Wednesday, October 15, 2014

International Balloon Fiesta 2014




First Airstream Caravan to Alburquerque International Balloon Fiesta

My young friend, Krysta and I set off with puppy Sawyer and others from the Airstream Club to destination New Mexico for the International Balloon Fiesta. 
The Departure Morning

Crossing into Arizona




Traveling with a young puppy that isn't completely vaccinated against the highly contagious Parvo virus can be a challenge but one I was willing to embark upon.  At each gas stop, the pump was started first followed by getting Sawyer out of his car seat. I unlocked Abella Airstream's door and placed Sawyer in on his Potty Patch for elimination. https://www.pottypatch.com
Passing the time

Sawyer and I at Jack Rabbit sign on Route 66



Sawyer in his car seat.
First stop to meet up with the other Airstreamers participating in the caravan was the Barstow KOA. A quick night's rest and we were off for three nights at the Grand Canyon Railroad RV Park.  http://www.thetrain.com 

Dinner in Williams, AZ

The Grand Canyon RV Park and all of the other facilities in Williams, Arizona are FABULOUS. Sawyer was able to go into the Cattery (kennel for cats) since he couldn't be with other dogs due to the Parvo scare. Krysta and I took the Grand Canyon Railway to view the Grand Canyon. We didn't have much time to spend at the Canyon but what we did see was gorgeous. 

The Hole

Selfie at the Grand Canyon
Krysta and I at the Canyon


Next stop, Albuquerque Enchanted Trails Historic RV Park. One night here with the next day's early departure from Camping World next door. Twenty Airstreams lined up along the frontage road for the first wave convoy to the Balloon Field. We had VIP Parking as close to the launch field as one can get. Excitement over seeing 200+ Airstreams in one place was a high. 


Small convoy ready to go to the Balloon Field

The Balloon Fiesta was breathtakingly beautiful to say the least. This event wasn't even on my radar as a "bucket list" entry but I highly recommend it for yours. I have never seen so many balloons with the shapes and colors I saw. Morning Dawn Patrol and Night Glows are gorgeous. 

First Morning

Night Glow

Last Morning (Hate to Leave)

Selfie at the Balloon Museum

Great friends Rick and Dena from Simi Valley

Morning Mischief

So many Balloons

On the Field

Sawyers Hangout
  All things must come to an end but we continued to have fun returning home to California. We caravanned with Rick and Dena leaving them in Williams as we continued on west to Needles, CA.
Sights along the way urged us to stop to stretch our legs and snap a few photos. Thanks Gary, Jim, Lynda and all the other Airstream Family members from CCC that helped to make this trip one I will cherish forever. 

Crossing into Arizona

Sawyer in two States at once


Sawyers Play Pen
Sawyer Finn the Adventure Pup

Happy Trails!