Westward Ho 2015

When finished exploring the Grand Canyon, we have been getting our ‘kicks on Route 66’ in downtown Williams, AZ

An unscheduled stop in Gallup, New Mexico worked out great. After we arrived we zipped off to the local movie theater and watched 'Intern'. Lots of laughs. Then Sat. we got up and scooted down Rte 66 to do some errands and enjoy a late lunch at Jerry' Cafe. Line up at door the entire time there. Mexican food was worth the wait. Today we are moving in to Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta.

We travelled east from the Grand Canyon on I-40 stopping at USA RV Park, Gallup NM on our way to the Balloon Festival. This was John and my third trip to the Balloon Festival but it was fun seeing it thru new experiences of Greg & Kathie and Chuck & Ruby. We stayed at the Leisure Mountain RV park which was adequate for touring the area. Nearby at Tijeras on old Route 66, Dept of Transport had put in a stretch of road with grooves that plays ‘America the Beautiful’ when you drove over it. We did hear it  clear as a bell and had to do u turns while driving back over it 8 times. What a hoot. This stretch was originally paid for by National Geographic.  We were up at 4 am to be on the road to the balloon festival for lift off at 6 am. Over 500 balloons took off all around us. Cold but totally amazing.  

Did some touring on the Turquoise Trail and found the town of Madrid where movie, Beer for My Horses was filmed in 2007. Part of ‘Wild Hogs’ where they were suppose to be in Illinois or Missouri the first night was also filmed here in 2014. Ate at Mine Shaft Tavern which was fun.

How wonderful that schools were out today for kids day at the Balloon Fiesta. When we got here at 6 am the fields were already filled with families. Then the squeals of delight filled the air as hundreds of their favorite characters rose above them looking down to enjoy their smiles.