Coming Home

Today Arvin got to ride in a hot air balloon. It all began years ago when his daughters financed a ride in a biplane... that never happened. It was a long story, but today we all made up for it by giving Arvin a ride in this balloon.

The day was perfect. Steve and Helena joined us and we all drove (Steve drove bless him) down to the Snohomish airport to the balloon ride place. This all came about because of our friend Barbara who got a gift of a ride and wanted some company. She sent out an email. I responded and today Arvin joined two other fellows, Barbara and a couple of other parties for a ride in this huge balloon. Another party went up in a second balloon.

Helena, Steve and I spent the day taking zillions of photos and riding along in the chase car to pick them up at the end of the ride. Steve and Helena helped in the set up and take down of the balloon as well. I instead just kept shooting pictures. This was one of the last as the balloon settled down at the end of the evening ride. Take a look at it close up.

Arvin saw the river, corn mazes, the sunset and even complained just a bit about the heat of the flame thrower that kept the balloon afloat. He had a great time.

When he got back and the balloon was stowed, we all drove back to the offices of the outfit for champagne and dinner of lasagna, salad and garlic bread. We had fun laughing and talking with the other riders. It was a fantastic day. Now it is very late and I am knackered. Time for bed! Catch you all tomorrow. (Or today really as it is close to one a.m.)

Addendum: Here are more pictures on Chaikins of Bellingham.