Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona is one of those places I've always wanted to see.  The primary reason I went, though, was because I got 6th row tickets to see a concert there (long story how).   The performers were Crosby, Stills & Nash, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Jack Johnson.  Now how often do you get to see performers of that caliber together on one stage?   I just had to go. 

While I was there, I also took the opportunity to hop out to the L.A. area to see relatives I hadn't seen in decades.   I guess you could say I'm taking Southwest airlines' "You are now free to move about the country" slogan to heart.   They made both the flight to Phoenix and the flight to L.A. incredibly reasonable.

And thanks to Priceline, I stayed at the absolutely gorgeous Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale for 1/3rd the going room rate.   I have several photos of the hotel and its incredible pools below.   They have 10 pools covering 2.5 acres including a water slide, a "sandy beach" and a pool dedicated to water volleyball.  I've never seen anything like it.  The one day I spent at the pool, I hung around at the adults-only pool with a swim-up bar.  They made the best margaritas I've ever had!

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale

The entrance to the hotel lobby from the pool area	One of the pools	Another pool
The volleyball pool	The adults-only pool. The bar is the opening at the far end.	This is a fully shaded waterfall where you could escape the heat.
The inside of the waterfall. Notice on the other side a contraption to provide full shade if someone wants it.	The Gainey Ranch golf course at the resort.	The entrance to the golf course.

The Balloon Adventure

And here are numerous photos of my hot air balloon ride.  The balloon outfit I flew with had several balloons, and the way it works is that all their balloons that are flying that day as well as balloons from other outfits will all try to set off from the same place.   That's why you see so many balloons in the photos.  

One of the other balloons getting ready to take off.	And off it goes while another is getting filled on the ground.	You can see the number of balloons being prepared.
This was our balloon being inflated with air.	The twelve of us getting ready to go.	Just after take off, the scene below.
At sunrise...	Another shot	The sun now up on the desert
The desert below	And more desert...	And more...
And more...	Shot of the development going on around Phoenix	More construction
A highway heading west	The balloons following us	The burner heating up the air. It was hot in the basket!
Another desert shot	The balloons went really low so you could get a look at the plant life.	Our chase vehicles. The captain in our balloon was commuincating with them via radio.
Me with the burners in the background.	Close to landing, the chase crew is running full speed towards the balloon.	As soon as we touch down, the chase crew jumps on basket trying to stop it.
Not an easy task.	We lurched badly once and almost tipped over.	But we landed safely in the desert where we were treated to a champagne breakfast.
Yet another desert shot.