The Photo Blogging Theme for June 2024 is I Get Around. I came up with a few possible concepts for capturing this theme in photographs, including:

• Overcoming a problem, challenge, obstacle or difficulty;
• Visiting a lot of places; or
• Modes of getting around.

During the month, I received confirmation that I have successfully overcome a health challenge – at least for now. Also in June, I was in some bucket list travel destinations, including Edinburgh and Banff. And I used at least five modes of transportation: my feet, kayak, bike, e-scooter and motor vehicle. So really, any one of the concepts could have worked. But I suspect some of the photos might have been a bit lame or repetitious. So I’ve ended up going with a blend of approaches. Here are the five photos I selected:

1. Occasionally, I Get Around by Airplane

On June 1, we flew back to Calgary after spending almost a month in the UK. Lucky for us, WestJet started direct, non-stop service between Edinburgh and Calgary on June 1. We splashed out for business class seats, and the service was pretty special. Here’s my “light” meal option. Note the dram of Glenlivit whiskey in one of the glasses. We enjoyed a whiskey tasting experience in the Scottish highlands, so I opted to keep the vacation feeling going just a little bit longer.

In addition to a long nap in my reclining seat, I watched a delightful movie that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a wholesome story or with an interest in Japan. It’s called “Perfect Days.”

2. Getting Around by Bike

June was our first chance to get out on our bikes. We rode Highwood Pass once, and the east section of the Bow Valley Parkway three times. Total riding distance = 219 km (136 miles). Total elevation gain = 2,214 meters (2,421 yards). Total riding time, including photography, snack and lunch breaks = 15 hours.

Highlights include deer, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep and black bear sightings. Wildflowers bloomed alongside the Bow Valley Parkway. We successfully transitioned from pure pedal-power bikes to e-assist bikes. I’ve checked my Fitbit stats, and since we’re running the lowest assist level pretty much only on steep hills, I’m still getting plenty of cardio on these rides. It’s pretty sweet to shave just a bit off the steepest hills, though. Here’s Mr GeoK’s Relive video recap for our longest ride, which is also the one with the most vertical.

3. If You Can’t Get Around, Go Over

Most of us prefer to dodge obstacles by getting around them. But when that’s not possible, sometimes it works to go over them! This Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep made it look easy!

As a bonus, here’s a short video clip of Mr GeoK getting around the cement barriers set up at the west end of the closed section of the Bow Valley Parkway. The cement barriers are positioned to allow bikes, inline skaters and runners to make it through, but not motorized vehicles.

4. I Like to Get Around by Kayak

This is our fourth kayaking season. This month we paddled three times, all at Vermilion Lakes just outside Banff townsite. It’s one of our favorite kayaking destinations: it’s picturesque; set up and take down is easy thanks to being able to use a dock; it’s only about 20 minutes from home; and birds! On our most recent outing, we spotted two Bald Eagles, two Great Blue Herons, three Osprey, a variety of ducks, and other birds. Check out Mr GeoK’s Relive video recap for pics!

5. Piggyback

I remember occasionally getting around by piggyback when I was little. I also recall piggybacking our kids when they were really little, so that we could bring them hiking. One time, I piggybacked our oldest (then about age 7) several km back to the trailhead after he fell down a 5 or 6 meter embankment into a creek. While that memory still makes me frown, spotting this Common Loon piggybacking its loonlet definitely brought a smile to my face. 🙂

To see how what all the other participants got around to in June, check out the linkup at the bottom of host PJ’s post. While you’re there, please consider joining the Photo Blogging Challenge in July. It’s pretty straightforward – you need a blog and five photographs. The amount of accompanying text is entirely up to you. I’m definitely on the wordy side. I’ll update this post to share the July theme as soon as it’s available. Hope to see your linkup next month!