Hot spring Archives - Wander Wonder Wonton

Woke up in Calgary and quizzed the front desk as to what to what to check out. His answer: ‘Stampede.’ Considering that’s not on right now you understand there isn’t that much to do.

We found a bridge to take pics of, a building and then cruised to the mall to get some bikinis for Vanessa so we could hit the Banff hot springs.

Vanessa bought me a Sweet Georgia Brown from Purdy’s to try – it was amazing!

I slept all the way to Banff – I have a habit of not being able to keep my eyes open in transportation at the moment. We hit the hot springs and the girls were disappointed to find they weren’t holes in the ground but a swimming pool. At 39degrees it was beautifully warm with the contrast of the freezing cold and surrounding snowy mountains.

Checked into our hostel (after Merica got us lost) and headed out for dinner. Went to Earls and I had the most delicious meal! A chicken and brie focaccia with fig jam and roasted apple – so delicious. Pomegranate vanilla mojito was just as good.

Hit up the fudge store and ended up with a big block of dark choc fudge. I’ve eaten half of it already!

Heard some huge lightening and thunder last night. Woke up this morning to find that we are stuck in Banff. All highways out closed due to flash flooding and mudslides.

We are hanging out in the lobby using wifi and hoping that it will open soon so we can start our 11 hour journey home. That’s if they open. Otherwise we may be stuck here until tomorrow sometime.

Stay tuned!

Alberta Roadie Day 2 (rachaelscrazyworld.com)
Alberta Roadie – stuck in Banff (rachaelscrazyworld.com)
Alberta Roadie – Vancouver Bound (rachaelscrazyworld.com)

Another item on my list was to see some thermal activity. Dad suggested Orakei Korako. Evidently I’ve been before however I had no recall.

A few minutes out of Taupo (or 45, if your Dad knows a ‘short cut.’ Ie totally wrong direction.) the thermal activity is rampant. You can see the steam rising all around the landscape.

For $36NZD an adult you are taken over the Waikato River in a cute boat and left to wander around the other side where all the geo-thermal activity is.

I won’t describe it much, rather load pics, mainly because I’m tired and my vocabulary is evading me this evening.

There are terraces, geysers, mud pools, hot pools, lookouts and an awesome cave.

We spent about 2 hours exploring (and working off all the food we’ve been eating) the area. It’s so, so beautiful. Lots of steps though so you’ve been warned.

The cave is awesome – huge and deep with a crystal clear pool at the bottom. Pics don’t do it justice.

After the ferry back we settled in for some coffee & sandwiches. There is the cutest dog that stays there. His name is Henry as he’s a Waimarana. He’s huge and the strangest colouring. I loved him.

Go for a visit of you get a chance!