On the surface, it was really rather unremarkable. The nice lady at the bus stop chatted to me about the windy weather. A rather large lady wiv a kid an’ a scooter smoked a fag. They all let me on first. The driver was pleasant. He didn’t bother to check my pass. I saw someone I knew from art class.
The driver was very apologetic when he drove off not letting me off. I must say I was a bit late getting ready to get off. Debut nerves I suppose. The wheelchair behaved. Hang on. It was not run of the mill. Everyone was most considerate and friendly.
I am much encouraged. Next stop with electric wheelchair-Chester Zoo.
Well done Steve, I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to face a bus journey on my own which is daft as I’ve travelled by plane a few times on my own, airport assistance is a wonderful thing.
Sounds like you had an interesting time, good luck with Chester Zoo, I’m going to take my Granddaughter to Legoland soon I’m hoping its wheelchair friendly and by that I mean flat even walkways so the wheelchair is easy to manage.
Well done Steve! That takes courage… The sort of courage only we understand!
Wishing you lots more successful trips!
On mobility scooter, I’ve found the vast majority of people are very helpful and nice…and that’s in London where I know we don’t have a reputation for being nice! But people always go out of their way to help me or they make a silly comment (Give us a lift!) but are really just trying to be friendly.
Well done Steve and good luck with Chester Zoo, it’s one of the very best!
I’m afraid I seem to have lost confidence where going out alone is concerned…so silly really I’ve driven in many different countries, before I gave up, had loads of confidence but somewhere along the line the MS elf stole it!
I try not to drive these days. Like you I’ve often driven abroad, doing some epic journeys including a “race” with some friends from Tarifa. They were getting a bus to Malaga and a flight but I beat them. Crazy really. I’ve always been confident about going to new places in different ways but now it’s a major operation.
Friends of ours go to Chester Zoo and often send us pictures of the Day out . They don’t have wheelchairs but run old people’s home’s so know all about people in wheelchairs.
Glad your day aren’t well, I like the sound of art classes I just got myself some pencils and have tried to get to grips with writing and drawing again. Keep on trucking!
Well Done You! ! Did you get help getting in the bus. With the wheelchair I mean. Chester Zoo is fantastic Do you live near there ? Have you been watching the TV programme recently about the Zoo? I have and really enjoyed it. Look forward to hearing about more of yr ventures. ANNE X
Hello Steve, Well done!.. I know how scary it can be… and yet sooo empowering to know that you did it by yourself!..as you know i have had mixed feelings about the buses , they are meant to have ramps but a lot of ours in Cheshire don’t, Iv’e had to crawl on, or stagger like a drunk holding on to anything i can while the driver lifts my heavy chair on, but its so worth it because it means independence and a day out with my children. I had real gentleman of a driver last week when i was visiting my twin grandchildren, in fact on my journey back he gave Frazer a doggy treat and then after he’d got me and the chair off the bus gave me a massive hug and kiss…he was lovely but I did blush!
I hope that you have a nice time at Chester zoo. I’m a member and i absolutely love it! …so does Frazer but he’s not allowed in the enclosed houses or near the lions …we had to go past them last time and one of them caught sight of him it was already to pounce, thankfully there was a big wire fence between us! The bats are my favourite, Frazer has to wait outside they are amazing, there is a tunnel and if you sit under there in your chair for a few minutes they will land on you.
I love Bats too??? Call 'em insect eating mice with wings Michelle. Wish I’d been there. Sigh!
Wish I too could get on a bus but, a) they’re rural buses here with high steps so no good for wheelchairs and b) probably more importantly I haven’t the courage so really good to hear you, Steve getting out and about. Something for most of us to put on our bucket lists.
Enjoy your freedom and independence. I don’t use the bus because having to travel backwards makes me I’ll, màkes me sound like a wuss, but it has always done that to me, have to be facing forward.