“Jo Jo’s Mystery Day Tour”

“Hi Beth, are you going tomorrow?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world!” I replied, grinning.

So yes, Beth—I’ll be there. With bells on!

Jo’s Day Tours are my guilty pleasure—a whispered promise I make to myself. They’re my escape hatch, my mini-holiday, my chance to sit back and let someone else do the thinking. The moment Jo releases the dates; I circle them in bold on my calendar. Nothing short of a cyclone would keep me away.

Jo’s “Tour Rules” are legendary and set the tone beautifully:

• What’s said on the bus stays on the bus.

• All food is magically calorie-free.

• A cheeky glass of wine at lunch? Absolutely fine.

• No housework talk.

• No stressful thoughts allowed.

  
  

Jo always adds with a wink, “Until we return and get off the bus, that is!”

Once everyone’s aboard and the “Housekeeping Rules” are ticked off, we roll out of Bundaberg. There’s a buzz in the air—speculation flying. Are we heading north? Childers? Mt Perry? The mystery is half the fun.

Behind me, a voice whispers, “I reckon we’re off to Monto. There’s talk of a citrus farmer who welcomes Jo Jo’s tours and shows off his high-tech packing shed.”

I immediately picture plump bags or boxes of mandarins.

Fingers crossed, I think of how long the beautifully sweet, juicy mandarins keep!

Jo overhears the chatter and laughs. “I’d tell you,” She teases, “but it’s a mystery!”

As we travel, Jo’s commentary flows—rich with history, local legends, and quirky facts. Her voice is like a warm blanket, wrapping us in stories of the land we’re passing through. The bus hums with anticipation. We’re all leaning forward, metaphorically and literally, waiting for the next surprise.

There’s something magical about these tours. It’s not just the destinations—it’s the morning tea and delicious lunch, the laughter, the shared joy of discovery. Jo Jo’s Day Tours aren’t just about where we go. They’re about how we feel while getting there.

The trivia, prizes and fun on the way…

I sit back, sipping tea from my travel mug and watch the countryside roll by, I realise: this isn’t just a day out. It’s a reset.