved    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    Leaving Maura and Ian
    Lunch stop at a truckers cafeSeen en routeThe Intercity busLake Taupo seen on my journey a long time before arrival in TaupoMy lake View from my room..start of sunsetTwin peaks motelRecognise those boots ? ..in my lake View roomMy lake View roomRIP to a beautiful orangutanNew Zealanders watching rugby 🏉..so quiet !compared to UK folk watching football

    A nostalgic return to Taupo

    13. juni 2025, New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    My original plan following on from being with Maura and Ian was to get the train straight to Auckland .
    However ,20yrs ago Matthew and I went on the Kiwi experience bus ,to Taupo. We skydived at dawn and half an hour later were whisked away from Taupo. I remember the stunning lake and feeling I'd have liked to stay longer.
    Checking the Map and the buses I realised that I could return to Taupo on a 5hr bus journey..which I was delighted about ..However, I only booked the ticket yesterday evening, after speaking to the Intercity bus company ,checking Ian's views on doing so and the all important weather...all of paramount importance as I have an international flight in Auckland booked and paid for, so can't afford to be stuck.Whilst Wellington to Auckland is a straight line,Taupo is a definite diversion ,in the "wrong " direction." Anyway a favourable outcome meant that Maura dropped me off for the Intercity bus at 9.55am and a few minutes before I got on the bus ,I arranged some accommodation in Taupo,with a lake View...This has always been a dream ...to return to taupo and have accommodation with a lake Taupo view
    Journey was OK..crossed a section known as the desert road ...it was a bit like crossing the top of Saddleworth Moor or the top of the Yorkshire moors ..bleak !
    The bus drivers here do seriously long distances ...and so the stops are for a comfort break, loo 🚻 etc and also an hour stop for lunch. Also the driver tells you which cafe so you can pre order food online and the cafe has it ready ..Ive experienced this a few times in NZ
    Then in the middle of nowhere, the driver pulled up ,swapped with another driver who continued with my journey, whilst the 1st driver took over the bus going back to Wellington.
    Arrived in Taupo and went to the visitor centre where the lady behind the counter was from Rochdale! Shed not been back to the UK for 18yrs but was going imminently. She's looking forward to a proper chippy with mushy peas .also looking forward to radiators and double glazing which are not a thing in new Zealand. In fact maura told me they only heat the room they are in and they had a log burner in the lounge but no heat in the bedrooms. Anyway it was lovely to chat with this lady and was also quite funny to hear what she was looking forward to
    I got a taxi to my accommodation which is an upstairs apartment In a motel with the lake View I've thought about over the years.. fantastic
    In the evening I went to the pub at the frimt of the motel,called Jolly Good people .They have a British flag flying outside and the serviettes have picture of Winston Churchill ..no idea why .
    The locals were watching the rugby in such a civilised way ..I couldn't believe it not like a British pub when the football is on
    At the motel , I had a few issues with charging my phone as my charging adapter doesn't fit the plug but the lady on reception helped. She is Indian and came here 8yrs ago after she got married..
    My day ended with the really sad news that the 1st orangutan I saw when I arrived in Borneo, had died
    She was 24yrs old, a large and beautiful orangutan ,sitting on the feeding platform as we arrived full of excitement and anticipation at seeing an orangutan, suddenly ,there she was ...it was v special moment. She became unwell whilst we were at the project and was taken off the island she lived on,to be monitored by the vets.She recovered enough to be returned to the island..
    The technicians and all the staff know the orangutans sooo well and vice versa. They are extremely well monitored and cared for. There's a vet clinic on site..so she would have had the best chance...if it' was possible.
    I had chance on a few occasions to chat with the vet who was on charge over all the animals at the project i was at ...a sad ending to the day.
    Lovely to know il have 2days in Taupo and even if i do nothing but look at the gigantic lake that's fine .However I'm interested in scoping the potential for being based here for a longer stay in future    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    The diesel power boat for today's cruise
    A.hover bikeMaori rock carvingsMaori rock carvingsMountain range known locally as the pregnant womanA view of lake taupo which is 52km longA Maori monument i taupoThe random Macdonald plane

    Lake Taupo cruise

    14. juni 2025, New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 7 °C

    I spent the morning catching up on my penguins app and one or two emails.
    In the afternoon I went in a taxi to the marina to enjoy a cruise on the lake to see some Maori rock carvings
    The owner announced that any children wanting to have a go a steering the boat could have a go
    I said I hadn't got my parents with me but could I have a go.....and so I did.....Its really not easy keeping the boat in a straight line...but i enjoyed having a go.
    I walked back from the marina
    stopping at an estate agents called Bayleys where I asked a very nice man ,called Brendan about property rental, but his company doesn't do thrm.I headed towards the inexplicable Macdonalds branded plane,placed next to the Macdonalds shop. It is possible to eat inside. I acquired the photos, used the loo ,as that is the perk of Macdonalds, ( it's usually so busy ,noone notices you nipping in for the loo ,but not buying food) and proceeded to continue my walk along the lakefront road ...It is a bit like Blackpool promenade as there as so many motels of varying standards. I wanted to capture a few on photos to research for future reference. Kiwi humour means they have a pontoon in the lake ,which is a floating hole in one golf thing ⛳️ ...apparently people do achieve it , most recently an 11yr old boy .There is a prize..Its one dollar per ball to try and its not close to the shore either !
    Walking along i spotted a mini golf course and some people playing .I stopped to ask who was winning and the lads said do you recognise us from.skydiving ....I DID ,they were in the same plane as me in Queenstown. I might yet see them.again, as we are potentially going to the same place.
    I returned to my accommodation via the pub at the front of the accommodation. I had lasagne. The pub was noiser tonight as there were more people in .It was racing driving on tv .    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    The Arriata falls are at the DamThe Arriata falls dam that is opened 3 times dailyThe water level before the dam is openedThe water level of the Arriata falls,before the dam is openedThe dam once opened gushes with waterWater level increase once dam is openedWater level of the Arriata fallsincrease once dam is openedHukka falls boatSome of the many black swansThe hukka falls..not the same as those by the damHukka falls..we got very closeHukka fallsHukka fallsThe lakeside view from my accommodationThe Lake Taupo sunsetThe Arriata falls once the Dam is openedThe Hukka falls

    Hukka falls

    15. juni 2025, New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    After a relaxing morning at my accommodation I took a taxi to see the Unesco Hukka falls
    At the site where the boat was moored is a dam .The dam is opened three times a day and the water gushes impressively out and down over the rocks
    The boat then took us along the river and to the Hukka falls
    En route I saw so many black swans . I feel we rarely see them now .I think they're all in Nz !🤣
    As the trip was some 15mins out of Taupo i was concerned about getting back ,but the lovely taxi driver who was Ukrainian, gave me his mobile number and did come back for me.
    Returning to my accommodation I had a short walk along the lakeside before going to the pub in front of my accommodation for a meal. The staff had begun to recognise me as id been in each day ...so I had a chat with them.    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    Auckland sky tower
    Civic hall with lovely carvingsThe city museumHuge ships in the harbourMaori artMaori artA traditional buildingPretty Chinese lanterns at the sky towerView from the sky towerView from the sky towerView from the sky towerThe Winch for jumping off the sky towerMonster from the special effects workshop at the towerSpecial effects from the workshop at the towerSpecial effects from the workshop at the sky tower

    Hello again Auckland

    17. juni 2025, New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 11 °C

    Math and I called into Auckland briefly 20yrs ago and stayed in a really good hostel, but we never really got to look around. So returning is all about checking the place out .
    Initial impression, it's not as sterile as Tokyo, but not as upbeat as Singapore..Its clean but it lacks something... the Kiwis aren't keen on it as a place listening in to chats about Auckland.
    I had an early morning mooch round the shops and quickly realised there is a definite homelessness problem here
    I stopped to chat with a group of 5 very happy ,laughing not sure if tipsy or on drugs ..but they were good fun ...couldn't just walk past

    I eventually found the hop on hop off bus and went for a 70min tour of the city ..
    Afterwards I went in the Sky tower which is something Math and I didn't manage to do last time. There is apparently a revolving restaurant.
    Having just done the bus tour I was able to pick out places id been on the bus..The tower has observation decks at 53rd and 60th floors
    Its possible to jump off the side of the sky tower or to walk round the perimeter outside...I didn't do anything like that today but we shall see ..I might go back
    It was difficult to find a decent place to eat ,so unfortunately I ended up at Macdonalds but had the least fast food thing possible, a grilled chicken wrap.    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe

    OOPS as in!💩💩💩😫

    17. juni 2025, New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    All is not well right now.
    Yesterday evening when I got off the bus at the Sky tower ,I went to the loo I came out and realised I'd not got my cross body bag...which happens to have my passport in it Ran out of the loos the bus had gone. Reported it to the office which was met with incredulous apathy, "I'd hv to come back at 11am tomorrow " I was not impressed and got her to ring the driver. He reported it wasn't on the bus .I contacted the cafe ,which was the only stop on our 5hr bus journey and they also said it wasn't there. My accommodation in Taupo and the taxi company there said it wasn't there either
    Consequently Yesterday evening I contacted the British Embassy, had my passport cancelled and applied for emergency documents.
    This morning ,I woke to an email from the embassy saying the photo ,kindly taken by the reception staff at my hotel had been rejected and I needed to get another,digital one
    Unlike the UK ,there doesn't seem to be any photo booths
    I found a photo shop ,but when I said, for the Uk he said he couldn't do it .He told me of another place. On arrival there was a sign ,back at 11.30am but also a phone number. I sent a message,got a reply ,had photo done and resubmitted application. Bear in mind it could take 2days to sort ,this is now Tuesday, I have a flight on Friday to Canada and it is Maori new year bank holiday weekend from this Friday 20th June.
    I returned to the bus depot to be met with the same apathy, no its not been handed it.
    As I could do no more, I took a ride on the hop on hop off bus and went to the sky tower for a look round    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe

    Wellington not Waitomo caves 😪

    18. juni 2025, New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Despite there being a British embassy in Auckland, it is not possible to have documents printed in Auckland
    So ,instead of a trip to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, I was up at 3.30am to get a 7am flight to Wellington, the capital city. The alternative is a 10hr bus or 10hr train journey, cheaper by far ,but would only get one way in the day and time is of the essence.
    I never take my driving licence on holiday, but this time I had it and so able to fly to Wellington,as it acts as photoID. I took all my luggage as id no idea how the day was going to pan out and the last thing I needed was the complication of my being in Wellington and my luggage still in Auckland
    I arrived so early I actually got moved ,by the staff to the 6.30am flight.
    Arrived in Wellington at 7.30am, had a brew and sat around the airport till 10.45am,when I got a taxi to the Embassy.
    And then it happened .the bloody bus company emailed to say they'd found my bag with passport in it I was fuming .How ?!! when i reported my bag missing within 10mins of being off the bus has it taken 2 days to find it ....appalling customer service!
    Ar the Embassy, I was issued with an Emergency passport that will cover admission to Canada and to get home.
    However, as my original passport was now cancelled, so was the associated essential Canadian visa ,so I had to reapply for that too..
    I asked the guy at the embassy if I could complete it in their office so that if there were any problems the embassy could help ,to which they agreed.
    I applied online through a site that could offer a reply in an hour .The bank interrupted the payment and I had to ring the Uk
    I assured them it was me and the payment went through. I went to the cafe at the library in Wellington to have a brew and wait for the results of my application.
    After an hour and a half ,I'd heard nothing and repeated the process on a site saying official Canadian ETA site ,the reply came in seconds which alerted me to the fact the other payment that the bank interrupted, probably was a scam 😳. I contacted the bank again to report this.
    With emergency passport in hand and Canada 🇨🇦 entry authorisation complete, I booked a return flight at 2.30pm ...for 5.30pm return to Auckland ,followed by taxi back to the airport.
    The flight to Auckland took an hour, then bus back to the centre of Auckland and taxi, (as I was knackered,) to my hotel
    Its been an experience I'd rather not ,ever have to repeat ,but sorted. I only hope i will be allowed into Canada...The ETA visa document Has to be obtained before flying out of your present company,or you cannot board the flight, so having had it granted, I'm a little more hopeful that I can continue my travels.
    The experience hasn't put me off or made me homesick .I'm glad it's been in Nz where the language isn't an issue. I'm also able to be thankful that I've not come to any harm and the problem is resolvable
    I think maybe it was an attempt to stay indefinitely in Nz! 🤣..    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    Just Shrug and Stride Girl !🤣
    The commitment to look after NzThe commitment to look after Nz

    Just Shrug and Stride Girl

    19. juni 2025, New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    After the excitement (not ! ) of the past 48hrs .I walked to the bus depot. The same apathy prevailed ,nah the bag isn't here, until I said Id had an email informing me it had been found
    The girl behind the counter half heartedly looked in the lost property, initially couldn't find it but ultimately did .. so I have my cross body bag back complete with now defunct passport andv cancelled credit cards . I'm relieved, I knew it was on the bus and although my proper passport is defunct it has all the stamps from this trip and my 1st ever Emirates business class ticket..I will be complaining in writing to the bus company as their apathy has cost me a lot in time spoilt and money ,that I can't claim back on insurance.
    Having retrieved my bag , I returned to my hotel and although it was a lovely day outside I spent time chilling in my room preparing for things to do in Canada. I intended to go out ,at some point but somehow,it didn't happen...and that was fine ..
    Two days ago when frantically looking for someone to do a uk passport photo , I passed a group of homeless people laughing and joking I stopped to say hello to them .They asked how I was and I said but stressed today cos I've lost my passport (at the same time thinking I've nothing to worry about compared to you and you're all laughing and joking .
    Their answer to my situation....ah girl....just Shrug and Stride !🤣..it absolutely made my day ..
    Today, whilst walking to the bus depot, I saw them again on the opposite site of the road. Its Maori new year in new Zealand and I was delighted to be able to tell them how they'd cheered me up and to offer them a coffee.
    So myself and my homeless friends headed for Macdonalds. However, they told me about a different shop that did better coffee ..I treated them to a coffee a pie and whittakers chocolate. They asked how id gone on and told me about the location of the offices for internal affairs, who'd sort my problem, plus about Rainbow Bridge in the city, which has apparently a lot of cultural activities and it's where they get breakfast 🤣🤦‍♀️...useful to know in case i found myself on the streets of Auckland
    One of them had been born and raised on the streets
    I left them sitting on a bench in the sunshine enjoying the refreshments. Once again they'd cheered me up and along with the kindness of the staff at the mercure hotel and the lovely photographer ,they will be my memory of Auckland ..which otherwise did not go to plan ..    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    A pic of Nz from my hotel room
    Maoiri items At the museumAt the Auckland museumAt the Auckland museum fabulous display showing the evolution of NzComparing Maori original boats with the catamaran tht won the world cup...Emirates of 0course!🤣Auckland airport airfield

    20TH JUNE Last DayNz!😭

    20. juni 2025, New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    I am genuinely sad to be leaving Nz and that my attemp asylum seeking failed..its a fabulous country that is chilled ,cares for its people, has huge cultural pride ,minds its own business on the international scene ,it seems
    ( though Im told that the country is in difficult situation being reliant on import and export particularly with china and the usa )stunning scenery and an attitude of finding a reason to do things/ try things .. The attitudes of this country, suits me. Those who are expats and been here a while feel its too cut off and not near enough other countries they'd like to visit.
    Having packed my bags. I decided to go to the Auckland museum which is in a beautiful park area known as Domain .There was a Maori cultural experience today ..However I'd missed the 11am show and the next was 1.30pm. I looked round the museum and had some lunch .Although it was 1.15 pm when I'd done that ,I was mindful of getting to the airport extremely well in advance of my flight to Canada 🇨🇦, just in case of problems
    So i left without seeing the cultural experience ,returned to the hotel ,collected my bags and went to the airport. My taxi driver was a lady from Afghanistan.
    At the airport, I enlisted the support of Air New Zealand staff ,explained my situation and asked for help...as everything at Auckland airport is self service...online check-in...a machine that prints boarding cards and luggage labels a machine that weighs and scans the luggage destination.
    The assistant was lovely and my bags and boarding pass were sorted
    I'd bought a business class flight because its an overnight flights, meaning I'd get a lie flat bed .
    As a perk at Auckland airport ,business class passengers have separate express security/ border force..which the lady guided me to .
    Once through the formalities, barely daring to believe it had been OK, I set myself up in the business class lounge for the next 5hrs .overlooking the airfield which is next to the sea ,snacking on the rather funky food (eg curried potato salad), I stuck to cheese and biscuits, chocolate cake tea and juice until it was time to board
    Now i must say that Every flight is compared to my beloved Emirates. Air Nz business class seats are in the smallest space of those I've travelled on .the seat is on the diagonal . One good point a retractable privacy screen as,otherwise the other passengers in the middle section are looking in at you. Another good point, a seat belt like a car ,over your shoulders .The table storage was good
    The staff don't prepare your bed tho ..unlike Emirates and I missed out on the memory foam mattress cos I didn't know there was one till the morning 😅
    Food was ok and staff lovely ,but it's not Emirates!🤣
    At this point in Nz I am.....
    11hrs ahead of Uk
    19hrs ahead of Vancouver
    And all that is about to change as we fly over the International Date Line.
    Feel very emotional leaving Nz and will definitely be back for a longer time hopefully    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    Info from the flight
    World time differencesAir Nz foodAir Nz foodAir Nz business class seatsAir Nz flat bed but I didn't realise there's a mattressNot what u want to learn when arriving in NzYWCA kitchen/ diner facilitiesYWCA Kitchen / diner facilities

    Cross the International date line

    20. juni 2025, Canada ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    HELLO CANADA 🇨🇦
    Overnight, on the flight we crossed the International date line.
    This means I left at 8pm Nz time on 20th June
    But now gone back to 2pm on 20th June....CANADA time.

    It also means, that when in NZI reached the next day before the UK ...
    I think the UK is now on the next day before me .
    No wonder i failed my travel agency exams.!🤣...its too hard to keep track of all this
    I was asked about my emergency passport at Canadian immigration. Their system is really fiddly ....answer question and have photo on a machine ,give the receipt to a border force person, face further questions
    Border force was heaving with people and chaotic
    I got a taxi to the hotel ,which seemed a long way away
    I'd not accounted for the date line thing ...so booked from 21st June .I decided to come anyway and see if there was any chance of a room...I was in luck but have a room with shared / jack and jill style bathroom ....its a bit wierd using it as u press a red button once inside ,that locks the door to your room and the other persons room I took my phone in with me expecting to get stuck
    The rooms might be the YWCA but they are ok.Theyre clean, provide towels toiletries, hairdryer and fridge...but no kettle. There's one in the communal kitchen diner .
    There's a lot of people staying here who have come for a dragon boat racing festival this weekend I'll definitely have a look at that
    I wandered out in search of milk for a brew and called into a souvenir shop by chance. The owner is originally from Wolverhampton, but now has Canadian twang.
    After a lovely meal of duck and chips, I returned to my room to update my penguins
    I'd deliberately held off ,not knowing which way things were going to go    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    To prove I am in Canada
    The enormous cruise ship bound for AlaskaThe Hockey eventA bridge over the harbour going to the Capulino suspension bridge gardensTotems in the Capulino gardensTotems at the Capulino suspension bridge gardensThe Capulino suspension bridgeThe Capulino suspension bridgeLook no hands!The cliff walkThe cliff walkLooking down from the suspension bridgeThe funky libraryMore funky architectureThe hockey eventMy lovely room with ensuite for next 3nights at THE YWCA.

    Discovering Vancouver

    21. juni 2025, Canada ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    First thing this morning I had to change rooms in thr YWCA from the one that the staff were able to give me at zero notice yesterday when I realised id mixed my dates up,to the room i'd booked for 3nights which has turned out to be huge...its also lovely...as was the 1st room.
    Its not cheap in Canada This is a hostel and I have been able to get a Seniors rate .but its still £200 ish a night...most places were more expensive.
    Feeling bit sluggish and no real idea where I am in relation to everything I opted for the hop on hop off bus tour that stopped just round the corner from my accommodation
    It proved to be a good decision...the bus soon reached the harbour, where the most enormous boat was loading passengers for trip to alaska.
    I wandered along the harbour front and booked a bucket list treat for tomorrow. Further exploration undercovered a hockey event for able bodied and wheelchair users .
    After a brew and a muffin I returned to the bus stop and was delighted that there is a free shuttle to the Capulino suspension bridge gardens. I decided to get on ,as it had been my intention to go there today but wasn't sure how to get there.
    The shuttle turned out to be a great saving ,compared to some of the get your guide tours that include it ..and its quite a trek
    It was , a lovely calm interesting place, perfect for a slightly sluggish traveller ..walking on the suspension bridge is bucket list experience...like most things I've done on this trip ,no idea why it's on the list....but why not ? 🤣🤷‍♀️
    It was easy enough provide kept walking and kids didn't rock it...some people looked visibly anxious and were really clinging on....I wanted to try to go ..no hands...The bridge is quite a height
    There's also a cliff walk at the same place which goes into a wooded area.
    Returning to the main entrance i bought a hot salmon brioche sandwich and chips for my tea..it was delicious
    The shuttle took us back to the waterfront.The ship had sailed but the Convention Centre was buzzing with graduation candidates I think ,waiting for the ceremony.
    I was able to return to my accommodation via the hop on Hop.off bus .
    However ,once I was back I walked to investigate a building id seen ..It looks like a hybrid of the Colesseum and Central library in Manchester. It is in fact a library
    While taking the photo I was talking to a guy who appeared homeless,but had once lived in Liverpool.
    Moving on I got milk to go with my Yorkshire teabags and passed the souvenir shop where the owner ,a guy originally from Wolverhampton, had given me a load of tour information ,but I've done my own thing. 🤣
    Quite pleased with how today has panned out
    I'd have gone to Grouse mountain because there's a free shuttle there, but it seems I'd have been stuck for getting back ,so that may happen another day
    Weather is ok ,like an average Manchester day .Its also funny to be back in a place where the evenings are light till late as in Nz it was going dark by 5ish /6ish because its winter there .The mornings were also beginning to be darker, later    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    Seaplane experience
    Habour Air seaplanesThe tiny interior fits 5passengers and the pilotInside the seaplaneViews from seaplaneView from seaplaneView from the planeCruising in the plane across waterView from passenger seatFunky Vancouver buildingGigantic boats at the WaterfrontThe Fairmont, known locally as the Vancouver hotel and as the Castle in the cityThe Fairmont and new architecture next to itOutside the Fairmont hotelThe bar at the FairmontBrunch at the FairmontBrunch foodBrunch foodOnly some of the dessertsInside the tiny seaplane, preparing for taking offViews whilst flying in the seaplane

    Seaplane and Sunday Brunch

    22. juni 2025, Canada ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    An early start to go to the waterfront,by taxi for a bucket list treat .
    I've always fancied flying in a seaplane..Harbour air is based at the Waterfront in Vancouver
    Id paid for priority boarding and being on my own meant I sat next to the pilot. The other passengers laughed when I said I was flyingit as I got in next to the pilot .
    Really great experience,zipping across the water before taking off and on landing.
    The pilot seemed bored and didn't point out anything from the plane .We were unable to fly over the City ,due to low cloud so went out over the water...interesting to see there are quite a few islands.
    Its also busy with cargo boats
    In addition to seat belts you have to fasten a floatation device to yourself..
    ..If the plane had gone down I'd have drowned as I didn't understand the instructions for use in the video....oops !
    Anyway it was very enjoyable experience .
    As I'd not eaten before flying, so as not to be sick ,and as it was about 11.30am ,I decided to go for brunch at the famous Fairmont Hotel. I meandered slowly there. The roads were busy for a Sunday.
    The hotel managed to fit me in for brunch
    The food was excellent. A mix of fruits yoghurts, cheese, cold meats smoothies , plus pasta ,roast beef and pork ,roast veg and a crazy selection of desserts.
    It was very enjoyable..
    I had considered going on the free shuttle bus to Grouse mountain,after brunch , but ,it's a cloudy day and $77 or £35 to go in a cable car to the top with minimal view,despite other activities at the top seemed less appealing, than when I set off this morning.
    Alternatives I considered :-could have been Stanley park, which is reportedly bigger and safer than Central park in NYC or go for a harbour cruise.
    However after a big brunch ,I felt jet lag catching up with me.Given that I have a 13hrs coach trip day out to Vancouver island tomorrow, I returned to my accommodation by taxi and had a Sunday siesta.
    Rest also needed as a sore throat put in an appearance last night.
    The weather today is rather like an overcast day in Manchester.I believe the heatwave is prevailing at home,but I bet it disappears on my return.    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    Seen from ferry to Vancouver island
    The Beauchart gardensIn the garden2In the gardenIn the gardenVictoria Parliament buildingIn Vancouver island centreThe Empress HotelVANCOUVER ISLAND WATER TAXIThe inner harbour. The flower beds spell out well to VictoriaJohn Lennon' s Rolls Royce in the British Colombia Museum FoyerThe start or end of the Canada cross country highway that goes from the Atlantic to the PacificThe ferry terminalRandomly parked in VancouverBack in Vancouver city centreThe centre of Victoria, Vancouver island

    Day trip to Vancouver island

    23. juni 2025, Canada ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Overnight I was awake a lot soothing a sore throat that has appeared out of nowhere ,with water and tea ,so I was knackered this morning. Not ideal when faced with a 13hr coach trip
    The YWCA is well placed and the collection point was only round the corner.
    The journey to Vancouver island was a coach then ferry then coach .
    The driver never stopped talking, giving information and trying to crack jokes...despite him I managed to go to sleep on the coach, and on the ferry ⛴️ 😴
    Our 1st stop was the Beauchart gardens that had once been a quarry ,but as the stone ran out the owner filled in the area with soil and plants...
    I had some lunch and a short mooch round...I'd spoken to 2 people from Macclesfield getting off the coach and 2 more from Glasgow.
    We had 2hrs at this place ,it was too long in my opinion
    We moved on to Victoria on Vancouver island which is absolutely lovely ..it has a great vibe...I much prefer it to Vancouver itself...If i returned to Canada I'd go straight to Vancouver island and not bother with Vancouver itself.
    Unfortunately we only got an hour and a half here i didn't feel like mooching about and was disappointed that the hop on hop off bus would take the full hour and a half we had, meaning risking being late back for our Coach..It would have been a good way to see things. Personally, I think 1 .5hrs for the garden is sufficient whilst 2hrs for the centre of Victoria would be better .
    Anyway, I got an ice cream and sat at the side of the Harbour for most of the time we had
    Although not feeling great ,I am glad I've been as people talk about,Vancouver is nice but the island is lovely and I concur 😊    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    The first horse that came to greet me
    Drop off point for the busThe transfer bus from Vancouver30km.long Kamloops lakeEntrance to the ranchMy roomChair outside my roomView at the ranchView at the ranchThe horses at the ranchView at the ranchViews at the ranchViews at the ranchAt the ranchIn the dining roomIn the dining roomThe view of the valley from the ranchThe horses are able to go from the paddock to the fields overnight

    Riding in the Rockies

    24. juni 2025, Canada ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Today i left Vancouver to go to a Ranch in the Rockies...
    After a 5hr bus journey,I got off the bus at the Esso petrol station in Kamloops and waited to be collected by someone from the ranch. As there was a pharmacy nearby I asked if we could call .I bought paracetamol and anti histamine tablets.
    The journey from kamloops to the ranch took about an hour and the scenery was great
    The lady who now owns it ,initially came on holiday here as a teenager and then her parents bought it
    She has a daughter in law who now lives at the ranch but is from Scarborough
    The ranch feels like it is in the middle of nowhere..you can hear the birds singing and the trees rustling.
    The scenery is stunning and I am so glad I can ride as i will be able to go out into the beautiful surroundings.
    I checked into my accommodation which looks like it had been stables, and then wandered out to go and see the horses and take some photos
    We are provided with 3 meals a day and dinner which was delicious was at 6.30pm. There is a huge family group who apparently come for the same week every june and have done for years .Another family group and on my table a guy called Mike with his daughter sarah and 2 other ladies who had come on their own.
    After dinner I was able to sit outside ,in shirt sleeve and look at the view for a while. Its been a really warm day ..not needed all my layers    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    Simba and me
    Western saddlesThe lounge at the ranchPatio area at the ranch

    Hi ho Simba!

    25. juni 2025, Canada ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Woke up feeling full of my cold and contemplated not riding in the morning, but having a lie in and riding in the afternoon
    However i told myself this is what you've come for,so crack on.
    The rides are sorted into different ability levels and I absolutely put myself as a novice ..this meant I was the only level one rider....out of the whole group. I didn't care ,but wondered how it would be managed. Anyway, it meant I had a 1-1 ride with a wrangler called Pat ,a 20yr old lad from Australia
    Quite a few differences than riding at home...bigger deeper saddles ,leather stirrups and I had to wear cowboy boots ,which i hired from the ranch . There was a lot of talk over meals about riding '"Western " Id no idea what this was ,but was shown its the way the reins are held and how they are used to guide the horse ..
    Then I was told my horse used to be a wild mustang ..Great !...NOT
    I've not ridden for 15months so a nice well behaved horse ,which apparently Simba now is 😳 was definitely what's needed. However knowing his past did cause me some anxiety
    We set off and my horse Simba was soooo reluctant, and grumbling very vocally, sort of huffing and puffing which was actually funny,plus throwing his head about ,less funny.
    It took a lot of leg work to persuade Simba this outing is happening.
    We started climbing a steep hill Pat's horse spooked and bolted and so Simba also reacted .
    I declared I didn't feel safe and we spent the rest of the ride on flatter ground. Simba is one for catching as many snacks of grass as possible so more hard work to prevent that from happening.
    I enjoyed the ride the scenery was amazing, Pat was really good with me but my knees let me know id been riding for 2hrs by the time we got back! Especially as this western style riding meant my stirrups were far longer than I'd have in the uk
    When I dismounted Simba nuzzled his head against my chest, which is a good sign apparently.
    I felt better for being out in the fresh air but decided to have a rest in the afternoon and needed to book some flights hotels and excursions for the rest of my time in Canada 🇨🇦.
    At 5.30pm.I witnessed, the jingle...thr time of day when all the horses 🐎 go from the paddock to the field ...They go as a herd some trotting some dawdling and catching a snatch of grass, but when they reach the field they gallop and buck ,charging to the field until the morning. Its special! They are super vocal as well ,whinnying to each other..it is really joyful ..horses as a herd ,no riders just enjoying the freedom. They know its coming each day and I could watch it every day    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe

    Riding the Range

    26. juni 2025, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Another enjoyable actually more enjoyable morning on the trail .I had requested the same horse as its easier than adapting to a different horse....
    Which horse you are allocated is a regular topic amongst guests at the ranch
    Id also requested a flat steady walking ride ...so the wrangler knew from the start.
    Once again, I had 1 to 1 attention . This time a girl called Sophie who is from the UK.
    In the afternoon I had a proper siesta and then went to watch the jingle at 5.30pm [where the horses 🐎 go to the freedom of the field overnight...
    In the evening there was an opportunity to do line dancing and although I nipped to where it was happening I didn't join in .There's a family group who've been going for years and the wranglers ...Everyone was absolutely spot on with each move ...It was impressive to watch, but zero room for a novice with 2 left feet !🤠😅    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    The largest Canadian flagThe vast copper mineScenery on the journeyScenery on the journeyThe excruciatingly slow freight trainsThe freight trainSome amusing signs when we stopped for half an hourScenery from the journey1Scenery on the bus journey

    A very long 8hr bus journey

    27. juni 2025, Canada ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Today its time to leave the ranch .The owner ,Cynthia took me on the 1.5hr drive to the bus collection point, which is the Esso petrol station in Kamloops.
    En route we passed the copper mine which has a dome, with the world's largest Canadian flag on it apparently according to the Guiness book of records.
    We arrived in Kamloops in good time and grabbed a brew and muffin from Tim Hortons.
    The journey on the bus 🚌 was reasonable and the lovely scenery helped ..We stopped and picked up and dropped off people in the most unlikely places ...often petrol stations .Apart from these stops the drive continued for 6hrs without a proper break..This concerns me ,in terms of driver fatigue.
    A young couple sat behind me for part of the journey. It turns out they were from Macclesfield .They'd been working in Canada for 2yrs and were on their way back to the UK.
    Overall there appears to be less Uk young people working in Canada than in Nz
    I arrived in Banff at 10pm .The place was really quiet. I called a taxi and arrived at my hotel..The door was locked and noone on reception..! The taxi driver knew that my hotel and the adjacent one were owned by the same company, so he took me next door. Problem solved and a full 12hrs after Id left the ranch at 11am ....I arrived in my hotel room in Banff
    The receptionist made me anxious trying to describe how I should get to the ground floor overnight, as he was inexplicably going to stop the lift function overnight..Anyway I was too tired to really care,but made sure I checked out what he meant.
    Photos are from my journey in the car ,and on the Canadian highway.    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    View on bus journey
    View on bus journeyView on bus journeyView from the busView on bus journeyLake MoraineLake moraineLake moraineLake moraineAt lake moraineLake moraineLake louiseLake louiseLake louiseThe miserable Fairmont HotelThe miserable Fairmont hotelA moose statue outside the moose hotel in Banf

    An afternoon at the Canadian Lakes.

    28. juni 2025, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Really glad to be able to chill at my hotel this morning...tho did wander to the nearby Shell garage to buy milk ,an egg sandwich and of course a kitkat
    The tour bus picked us up at the hotel next to mine...we were going to Lake Moraine and lake louise
    Lake Louise is on the shore of the famous Fairmont Hotel. I went in for a drink ....singularly the most unfriendly hotel...no access to toilets ,nowhere to sit for a drink and people actively being sent out of the building into the rain
    Lots of exclusive guest only area signs ..miserable lot!
    They'd do well to make a fully functional cafe with toilet facilities for the non guests ...because it was heavingly busy .
    Both lakes are absolutely beautiful .At Lake Moraine the guide highly reccomended we climb up to a vantage view point ,but it was raining, cloudy and I was tired. He couldn't quite believe id not be doing the climb 😅
    Once we were back in Banff I wandered into the centre primarily to find the bus depot for the company taking me to Calgary airport on 30th June.
    The weather was warm and I came across the Catholic church which had 2 benches outside with a view of the mountains so I sat there for a while...Mum however would have been more impressed if id gone inside the Church ,but it was locked!
    Stumbled across a small shopping mall which had a shop called the Spaghetti Factory .I wandered in and had an excellent meal with a glass of Malbec. Portions were huge an resulted in my taking the rest in a doggy bag..
    I had a nice wander back to my hotel, good job ,too as needed to walk off my meal.    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    Mountain goatsLunch on level 4 observation deck in the sunshine

    Views from the Banff Sky Gondola

    29. juni 2025, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    It had been my intention today to go to the Icefields ,skywalk and glaciers but on the 8hr journey from Kamloops to Banff on the Canadian highway, I saw signs for the ice fields, which were at least an hour away from Banff ...and so I cancelled the pre booked excursion.
    Im not sorry I did so .Instead I decided to go in the sky gondola, which is effectively an alternative mountain view to the one I previously planned. There is a regular shuttle bus from the hotel next to mine. The company is called Roam and its bus No1.
    Sky gondola area was heaving but the view was worth the hustle and bustle There were 4 levels ....I thought the 1st level.was a good view ,but once on the observation deck on the 4th floor it was even better ,if that's possible
    There was an option to climb a board walk route to an even higher separate view point but I was quite happy with the views I saw.I had some lunch overlooking the mountains on the 4th level...really lovely
    Am.really pleased to have been able to take a 4min video of the whole panorama. Unfortunately too long for this app ...but can share on wots app and put shorter one on here.
    I returned to my accommodation after the experiences and relaxed in my room with a view of the mountains,as I have a 5am start in the morning.
    It was a lovely sunny afternoon.    Les mer

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  • Jo LoweThe let loose tourJo Lowe
    View on bus ...Banff to CalgaryView on bus ..Banff to Calgary airportLook who else has done time here

    Go to Jail...

    30. juni 2025, Canada ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    A 5.30am start to offset any exit issues from the hotel, which locks the downstairs and stops the lift.Also there isn't 24hr receptionist.
    The configuration of the building is rooms off an outside corridor, bit like the high rise flats in Moss side .I managed to get out down set of stairs at the back of the building.
    Collected in good time by the bus company, for the transfer to Calgary airport for my flight to Ottowa.
    Had a prolonged wait in calgary airport ,as had set off so early .1pm ,4hr flight. On arrival, it would have been 5pm Banff time,but was 7pm Ottowa time.
    I was advised the buses no longer run and id have to get the train including 3 changes.Needless to say, i got a taxi ....to Jail ! 😅
    Its actually a former jail that is now a hostel. ..seemed like a fun idea .Even Prince Philip has been.
    I was allocated a cell ,seemingly on the men's block!
    Its definitely compact !😅 and nowhere near the bathroom...this is going to be interesting    Les mer

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