7 November 2010

After much discussion last night, it appears that the clocks HAVE changed here, but luckily (for us) Dona woke in the early hours, & checked the times so we are all up in time for sunrise,so that we can go see the Hot Air Ballons lifting off.

We head out to the launch site, only to find that what with checking the wind and set up meetings , its likely to be a while before the balloons actually go up, so we could have stayed a bit later in bed!

Sunrise

A couple of small test balloons are sent up to check the wind direction and it is decided that the launch will not happen here, but at various other sites around the town. So we follow the nearest car!

 Follow that car!

We park the bikes at the side of the playground and watch the balloons being set up to fly...a fascinating process that takes about 8 people per balloon.

Unloading the basket

Inflating the balloon

Up,up and away!

Once all the balloons have been launched we ride back into town and find a venue for breakfast.

Not the sort of sign I'm used to seeing in my breakfast venue!

I'm gutted I didn't get asked for ID , but guess its because we weren't ordering alcohol

Pancakes, maple syrup, bacon & eggs(over easy)

After breakfast,we find the local launderette and catch up on our washing, enjoying a Starbucks coffee whilst we wait for the washers to do their work.

After lunch we have booked on a tour to Antelope Canyon.

Jeep ride to the canyon

Entrance through the rocks

Our guide seems to hav pulled the short straw and got the naughty group! most people are not really listening to what she is saying & dawdling behind. Sue & I stick closely with her which means we get all the good photo points.

The rock formations are beautiful:

The "heart" of the canyon

After the canyon we return to the hotel and pick up our bikes to ride to Horseshoe Bend.

We park up and I decide to eat my apple from earlier, as the others have been teasing me that I must eat more fruit. As I take my first bite a bug flies right up my nose making me cough & splutter,much to everyones amusement!

It is a 3/4 mile walk to the river. When we get there I cannot get close enough to take photos,as the height & lack of railings sends my legs to jelly,so Scott & Dona kindly take photos for me.

Scott on top of the world

We make a quick pitstop to Walmart on the way home,where I pck up a pair of cheap trainers as we may have to walk to some of the prettier sites tomorrow.

In the evening we wander through town trying to find an Italian restaurent that Sue found highly recommended on the internet-unfortunately it has closed,but we find another & have a lovely meal.

We sure packed a lot into our day of rest!