Journeys With Joey: Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair

Welcome to the photos of the 2nd Annual
Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair

I will be your host from afar.

For their safety, pets are not allowed on the Balloon Field.

So, I will use the vantage point of the Wildlife Refuge in front of the house as my base for broadcasting.

The weather was absolutely beautiful (and much warmer than Albuquerque).

There was something going on for everyone.

This is one of Auntie Diane Kalin's photos that has become so popular on Facebook. She even has a photo on the latest Lake Havasu Marine Association Newsletter.

Go Auntie! Go Anutie!

Between the hot air balloon ascensions, there were sky divers.

This is a tandem jumper.

Daddy was brave enough to do this several years ago.

Mommy refuses to jump from a perfectly good plane.

Aren't these bi-planes way cool?

Up, up and away!!!!

It was a lot of fun to see some of my favorite balloons from Albuquerque. Pencil Boy came to visit us. He said he's never seen desert mountains over water like this. If his eyes get any bigger, he may burst!

When I spoke with Panda, he wanted to know where all the eucalyptus trees were. Here's Auntie Diane, Mommy, and Auntie Mary Frances.

The balloons are stretched out onto the grass before they are inflated.

Sushi is knocking the other balloons around with his tail.

He's not playing well with others. I'd get grounded if I did that.

With the top of the balloon held tight, fans inflate the balloon, then it's heated with propane. The smiley face with the sunglasses is Rodney.

And if you watch carefully, you'll see Rodney say goodbye.

The balloons are all so beautiful. Some balloons have designs on the top like this one and Rodney.

Floating over the bridge is so serene.

Auntie Barbara & Uncle Fayez came into town. Daddy's going to help them into a balloon for a ride.

Last chance! Are you sure you want to do this? When you're ready to come back, just click your heels, "There's no place like home . . . there's no place like home."

Auntie Barbara & Uncle Fayez are taking a dip in the channel. I hope they're wearing life jackets.

The name of this balloon is "Miss Guided Intelligence".

Mommy & Daddy also took a ride in "Miss Guided Intelligence."

This is Jeff Hooten, the pilot.

Sometimes, the balloons get stalled out over the water, so they need "spotters" in boats. I don't have spots, but I agreed to go in the boat to see if I could help retrieve a balloon.