Monday, Oct. 18th

SWEET HOME ALABAMA!!!

We are now safely home. Over the past 78 days, we have traveled over 7,000 miles, been in 15 different states, and 2 provences of Canada. We had a wonderful time and are so thankful we have been given the opportunity to do this.

Now it is time to get our feet on the ground and undertake the projects around the house. To those who followed our blog, I wish to say this is the END!! (until Jack gets antsy again)

Sunday, October 10th

This morning was the end of the festival. Most of the balloons were able to go up this morning, but the box was not working. Regardless, it is still a wonderful sight.

We went to church with friends from Georgia and then out to breakfast. By the time, we returned to the festival park, a good number of the RV's had left. It was disappointing to see it all come to an end, but thankful that everything was so good in creating great memories.

Since we departed Albuquerque later than planned, we only made it to Tucumaria, NM for the night. Working on lots of laundry and tomorrow will be another day of traveling in an Eastward direction. Next week, we should be back in Daphne.

Saturday, Oct. 9th

Yesterday was a winner all the way around. After the morning ballooning, we were treated to our first glow of the week. Weather was perfect, crowds were huge, and all ended with a great fireworks show. The best of all was just after midnight when the gas balloons were able to leave on their journey to the East. It started with a tribute to the 2 ballooners that were lost last week. They were from Albuquerque and were suppose to be here.

This morning saw approximately 450 balloons taking to the air in just over an hour. The north wind took them right over our RV. Truly a nice spectacular sight. We are hoping for another glow this evening and more fireworks. Tomorrow morning ends with another mass ascension and then we head Eastward.

Friday, Oct. 8th

Ok, I didn't get to wifi yesterday. Our morning started early - 6am we were on the field to watch the blowing up of the character balloons. Just awesome to see all that is involved. As the sun comes up, so go the balloons. We were lucky that the wind co-operated and they were able to preform with wind box. Unfortunately, the wind was too strong for the balloon glow last evening, but the fireworks were good. This morning the character balloons stayed tethered because of a passing cold front, but that gave us the opportunity to walk amongst them. Not sure what will happen tonight as the wind is picking up again.

Apparently the night glow has not happened all week, but the mornings have been just about perfect.

Had a wonderful luncheon yesterday at a local country club. Today, we ate at a wonderful Mexican restaurant that many celebrities have been too.

Wed., Oct. 6th

We are all settled at the festival grounds. Came in about noon. Weather is gorgeous. We are meeting lots of new people. This afternoon, Jack and I checked out the Sandia casino. They give new players $40 each. It had to be used by midnight. We didn't want to miss Happy Hour, so we cashed in and came home with $56 and had fun getting it.

Have to be up bright and early tomorrow morning to see the balloons lift off. Also have a luncheon to go to tomorrow. Jack has a little work to do on the RV - again!!!!

Hope to post some balloon pictures tomorrow.

Tuesday, Oct. 5th

Time is flying by. Weather is great - cool mornings and warm days. Today we drove down to check out where we go tomorrow to the festival grounds. Got to see some balloons in the air, but most were done for the day. This afternoon, we rode the longest tram in the world up Sandia Mountain. We had driven this when in Santa Fe a few years ago. It was very cold up the mountain and I certainly was not dressed properly. The views were wonderful overlooking Albuquerque. I have a couple of pictures, but am having trouble with the internet, but will try again.

Got lucky this time.

Monday, Oct. 4th

We are now in Albuquerque NM until Sunday. Our time at the Balloon Festival starts on Wednesday.

Last week, we spent with my brother in Phoenix and Prescott. It was unusually hot in Phoenix, but Prescott was wonderful and cool. We spent our days relaxing and 4 wheeling around the mountains. Sure am glad, my brother knew his way. I was lost at all times. We returned to the heat of Phoenix on Saturday and celebrated my grand-nephew's 14th birthday. Sunday morning, they all came by the RV to see it and to say good-bye. It was so great seeing everyone again. We left later than we planned on Sunday so spent last night in Gallup, NM at an Elks club. We are at another Elks club now until Wednesday.

As Jack said yesterday, we are now heading in that eastward direction. So far, we have covered 5,500 miles on the RV, plus some on the car.

Word on the new a/c unit is not good. Latest shipping date will not get it here in time. Since the weather has cooled we can survive without it.

Can't wait to get some balloon photos to post on this.