Wanderlust - a leggy adventure!

End of Summer - The good, the bad & the amazing

spaghettilegs — Mon, 4 Sep 2017 01:15:00 GMT

The story so far, an update & the highlights of Summer:

Some would say this last 3 mths could just be the case of - eat, drink, work, eat, drink, sleep repeat!

But aside from the mundane work routine (5 Gondola shifts in a row some days!) there were some highlights...here's a brief overview :)

Mini road trips on our days off included such breathtaking natural sites such as Two Jack Lake, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, Johnston Canyon, Marble Canyon, Wapta Falls, Takawkaw Falls, Numa Falls. Moraine lake being my favorite!!

We also managed a camping (over night in Penny) to catch up with Eric Moore in Nelson. While we were there we visited Kooteney NP. Eric took us on a gorgeous hike & we spent the evening watching the most wonderful meteor shower at our campsite.

Another must is Ainsworth Hot springs & checking out the unique & quirky shops/cafes in town! Simply beautiful - Nelson you stole me heart, a lovely place to say our goodbyes Eric!

Thank you for sharing its us Eric. We're so lucky to have known you! All the best in the futUte. Who knows when our paths will cross again!

Another highlight was definitely Northern Lights Wolf Conservation Center Golden. 15yrs of great work & some gorgeous Wolves. Each with their own personality. It's a shame they can no longer we 'wild'. We were fortunate enough to experience a group howl from both guests & wolves! So grateful

Wildlife sightings:

Bear: 0

Moose: 2

Bighorn:

Deer: 10+

Wolves: 6

Music is for everyone & makes my heart happy 🎶

spaghettilegs — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 19:03:00 GMT

It was by chance that I saw an ad for Calgary folk festival in a magazine I'd picked up!

My first thought was how will I get there & who would be willing to make the trip with me. I'd met this lovely kiwi guy called Nic who was also a lifty.

Total Hipster! Straight out of Melbourne! Real alternative type, but super cool & very chill. haha. Just the partner in crime I was after for our little adventure. I knew he loved music; so I went out on a limb & asked him! YES! He was keen! Next thing we need to sort out was our mode of transport....Although we had ALOT of options, our budget was limited! We looked into hiring a car but that would have been gastronomically expense & had other complications when it came to our foreign licenses. We could ask someone to borrow their car - but we'd already played that card...?

Or we could buy one! Little did Nic know I had tested the waters on our trip to Calgary Stampede. I mentioned I was thinking of buying a car & maybe we could go halves? Although he didn't realise my questions weren't just hyperthetical - he was interested.

So a week later we were the owners of a second hand car - Penny the Bruiser a PT Cruiser!

We got really lucky! A young family was down grading as they owned 2 cars. Thankfully she had no major issues, only a tiny bit of rust on the exterior!

A friend of ours bought a 'cheap' car & now can no longer use it as it has $4000 worth of work that needs to be done! Ouch! So unlucky.

CALRGARY FOLK FESTIVAL:

A mecca for folk music in Alberta! 2 days of Folk music, markets, food stalls & good vibes.

Nic had downloaded the google playlist for Calgary Folk Festival in the lead up to the festival so we were all geared up for a day in the sun, good tunes & festival vibes. The trip down there was a breeze! We rocked up late - about 9pm ish. Found a sweet little pub to have a few bevvies & lubricate the bones after sitting for almost 4 hours in the go-go-mobile. We settled into round two of beers & played a few rounds of pool. We'd thought ahead & parked the car a stones throw away from the car. So a few hours later we got our tooth brushes & scubbed our chompers, got into our pj's, did a last minute pee & climbed into bed (Penny the PT Cruiser)....as the early morning rays beckoned us to wake up we were up & at'em by 7am. Our mission - free wifi & breakfast!

Thankfully we weren't going to back up our next night sleeping in the car; so we ventured around town for as long as our aching limbs would allow before we checked in. Being tourists for the day we saw the sights, had a nap in the park & then started a little pub crawl going from happy hour to happy hour. By the time we got back to our airbnb 'home away from home' we were a little tipsy! Ha!

We quickly had a bite to eat (Mi Goreng! - A backpackers staple food source!ha!), Prettied ourselves up & headed for the festival. Looking quite daper & feeling footloose & fancy free we rocked up to the festival gates, showed our tickets & got banded.

HOly f&%$, City & Color, Basia Bouletwe defintely amogst the highlights. I love discovering new music! We danced our little hearts out,ate, drank & were most definitely VERY MERRY!

Although the exact time & day escapes me Nic & I did stumble upon a sweet little joint in Sunalta called Mickey's. Little did we know when we got there for dinner that they had a jam night that evening. As we had nothing better to do & were both a little curious about what went down at this gem of a venue we went back that evening! Mind Blown! Some of the musicans & singers that night were oozing talent & put of a killer show! It was mix of Blues, Rhythm, Spanish flemenco, & Mexican Rap! So eclectic but also so so soooo good!

Wildlife sightings:

Bear: 0

Moose: 0

Bighorn: 2

Deer: 0

Wolves: 0

Calgaaaaary - road tripping!

spaghettilegs — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 04:48:00 GMT

ROAD TRIP!! WOOOOOOOOO yeah! One of my all time favourite things to do! After very little deliberation I had made up my mind. I was going to Calgary. Melanie had convinced me it'll be worth the trip & I wanted to experience the "World's GREATEST outdoor show on earth"

So we got a crew together & decided to go to Calgary for ythe stampede. Marek, Ana, Vanessa (Nessy), Nicholas (Nuc) & me! Althoguh the logistics were a little iffy leading up to our departure we finally got our act to gether & were on the road. Thankfully Rob (the real McCaw was nice enough to lend us his beast of a car)

It would be my first time in Calgary; not only that but we'd be also driving on the opposite side of the road to even make it there.

Sketchy at first but we all soon got the hang of it! To be honest I wouldn't have thought I'd be game enough as it's been aver 6 years since I drove in the USA.

Calgary Stampede: Cowboys & Cows!

Highlights:

*A cheeky beverage under a random bridge before heading into the venue itself.

*Saw my first real rodeo in Real Life and not on TV!! Thrilling! So much skill & commitment.
*Made a right fool of myself line dancing, also showed off my own moves later that night at Nashville Tent, some of the main moves include some old classics. The sprinkler, lawn mower, fishing duet and shaking jellyfish much to the surprise of most of the Calgaraians on the dance floor. Haha!

Throughtout the day I worked out a system for spotting a 'REAL' Cowboy from the want-a-bees! So many 'fake' cowboys.

Firstly the hat was a big give a way. It had to be authentic, along with the boots & belt (usually a trophy championship belt). Secondly they had to be wearing a checked/Flannelette shirt ticked into their jeans exposing their belt. If the shoes were scuffed & well worn then we'd found ourselves a REAL Cowboy. Unfortunately I was a little disappointed, from the hords of people, cowboys & the like I only found 3 handsome cowboys I'd like to have a spin with on the dance floor! haha! Not to worry. I could still find a ruggeredly handsome (intelligent) Lumberjack!

Having experienced the Stampede for myself I can highly recommend it to anyone. Only word of warning - take LOTS of money with you. It's not cheap!

On our way home we decided to make a small detour via Lake Louise & Banff! Simply stunning! I can see why thousands & thousands flock to Banff National Park to see the gorgeous hues of Lake Louise!

Wildlife sightings: 0

Farm animals - in abundance!!

Photos: Staaaampede

spaghettilegs — Thu, 6 Jul 2017 10:00:00 GMT

Calgary Stampede

Fever nights & a routine at Pano

spaghettilegs — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 04:31:00 GMT

I was sick as a dog! Bed ridden, nights sweats, feverish! Sickness mixed with jet lag = zombie. Not the most ideal start to my adventure. Within days I'd lost my voice & was communicating via hand signals. Awful! Thankfully a combination of western & eastern medicine got me healthy again!

Day one: Training - Emergency Evacuation!

"Who'd like to voluntee ?" My hand shot up like an arrow without even thinking through the consequences or what was involved?! I put it down to delirium from the fever! Ha! G-R-E-A-T!! After a bit of the safety speil we were loaded onto M1 chai lift & evacuated. As I sat in the middle I went first! Woah!

Only thought running through my head: hold on! Woah. this is happening - I'm a lifty in Canada! Oh geez they are training too?! do they know how to do this?! After training I prepared my self for work - Zzzzzz SLEEP & lots of it!

During the training someone spoted a black bear on Hayfever. Although it was a teeny tiny black smudge on the hill it counts! First Bear sighting!

My first week on the job slowly turned into two, then three. Soon enough I got into a routine & started to feel comfortable.

Wildlife sightings:

Bear: 1

Moose: 0

Deer: 6

Panorama-Rama-rrraaaaama!

spaghettilegs — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 12:24:00 GMT

New home, new job, new friends & Allan, Allan, Allan, Allan.....Or was it Steve?! (Youtube Clip Ref)

Having finally arrived at 'Pano', Taleah was kind enough to meet me & help me find my new home at Horsethief! It was nice to finally put a face to her online profile as we'd been chatting since October/November :)

First impressions of our bungalow: Sooo many stairs! After 9 hours in a bus I'd forgotten how heavy my pack was. Once I found the place I hesitated at climbing to the second floor! But simultaneously I was so glad to have a shower & sleep off my journey! After a quick kip, a snack & Hannah's 101 overview of the resort I felt ready to go explore a little.

Later that night I ventured solo to T-Bar.

It was a quite Friday night. I sat alone, trying to look comfortable & inconspicuous.
"I'll only stay for half & hour & then head home, I'm so tired" (famous last words!!).
My plan was working well until Mel came over & introduced herself. She was here with her family to play golf. She insisted I stay out, introduced me to the whole family (minus her brother in Toronto) & was determined for me to make friends as I'd just arrived. A few beers later, so many games of pool & conversations in broken English with 'the Czechs' we got kicked out as the bar was closing. I put my tiredness down to traveling, partying in Van City a little too hard & lack of sleep...
Fast forward to a few days later..

Wildlife sightings:

Bear: 0

Moose: 0

Bighorn: 0

Deer: 3

Wolves: 0

Photos: Panorama, Invermere

spaghettilegs — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 03:38:00 GMT

Stage one - first 3 months

Photos: 'Van city' day one

spaghettilegs — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 14:44:00 GMT

Tourist for the day - better get used to it

Touchdown 'Van city'

spaghettilegs — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 14:37:00 GMT

Day One: Exhausted.

So much walking over 24hrs travel time! Madness. Met a local from Vancity- Gerard; he was lovely & took me down to the Barbour at Yaletown & told me what to avoid & what to check out.

Day two:

JETLAG reared up like a two headed fire breathing serpent! Never had I felt such lethargy! JETLAG+ALCOHOL= terrible hangover (I'm not mathematician but I know it isn't a great combination!) thankfully the hostel I checked into was great.

Samesun Vancouver - free tours daily, free wifi, activities each night, local knowledge, free beer/soft drink token upon arrival! Winning!

Free Tour to Quarry rock was fun, mountains for days! Well worth the hike - highlight was seeing Jimmy; a guy I'd worked with at Glen st!

So random! Made some friends all & all a good night! A few of us decided to go to the museum, hire a bike, grab beers & head to a solstice drum party on third beach (Stanley Park)! Best timing ever!! Plus it stays light in the Northern Hemisphere til 11pm in Summer !!

We had soooo much fun despite the sad news I'd received from Oz. I honk that's why I got super tipsy super fast!! Commiserations & grief stricken I turned to alcohol! We danced, we drank, we laughed, we cried, we sang, we ate, we ate again. We slept! Huge night!

Boy did I pay for it the next day!

Y-U-C-K! I was feeling rough & didn't perk up til early evening. My new friend Ajay wouldn't stop to eat anything - he had his mind set on a mojo hotdog!! By the time we out ran the junkies & got out of the 'bad end of town' I was Hangry & his hot dog can had packed up shop & gone home for the day!

Man was I peeved. Not only was I hungover, we'd walked ALL day & hadn't eaten since 11am. By this time it was almost 7pm!!! 2 hot dogs later I was ready for bed!

Igor coerced into having a quick nap/shower then heading out again. Musical Bingo night at the bar then midnight snacks (4 venues later, a rat & one cranky server we got more food!) haha.

Bye bye Van city!

Hello 9hrs on a Greyhound! (Day 3 isn't worth mentioning as I spent the day 'being an adult' & they went to the Anthropology Museum!)

After much wriggling to get comfortable a few dodgy truck stops & copious amounts of water later I arrived at Golden truck stop in the wee hours of the morning! Finally!! I was sooo close to Panorama I could smell it!! Just a few more hours to go!!

Photos: NZ

spaghettilegs — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 14:30:00 GMT

Christchurch - Lake Wanaka - family time - Roadtrip

Kiwi-land. A mini Canadian adventure

spaghettilegs — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 05:36:00 GMT

Stage one adventure NZ leg:

No sleep - total excitement!

My farewell dinner with everyone that could make it was soo much fun! Definitely will miss them! Xx

To be honest I had the best & worst sleep EVER knowing that I won't be able to sleep in my own bed for a few years. I'm so grateful Chrissie & Gorg organized a big family soiree to say bye Friday night. It's a very surreal feeling saying goodbye. As much as I want to do & start my adventure I feel a deep feeling of FOMO. The pickinini's will be in Kindy/Year 12.

All grown up! I'll be starting a fresh when I get back. No ties to anyone or anything - freedom at my feet.

Touchdown NZ:

Groggy, tired, aching bones & unsure. Arriving at 0015 in Christchurch. Although I saved some $ I'm not sure it was the best option. Thankfully I was able to pick up my car 5am. Few hours sleep & I was off again! First stop Lake Wanaka!!

West coast drive along the South Island is said to be beautiful - such varied landscape, beautiful sunsets, wildlife....what I saw PITCH BLACK & high beams til 8am. When I got to Arthur's passage sun was just starting to pop out behind the mountains. Gosh the southern alps are incredible!! Once the sun set I could see mountains for days!! Gorgeous- I can see why some ppl refer to NZ as a 'mini' Canada.

No road trip would be complete without getting a little lost - thank goodness for GPS! Haha

Kahlo & Marley were waiting up for me!! Cuddles, kisses & laughs with my girls! Oh how I'd missed Anna & her gorgeous girls. James was also in toe - hugs & hellos were shared!

The tiny pitter patter of foot steps, a door creaks, giggles! Kahlo & Marley snuck into my room to wake me! Excited to have me come stay for a few days!

The next few days were their normal routine, school drop off, karate, home, dinner, pj's movie/music & dancing in the lounge room, books & bed. Repeat! Until the weekend - netball & dance then repeat!! I don't know how Anna does it. Sometimes I feel like she had 3 kids to look after as James hasn't quite gotten his shite together & take take takes... she's one classy, super mum!!! Will miss you you crazy Banshee!!

As is my style I didn't pre book a bus to the airport thinking I could just rock up like in Oz!! No Siree!!

Having been unsuccessful online we decided I should hitch.

With sign in hand, backpack ready tears & goodbyes shared I was left alone. For the first time on my journey! Alone...

Would someone see me, knowing what a frosty morning it was (5-7*) & feel sorry for me - stop & drive me to Christchurch! I had my doubts but no sooner than 45mins later a lovely couple stopped!!

YAY!! They owned a wild life park in town & had just been up at a wedding at Lake Wanaka, left their kids at home so they had the room!! Thank my lucky stars!! Successful first ever hitch hike!

I was off to a great start! In fact they were sooo lovely they dropped me off at the Antarctic center!! They also made a few tourist pit stops along the way & invited me to come check out their wild life conservation park next time I'm in Christchurch!!

Ok I'm gonna skip a few hours/days & jumped to Van-city!!

Photos: Farewell Family & Friends

spaghettilegs — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 01:20:00 GMT

Dinner & Drinks Manly, family fun at home

One week to go! Pack, re pack, farewell, pinch myself!

spaghettilegs — Thu, 1 Jun 2017 05:40:00 GMT

Week before:

Soooooo much to do...few 'essentials' still to be bought: Vegemite, US/ Canadian converter (thanks Bro), Samsung charger, new socks, knickers definitely new knickers, chocolates for the girls in NZ (Marley, Kahlo, Anna)....find my passport, print out copies of important document stuff..catch up with friends, family...

This is the 6-7th time I've reassessed the contents of my 75L backpack:

Hmmm...how does one pack for 1yr maybe 2yrs...?

maybe indefinitely if I shack up with a wild rugged, cute (intelligent) lumberjack....ok let's read that blog AGAIN on tips & tricks for packing to live abroad...

'Shite I really can't go over 24kg. I'll die from the weight of lugging my backpack!'

Ok, LETs reassess 'my essentials';

Do I really need 20 pairs of undies?! in every color & shade?!

Hmm....probably not.

Awesome yes!! I'm 0.00005g less! Haha! Oh dear!!

Repack, pack, repack ...

OKAY, ok.... so I'll take a few books out of my pack I don't really need

5 paperbacks... 😩 hardest call!!

It's not so bad, I can work out this Kindle thing while I'm there - surely! I'm not THAT crap at technology, right?!! repack, pack!

Awesome with only 2 books

Now I'll weigh 500g less! Haha!

I sick at this minimalist movement..

I'm too nostalgic. Things I pack have memories attached to them& could well come in handy...I bloody hope so as I'll be lugging them around between jobs & volunteering stints!!!

Ok, let's be honest here Jo.

You're not gonna fit in everything before u leave! You won't catch up withEVERYONE, workat Bona Bike tours & wrap up gardening jobs!

Let's hope business side of things works itself out...stay positive!

Friday before I left: I woke with that sinking feeling I won't actually find my Passport - everywhere I've checked: nothing!! I've scoured every accessible box/plastic crate that's in storage at my folks place.

I've checked ALL the cupboards, shelves, nooks crannies in my bed room: nothing!

'Backpack! my back pack its gotta be in there... in some hidden compartment I haven't yet checked'

Nope! Nix! Nada! Nothing! WTF!!

Wait a second.... It has to be here!

I got my visa approved, sent it off to IEP - I had to have my passport for all of that?! Surely I put it in a safe place???? Surely?!

It wasn't until the 11th hour that Mum remember she unpacked my cardboard boxes (so the rats don't eat them & destroy all my stuff inboxes) she'd shoved a bunch of stuff into a red suitcase under all her stuff in the bloomin' cubby!!!!

Hallelujah!!!! I'm not a religious person but thank Jebus, Allah, the Holy Spirit ,Zeus, Buddha, Gaia, those angels, tamboran & anyone else watching over us! Thank you thank you thank you!!!! No need for an emergency passport!!