Journey End,</h1> <article> <h1>Journey End,</h1> <p>Fri, 07 Oct 2022 20:00:00 -0700</p> I've travelled the world through my professional work and have always said there's nothing prettier than my front door and my pillow. That never changed. It also never changed how deeply grateful I am that I get to do these things and am wired to love the journey and the people I meet on the way, even when the effort involved can be physically and mentally taxing. I love every minute and am orders-of-magnitude more grateful with every experience. I'll close with this quote; it has always meant a lot to me. He left us too early but he left us with words that will never fade. I hope, in some way, I can find opportunities to do the same. Wishing love and light, in abundance, to each of you... ~ Tonya “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” -- Anthony Bourdain (1956 - 2018)<p></p> </article> <article> <h1>San Jose, United States</h1> <p>Fri, 07 Oct 2022 18:30:00 -0700</p> 400 more miles, two gas stations (one with a dump station), a rest stop, and back home to Store Inside and then to Axis. </article> <article> <h1>Yermo, United States</h1> <p>Thu, 06 Oct 2022 19:00:00 -0700</p> </article> <article> <h1>Sedona, United States</h1> <p>Thu, 06 Oct 2022 08:10:00 -0700</p> Last few hours in Sedona and then we'll head back to Peggy Sue's Diner and truck stop for a stopover on the way back to San Jose. Today was the day we were scheduled to take our hot air balloon trip from Sedona. For two eager amateur photographers, this was GOLD to float among the red rock structures and the natural beauty of the Sedona landscapes at daybreak. Alas, the winds were not in our favor... The pilot sent up multiple helium test balloons but the air currents were moving too fast for a safe flight. This will be a good reason to come back to Sedona. We made good use of the extra time - finding a donut shop (omg, it has been years since I've had a donut) and a wonderful set of recommendations for a few "off the beaten path" trails that wouldn't take too much time before our early checkout at Sedona Rancho RV Park. We found some beautiful vistas and great views for photos before our drive back (not to mention, an awesome donut).<p><br/>Our second balloon flight attempt... This time in Sedona. Unfortunately the winds were not in our favor.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br/>From the Airport Mesa and Vortex</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br/>Look closely, you'll see Chapel of the Holy Cross tucked in to the buttes</p><p><br/>Bell Rock</p><p><br/>Courthouse Butte in the background; vortex lighting in the mix? Update - I learned later that I was standing at the edge of the Bell Rock Vortex -- practically on it. Yep, I'm gonna go with this photo being a mid-air energy cocktail!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br/>Our spot at the RV Park backed up to a wonderful creek...</p><p><br/>Bella had happy digs at Rancho Sedona RV Park</p> </article> <article> <h1>Sedona, United States</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Oct 2022 15:20:00 -0700</p> </article> <article> <h1>Sedona, United States</h1> <p>Tue, 04 Oct 2022 18:00:00 -0700</p> After leaving Albuquerque, we drove 400 miles to Sedona and a beautiful campground near downtown Sedona. We only arrived in time to set up and grab dinner -- the real fun will be tomorrow. I took a few snaps of the rock formations driving through town. Two early observations -- the red rocks are larger and far more widespread than I expected... and the commercial development is, too.<p><br/>The red rocks of Sedona… just beautiful.</p> </article> <article> <h1>City of Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Park, United States</h1> <p>Tue, 04 Oct 2022 09:50:00 -0600</p> Thank you, Albuquerque... It rained much of the night and I didn't expect we'd see balloons this morning, but the skies finally opened with beautiful clouds and the balloons lifted one final time before we all said our goodbyes and parted ways for our next destination. The photos over our Tin Can City don't do justice to the experience of meeting new friends and being inside this world of beautiful floating balloons. Truly, this has been a bucket list item well worth the wait.<p><br/>Bella’s last view of the balloons for 2022</p><p><br/>The Balloon Fiesta fields were just at the edge of our parking and campsites</p><p><br/>Last morning and a beautiful Mass Ascension breaks through the clouds</p><p><br/>We even had a balloon pilot make an unplanned landing in our Airstream campsite. She had plenty of help as she touched down unexpectedly.... After several handshakes and thanks from both sides, she was off and flying again.</p><p><br/>Bella - one last view of the Balloon Fiesta before we depart for Sedona</p><p><br/>Beautiful send-off from the Balloon Fiesta on Tuesday morning.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Albuquerque, United States</h1> <p>Mon, 03 Oct 2022 18:00:00 -0600</p> We were scheduled today for a sunrise balloon flight, but the weather would decide otherwise. Undeterred, we’ll book one for Sedona. A few test balloons did eventually lift. We spent the rest of the day traipsing through Old Town Albuquerque and punking Mike and Suki’s newest Airstream adds, a pair of super-cute flamingos.<p><br/>The square in Old Town Albuquerque, complete with mariachi band!</p><p><br/>Several members of the ABQ quilting clubs contributed to this piece of art. Just amazing.</p><p></p><p><br/>The artist who created the newest addition to Bella’s scene stopped by to check out his handiwork. Was so delighted that Jay Marquez of Sure Metal Fab searched us out to say hello.</p><p></p><p><br/>Beautiful bronze sculptures outside the Albuquerque Museum.</p><p><br/>Mike and Suki’s flamingo kids threw a party while they were away. Trashed the whole place… what a scene. 🫣</p><p><br/>Bottles everywhere, smoking flamingos, someone will be in trouble for this… 😂</p> </article> <article> <h1>Albuquerque, United States</h1> <p>Sun, 02 Oct 2022 18:00:00 -0600</p> Fiesta Park and Albuquerque<p><br/>It didn't look like the day's weather would allow them to launch... but finally, they did.</p><p></p><p><br/>... and the clouds made for beautiful photos.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br/>Mike and Suki</p><p><br/>Mike, Suki, Tonya, and Jeff</p><p><br/>Bella, still guarding the fort</p><p><br/>the sun broke through later in the morning... it was a glorious day</p><p></p> </article> <article> <h1>Santa Fe, United States</h1> <p>Sat, 01 Oct 2022 12:10:00 -0600</p> Santa Fe is a remarkable town filled with the most gracious and hospitable people. The art scene and vibe is world-class and we met the nicest people in every venue. The art ranged from whimsical to stunning and almost always eye-poppingly expensive, but I still managed to buy a piece of jewelry on Canyon Road and a Gaucho hat at the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. I was completely enamored by Georgia O’Keefe’s life and work… her images, her words, her vision. She led her life with complete authenticity and she was a pioneer for feminism and equality, without any motivations other than her truth. I’m grateful to have seen this sampling of what she brought to our world.<p><br/>Georgia O’Keefe - honored to be in the path of this woman’s footsteps. What an amazing leader in our history.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br/>Loved this exhibition on her later years… look at this laughter. This is a woman who lived.</p><p></p><p><br/>Canyon Road…</p><p></p><p><br/>Canyon Road warriors</p><p></p><p></p> </article> <article> <h1>Albuquerque, United States</h1> <p>Sat, 01 Oct 2022 06:30:00 -0600</p> Opening Day and the Mass Ascension @ Balloon Fiesta Park. I was unprepared for the 900,000 people that would start filing into the park as early as 3am to watch 625 balloons take flight over the course of a few hours. What makes this hot air balloon gathering unique is that attendees are right alongside the crews. There are no ropes or barriers to separate the balloons from the onlookers and the result is a really intimate experience with the event. It's indescribable what it's like to be in the middle of hundreds of balloons in various levels of liftoff. What an amazing few hours! #chasingjoy<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br/>It's such a unique experience to be right with the crew as they unload the balloon and get ready for the flight... even more so when dozens of crews are within 50 meters of you.</p><p><br/>We watched this team roll out their balloon and take off in about the span of an hour and a half. Much of that was waiting on the event schedule for their liftoff time. The planning and execution for this event was just incredible.</p><p><br/>... and there they go. Beautiful day for a flight!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br/>Bella held down the fort</p><p><br/>Our entourage</p><p><br/>Dawn patrol… we arrived on the field at 5:30am</p><p><br/>In the heart of the Mass Ascension</p> </article> <article> <h1>Balloon Fiesta Park (near Albuquerque, NM), United States</h1> <p>Fri, 30 Sep 2022 15:20:00 -0600</p> We’ve been preparing for today since mid-February when we were notified we’d won The Golden Ticket. We received an email confirming we’d been drawn in a lottery and would be 1 of 150 Airstreams at Balloon Fiesta Field with over 500 hot air balloons for the 50th Balloon Fiesta. We learned tonight there were 1,000 others on the waitlist and they were expecting 900,000 attendees to this year’s Fiesta. Rally organizers suggested ABQ Balloon Fiesta teams may try to break their last record of sending up 800 balloons in a single Mass Ascension. And we’re here - me and my aluminum love child, Bella… what a journey we’ve had! It’s going to be fun with new friends and old. Lovin’ all of it! We leave for the field at 5:15am… so maybe not allll of it. 🫣 <p><br/>Suki and Mike, ready to roll</p><p><br/>Bella has been ready since 6:30am… (six months back)</p><p><br/>Such a supportive community in Albuquerque… greeters waving in the Airstream crowd</p><p><br/>The lineup at Fiesta Park</p><p><br/>The Albuquerque Balloon Museum</p><p><br/>Jeff, Mike, Suki, and Tonya (pre-burritos)</p> </article> <article> <h1>Enchanted Trails RV Park (near Albuquerque, NM), United States</h1> <p>Thu, 29 Sep 2022 17:00:00 -0600</p> Enchanted Trails RV Park where our group is gathering before going to Balloon Fiesta Field is an homage to Americana, Route 66, and vintage kitsch. Thought you might enjoy a few pictures.<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br/>Look closely… hubcaps</p><p><br/>Beautiful Shiney Hineys lined up for tomorrow’s drive to Fiesta Park</p> </article> <article> <h1>Albuquerque, United States</h1> <p>Thu, 29 Sep 2022 12:10:00 -0600</p> Spent the morning doing prep work on Bella and getting ready to roll out to Balloon Fiesta Field bright and early on Friday. Afterward, we headed out for a little shopping. Big things still come in small packages 🤭 and I got my jewelry groove going, no thanks to Suki. That woman is relentless. Old Town in Albuquerque was lovely … was nice to see that business there didn’t seem too affected by the pandemic.<p><br/>Albuquerque Museum</p><p><br/>They grow some mean chili peppers here</p> </article> <article> <h1>Albuquerque, United States</h1> <p>Wed, 28 Sep 2022 18:00:00 -0600</p> Drove the final leg of the journey into New Mexico today and arrived in Albuquerque. What a beautiful state with gorgeous horizons from the moment we crossed the state line. The terrain here is stunning. I’m all set up at the pre-Fiesta campground; in fact, one of the nice stories of the day was a random guy (not an Airstream owner) who complimented my setup skills. I tried to brush him off, but he insisted that he doesn’t see many solo women handle a trailer or the systems like I did. I told him I was grateful for a lot of good *male* mentors who taught me the ropes and still help me out when I need advice. I met some new friends from North Carolina (by way of Philly) -- her husband went into their camper to get something after we introduced ourselves… he came out a moment later, listened to us talking for just a minute, then declared: “you’ve known each other 4 minutes and you’re already talking religion AND politics?! How’d you KNOW?!” We laughed and she explained – “when you meet one of your tribe, you just know.” Oh, this will be fun. We ended the night with a family dinner; I’m hosting tomorrow night. #abundance <p><br/>New Mexico, truly stunning</p><p><br/>(even through a windshield at 74mph hauling 6,000 pounds of aluminum)</p><p></p><p><br/>These pix… at a state-run rest stop… it looked more like a museum gift shop. What a wonderful way to welcome guests to your state.</p><p><br/>Route 66, as beautiful as it is iconic.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Homolovi State Park (near Winslow, AZ), United States</h1> <p>Wed, 28 Sep 2022 08:10:00 -0700</p> Homolovi State Park… Wednesday morning pre-departure hike, aka “Operation Donkey Search”. Sorry to disappoint, but we found only copious amounts of scat. The mission has been renamed to “Operation Donkey Scat”, as covert(ed) operations often are to qualify their success. Along the way we saw partially excavated ruins of the Homolovi Indian tribes who occupied this area from around 1290-1400 AD - just amazing… <p><br/>Off to find donkeys… or ruins… or ?</p><p><br/>Ruins from one of the homes</p><p><br/>Suki found some beetles she liked</p><p><br/>No donkeys?</p><p><br/>Pottery pieces excavated from the ruins</p><p><br/>Gotta have a Bella beauty shot…. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Winslow, United States</h1> <p>Tue, 27 Sep 2022 18:00:00 -0700</p> </article> <article> <h1>Yermo, United States</h1> <p>Mon, 26 Sep 2022 18:00:00 -0700</p> </article> <article> <h1>San Jose</h1> <p>Mon, 26 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0700</p> </article> </main></body></html>