Mom’s Holiday Visit 2015 – Part 1

Recently, Chris and I were lucky enough to host a visit from my Mom, Gwen, in the weeks leading up to Christmas.  A few years back when Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, she started making a “bucket list,” and one of the items that’s always been on the list was a hot air balloon ride.  Since we have several companies in the Valley offering them (and there’s always a Groupon or two for a ride), we figured her first morning with us on this trip was a perfect time to take her.  We decided to keep the ride a surprise, and we didn’t tell her until we picked her up from the airport on Thursday evening and were having a late evening snack at Pita Jungle.  Although the thought of waking up around 5am on a vacation day wasn’t thrilling, we were all excited for what the next morning would hold.

We started out the day (Friday, 12/11) with a quick run through Starbucks, as caffeine was desperately needed.  We also grabbed a snack; while the balloon adventure was to end with breakfast, it wouldn’t be for another five hours and we get hangry in this family.  We then headed to our designated meeting area, in the Safeway parking lot in Cave Creek.

Chris, excited to go ballooning!

After handing over our signed waivers, we hopped in the waiting white Ragnar vans (because of course) to stay warm, and once everyone was aboard, we headed out.  We stopped near the 17 freeway for our guides to send up a test helium balloon to see which way the wind was blowing.  While they were doing this, I amused myself taking pictures of the stunning sunrise.

See?  So pretty!

Chris’ building at work.

The balloons often land so close to his work

that they think they might hit the structure.

We drove around a bit more and eventually stopped at a vacant dirt lot near the City of Phoenix’s north valley sanitation plant.  Another test balloon was sent up…

There it goes!

Now that is some riveting photography.

…and the crew started to unload the gear:

The basket!
Our basket was designed to fit around 15 people.

The basket’s arms were attached and burners as well.

Then, it was tipped on its side so the balloon could be attached.

The balloon was rolled out…

…and then spread out on the ground.

We took a lot of pictures while this was going on, but since it wasn’t the most exciting thing to observe, we also grabbed some shots of other things as well.

Look, nature!

Chris observes the process

Us!  Ready to fly!

[sic]

Being goofballs

Giant fans were brought out, and my giddiness over the idea of potentially shooting a RuPaul music video was replaced by interest as the crew used the fans to start inflating the balloon.

Firing up! 

The balloon starts to inflate.

Hey!  Stop that!

To ensure it didn’t fly away during this process, the balloon was secured to the heaviest thing easily available, one of the Rag vans.

That’s not going anywhere.

Chris grabbed some shots of the inside of the balloon:

Our intrepid photographer at work

Once the balloon was almost fully inflated, the plan was to allow the wind to fill it up the rest of the way.  As happens out here, however, Mother Nature had other plans.  Instead of the winds following their normal pattern, a crosswind started up and suddenly, the balloon began to move toward us, attempting to envelope people, vehicles, basket, and the like.  We all pitched in to help keep the monster back.

One of the crew holding back the balloon

Mom and I getting consumed by balloon silk

Unfortunately, after this episode was over, the decision was made to cancel the flight, due to the crazy winds.  While we were disappointed, we understood, and we hopped in the van to head back to Safeway (when I pointed out that this was the most money we’d spent to drive around in a big white van, Chris corrected me, and obviously, given our Ragnar proclivities, he’s right).

Sad face!

Since we were up in Cave Creek and hankering for a real breakfast, we headed to downtown and had a lovely meal at the Grotto, a location Chris and I have visited once before while on a biking expedition with friends.  The food was great, and we had to grab a shot with the festive landscaping.

Happy holidays!

We ran some errands for the rest of the day and also enjoyed some time at home (naps for everyone!), resting up for our big evening plans – a trip to Wickenburg for their annual electric Christmas parade!  Chris and I have been for the past five years or so, but this year, we not had Mom come along but we were also joined by our lovely buddies Sara and Megan Murphy!

Enjoying the parade!

We love the Wickenburg parade, as it has a real hometown feel (half the crowd is in the parade while the other half of the town watches it every year, and you often hear folks socializing with one another from the floats to the side of the road).  It’s also just long enough that you feel you’ve really seen a parade but just when you want it to end, it does.  It’s seriously perfect.  The electrified floats are fun, too:

The Town of Wickenburg float

Members of the four-wheeler club

My favorite float this year – for a local hat shop

Per usual, we really enjoyed the festivities, and we’re looking forward to hopefully making this an annual event with the Murphy’s and anyone else who wants to tag along!

Coming up in further installments on the blog – the three of us head north to Flagstaff to experience real winter for 24 full hours or so.

Later!

Amy