10/8/2018 Stop #38 Albuquerque, New Mexico HOT AIR BALLOON FIESTA

From: casarollnotes.blogspot.com 

Tim and Linda Bunyan

The Road to the 'Fiesta in the Sky' in Albuquerque, New Mexico, heading West from Bentonville, Arkansas on Route 66!  This historic highway is a remnant of the past love of highway pavement laid down in 1926 to ensure the safe travel to Americans that yearned to be a part of the modern transportation expansion.

Our westward movement along the "Main Street of America" included overnights at

Stroud Service Area Rest Stop, McClellan Creek National Grassland, and Santa Rosa Campground & RV Park.

Arriving the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, we connected with the Escapees RV Club, one of the oldest and largest RV clubs in the world.  The group welcomed us to their space which offered us a RV space and convenient shuttle service to and from the Fiesta grounds. 

Through the Escapees Club, we also met Tiger Paw Express Hot Air Balloon Pilots from Missouri.  Tim and I volunteered to Crew!  It was quite the experience, being novices, we willfully got up at 5:00a.m. to help launch their balloon.  

It was our job to hold the bottom opening of the balloon while a forceful fan speed inflated the balloon on the ground.  

Officials named: "Zebras"  give the signal for each balloonist to take off.

A burst of propane elongates the balloon, Tiger Paw Express, into the air.  

We jumped into the Chase Car to meet up with the balloon as it landed safely into a parking lot a few miles from the launch field.  

Now veterans, we have now attained the title: "Chasers' Club".

SYC Members, Pauli Ayers, and Chris Weidinger drove from Sacramento to visit Santa Fe and to Albuquerque to attend the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. 

Pauli and Chris took the time to come for lunch at our RV.  They stayed at the Marriott across with street and got some really good views!

Dawn to Dusk Balloon Events   

Many families attend the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.  Children are eager to collect Balloon Trading Cards.

"Special Shapes" balloons capture the imaginations of all.

When inflated, these balloons seem to become alive. 

Crowds cheer and Dancers are part of the entertainment throughout the Fiesta.

 Launching Field

This week is captured in 100 photos; this blog narrows to highlights with only a dozen.

Captivating and exhilarating to say the least.  This is a Travel Stop we highly recommend.

We are on our way home to Sacramento; the next stop is The Grand Canyon.  GRAND!

10/3/2018 Stop #33 Bentonville, Arkansas WALMART

From: casarollnotes.blogspot.com 

Tim and Linda Bunyan

WE have driven south a couple of hundred miles from Jeff Peek and Gina's house, Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri to arrive to the heart of America: Bentonville USA, Arkansas where the World's top billionaires reside. 

9/28/2018 Stop #32 Osage Beach, Lake Of The Ozarks, Missouri PEEK RESIDENCE

From: casarollnotes.blogspot.com 

Tim and Linda Bunyan

Heading West from St. Loius, the Gateway To The West, along the Missouri River, 
we have arrived at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri at Jeff and Gina's Lakeside residence in Osage Beach.

We are greeted by Jeff directing us to park our RV in his side driveway and offered his Mermaid Inn for our stay.  It was quite a treat to be in a 3 room abode.  Gee, the King size bed was ample size and a night-long search for Tim just by my side!  It was luxurious being in a residence especially on the Lake of the Ozarks!