I shot this photograph at 6:45 p.m. PST.

From our perspective, the moon rolled across the top half of the sun from right to left, and here I’ve caught it nearly dead center.  To catch the actual “ring of fire”, where the moon moves dead center across the sun and leaves a ring of light around its edges, you needed to be up near the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

The highest vantage point in our community is the clubhouse.  We found about 20 people gathered there for the event, and one of our neighbors brought along a home-made pinhole camera.  I shot this photograph at 6:17 p.m. PST and you can see that the moon had not yet rolled to center, like in my photograph above.

Overall, I shot 152 photographs last night.  I’ll spare you looking through them all and leave you with these two favorites.

Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse in the Haze of Arizona’s Gladiator Fire

Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse Admired by the Mighty Saguaro

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From time to time, some of the best travel photography might well be found in your own backyard.

We’ve had a dry, hot spring here in Scottsdale, Arizona.  As a result, our saguaros have started their bloom early.  Generally, we don’t see blossoms on the saguaro at our 2,600 foot elevation until June.

What you can’t tell from the photograph above is that these flowers are about 25 feet in the air, positioned at the very top of this mighty saguaro.

The saguaro is native to our Sonoran desert and can grow to be over 50 feet tall.  The white saguaro blossoms that you see here are the State Wildflower of Arizona.  Remarkably, the saguaro only grows a couple of inches each year, and can take up to 75 years before it will begin to sprout an arm.

The saguaro has an internal skeletal structure that can be found long after its death.  During the summer monsoon season the saguaro will visibly swell as it stores precious rainwater, and the deep ribbing on the saguaros exterior serves to channel the 80 mph monsoonal winds up and away from the cactus to prevent it from being blown over.

The saguaro has become an iconic part of Arizona and if you are fascinated by these mammouth cacti, we recommend your visit to Arizona be made in late-spring.

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I suppose it’s quite possible that there exists no greater Phoenix/Scottsdale experts on where to enjoy a magnificent Easter Sunday Brunch than The Roaming Boomers®.

You see, we make this bodacious claim as we have fairly recently completed a dinning tour of the Valley’s very best Sunday Brunch spots.

For ten weeks, every Sunday found us in a different Phoenix/Scottsdale fine dining establishment sampling, enjoying, noshing, sipping, and delighting in the best Sunday Brunches that the Valley has to offer.

As it is quite traditional for many families to enjoy an Easter Sunday Brunch, we offer you our findings.

Below you will find hundreds of mouth-watering photographs, and the story of each and every one of our visits.  The articles are presented in the order of our visits.  Therefore, their order is not intended to rate one over the other.

The Top 10 Easter Sunday Brunches of Scottsdale/Phoenix

Sunday Brunch at Il Terrazzo, The Phoenician, Scottsdale

Our first stop was Sunday Brunch at Il Terrazzo inside the AAA Five-Diamond Phoenician resort.  We called the cuisine “gobsmacking”.  In fact, when our friends got to noshing on the treats in our table’s decadent tower of desserts, their heads slowly tilted back, their eyes rolled back, and a slight guttural mmmm proceeded deep from within their diaphragms. Here’s a link to our feature article:  A Gobsmacking Sunday Brunch in Scottsdale

Sunday Brunch at Brittlebush Bar & Grill, Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale

 Our second stop was Sunday Brunch at the Scottish Gastropub, the Brittlebush Bar and Grill, inside the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa.  We enjoyed brilliant Scottish cuisine with an unusual southwestern twist.  We noshed on traditional haggis, black pudding, as well as cornbread french toast, and lobster mac & cheese.  Plus, when you’re done, you can play croquet in the lawn.  How cool is that?  Here our article: Exceptional Scottish Breakfast Cuisine With a Southwestern Twist.

Sunday Champagne Brunch at the Wrigley Mansion, Phoenix

For the third installment of our Top 10 Sunday Brunches in Scottsdale and Phoenix, we chose to take a step back in time with a visit to the historic Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix.  For this experience, we brought along four friends, enjoyed spectacular views of the Valley, and enjoyed an exquisitely prepared Sunday brunch.  Here’s a link to our article: Praiseworthy Sunday Brunch Steps Back in Time.

Sunday Brunch at Cafe ZuZu inside Scottsdale, Arizona’s Hotel Valley Ho

The fourth stop of our Top 10 Sunday Brunches in Scottsdale and Phoenix found us at Cafe ZuZu in the AAA Four-Diamond Hotel Valley Ho.  The hotel was hip when it was built in 1956 before downtown Scottsdale even had a downtown.  Now, after a complete remodel in 2005, the hotel is a magnet for the hip, cool, and chic … all within a faithful 60s-vintage style.  Here’s a link to our article: Spectacularly Groovy Sunday Brunch at Cafe ZuZu.

Sunday Brunch at T. Cook’s inside the Royal Palms Resort & Spa, Phoenix

#5, on our Top 10 Sunday Brunches in Scottsdale and Phoenix found us at T. Cook’s inside the Royal Palms Resort and Spa.  The resort is a AAA Four-Diamond winner, belongs to the distinguished Historic Hotels of America, and was a favorite stopping place when President H.W. Bush was in town.  Here’s a link to our article: T. Cook’s: Sunday Brunch at a US President’s Favorite Local Resort.

Sunday Brunch at Elements, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

 Week #6 of our series found us enjoying Sunday Brunch with celebrity chef, Beau MacMillan.  He the winner of Iron Chef America and currently has his own show on the Food Network.  We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and recommend it highly.  Here’s a link to our article:  Sunday Brunch with Iron Chef America Winner Beau MacMillan.

Sunday Brunch, Wright’s at the Arizona Biltmore

Week #7 features Sunday Brunch at Wright’s at the Arizona Biltmore.  The setting is a magnificent, eye-popping world-class hotel designed after famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.  Hollywood-types, world presidents, and luxury travelers around the world have made the Arizona Biltmore a must-stay destination.  We enjoyed an outstanding Sunday Brunch.  Here’s a link to our article:  Astounding Sunday Brunch in Phoenix’s Arizona Biltmore.

Sunday Brunch at Lon’s at the Hermosa

Week #8 found us enjoying Sunday Brunch with six friends at Lon’s at the Hermosa.  The restaurant bears the name of famed cowboy artist Alonzo “Lon” Megargee, and in fact resides in the “Casa Hermosa” (beautiful house) which he built back in the 1930s.  Our experience was most delightful, and I’m quite certain that we found the world’s best cinnamon roll.  Here’s are article: World’s Best Cinnamon Roll Found at Lon’s at the Hermosa Brunch.

Sunday Brunch at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

The second-to-the-last stop of our Sunday Brunch series found us at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale to enjoy the masterful cuisine of Chef Mel Mecinas.  Set near the foot of Pinnacle Peak in North Scottsdale, this Sunday Brunch includes a stunningly beautiful Sunday drive along with your brunch.  Take a peek at our article: Gaga Over Blue Corn Pancakes at Four Seasons Scottsdale.

Sunday Brunch at Camelback Inn Resort and Spa

The last stop of our Sunday Brunch series topped of at the Camelback Inn Resort and Spa.  Set inside the Valley’s longest-running AAA Five-Diamond resort, we found a gargantuan spread of delights. Present was every conceivable breakfast entrée, beautifully prepared cold items, and grilled meats guaranteed to make your mouth water.  Take a peek at our article:  Sunday Brunch at Camelback Inn – Scottsdale, AZ 

Enjoy, and for heaven’s sake, get your reservations made!

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We love hiking in Arizona.

When we have the occasion to take some first time Arizona hikers out on the trail, our first choice is to head for the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area.

Located north of Scottsdale, in Cave Creek, Arizona, the  Spur Cross Ranch Conservation area is the newest addition to Maricopa County’s Regional Parks System.  The conservation area encompasses 2,154 acres of diverse, rugged upper Sonoran Desert.

This north Valley location contains fascinating archaeology sites and lush riparian areas along Cave Creek, which flows throughout the winter months. Remnants of early mining and ranching, from which the park gets its name, are still apparent in the park.

This area is a must see for all wildflower lovers in the spring. The abundant vegetation present in the conservation area provides a rich habitat for a diverse assemblage of wildlife.

Easy hiking trail just north of Scottsdale

This 2.3 mile loop is very well groomed and offers expansive views of the Sonoran desert.  With half of the loop hugging Cave Creek you will enjoy lush greenery, massive saguaros, large boulders strewn about by ancient volcanoes, and a jaunt through the remnants of an early Arizona ranch.

Trail Directions:

• From the parking lot, head .2 miles to the kiosk and restrooms.
• Head in a northeasterly direction .9 miles on the Spur Cross (Maricopa Trail).
• At the trail marker, turn left and proceed .8 miles on the Metate Trail.
• About half way through the Metate Trail, you will come across a marker for the Towhee Trail.  This is a short .2 mile trail that will take you down near the creek and loop you back to the Metate Trail.  We like it, and recommend it.
• After again reaching the Metate Trail, head left until you find signs directing you back towards the parking lot.

This is a popular and well traveled trail.  While you are very likely to encounter others along the trail, we recommend you find a quiet spot and let your ears take in the beauty of the area as well.

The Hotel Valley Ho is offering some really sweet packages for Valentine’s Day.

Hotel Valley Ho is Downtown Scottsdale’s mid-century modern landmark. Originally opened in 1956 and reopened in 2005 after a complete restoration, this 193-room urban retreat blends old with new: vintage design with modern amenities like wireless Internet access throughout, flat screen televisions in each room, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. There’s also ZuZu, VH Spa for Vitality + Health, and OH Pool Bar + Cabanas.

We had the opportunity to have a spectacularly groovy Sunday brunch at ZuZu back a few months ago.  We quickly learned that Hotel Valley Ho knows how to make very special memories.

With this foreknowledge, we can assure you that their Valentine’s Day packages are certain to be just as memorable.

Valentine’s Day Packages at Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale

Hotel Valley Ho has some swell offerings this Valentine’s Day — dinner at ZuZu, the Romance Package, splendid spa specials, and a variety of rooms and suites suited to sweethearts.

ZuZu will be featuring drink specials and an a-la-carte, three-course menu created just for the evening, along with its regular dinner menu. For an in-room treat, overnight guests can order amenities like chocolate-covered strawberries, Champagne, and handcrafted truffles.

The hotel also offers the Romance Package. A Red Flower aromatherapy candle is a gift upon arrival. Complimentary turndown service is offered, with delivery of a half-bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and fresh seasonal fruit. Also included is a complimentary in-room movie and breakfast in bed or at ZuZu. *$20 per person maximum for breakfast. All package items exclude tax and gratuity. Meals do not include alcohol.

VH Spa for Vitality + Health is featuring two specials for Valentine’s Day, for both couples and singles. The Romance Package for Two includes two 60-minute Aromatherapy Massages, followed by chocolate-dipped strawberries and two glasses of champagne served on the spa deck ($300, includes service charge). For singles, the Loving the Single Life Package includes a 60-minute Aromatherapy Massage, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and a glass of Champagne ($150, includes service charge). Both packages are available Monday, February 13 and Tuesday, February 14.

Rooms are available from $259 per night; the Romance Package starts at $346 (rates are for February 14) Dinner, spa, and room reservations can be made at 480.248.2000 and at www.hotelvalleyho.com.

Have fun!

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Disclosure: this is a sponsored post brought to you on behalf of Hotel Valley Ho.

The 41st annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction is in full steam here in Scottsdale, Arizona. Over 250,000 auto enthusiasts from all over the globe are here for the world’s greatest collector car auction.

Our schedule didn’t permit us to attend this year.  However, having attended the last two years, we can assure you that this is an event that the whole family will enjoy, even if you have no plans to make a bid on a cool collectible car.

The show runs through Sunday, and you can check out the remaining festivities on the Barrett-Jackson website.

To wet your appetite, here is our video from last year:

Here are a few events you can still enjoy:

• Dress for Success Style Show featuring Bobbi Brown make-up artists, previews of the latest trends in fashion, CRAVE stylists and fashion show, taking place from 10 am – 3 pm Thursday, Jan. 19^th, in the Lifestyle Pavilion, with proceeds benefiting Dress for Success Phoenix.

• The International; Fiesta of Four Flags, featuring the latest in fashion, food and flavor from around the world. Culinary treats and the latest trends from Italy, Germany, Russia and the United States with special performances from the US Color Guard. Activities run from 7 pm – 10 pm Thursday, Jan. 19, in the Lifestyle Pavilion, benefiting the Veteran Tickets Foundation.

• Paw Pawshion Show – Pet Fashion Show and Expo featuring and benefiting Gabriel’s Angels, which provides pet therapy to abused and at-risk youths, from 10 am – 3 pm Friday, Jan. 20, in the Lifestyle Pavilion. 

• FUEL your Senses – The Barrett-Jackson Culinary and Wine Fest featuring flavors from some of Scottsdale’s premier culinary destinations in the Lifestyle Pavilion.

• Jazz, Jewelry & Bedazzled Brunch from 10 am – 3pm Saturday, Jan. 21^st, in the Lifestyle Pavilion, featuring a high-fashion jewelry expo & champagne tastings.

• Icing: The Million Dollar Diamond and Dessert Show – The gem of the Barrett-Jackson Lifestyle Pavilion, featuring a VIP preview show with Beach Bunnies, Million Dollar Diamond Fashion Show and a sampling of sweet confections. Benefiting the American Cancer Society.

• Sunday Funday – Champagne Brunch and Celebrity Karaoke Contest: Pair yourself with a local or national celebrity and sing your heart out to a panel of judges to win amazing prizes. 10 am – 5 pm Sunday, Jan. 22, in the Lifestyle Pavilion, benefiting Childhelp. 

• The Tilted Kilt Garage – This year, with energy infused from Tilted Kilt, Barrett-Jackson’s social club is going to rev the engine on its nightlife scene. The Garage, which mixes the high-energy of Barrett-Jackson with the beauty associated with all-things steel and Scottsdale, is THE finest velvet-rope venue this winter, The Garage is center stage at WestWorld throughout the auction, and immediately adjacent to the staging lanes. Mingle, muse, savor and sip under the stars, with the stars and the auto industry’s elite.

• Stars and their Cars– Celebrities flock to Barrett-Jackson every year. Tony Stewart, Alice Cooper, George Foreman, Randy Johnson, Wolf Blitzer, Nicholas Cage, Pamela Anderson, Sammy Hagar, David Spade, Paul McCartney, Michael Anthony, DMX, Smashing Pumpkins, Bill Goldberg, Harry Morton, Tim Allen and countless other celebrities are Barrett-Jackson loyalists, previous attendees and future headliners. Whether buying a car, selling an automobile or just exploring the options, Barrett-Jackson is THE place to stargaze this season, even if you’re not on the A-List. Check out the celebs throughout the WestWorld site.

 About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Ariz., Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas, Nev. and Orange County, Calif. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

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Week #10, of our Top Ten Sunday Brunches of Scottsdale & Phoenix series, found us at the Camelback Inn Resort and Spa.

We made our first visit to this AAA Five-Diamond winner back in June of 2010 and quickly fell in love.

Sunday Brunch at the Camelback Inn Resort and Spa brought a gargantuan selection and was hands down the largest buffet we visited on our tour.

We started out with endless flowing champagne and mimosas. There was a breakfast station with every imaginable morning favorite, danishes, fresh fruit, and made-to-order omelets.

Week #10– Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

We found a seafood station with crab claws, shrimp cocktail, seared ahi tuna, and smoked salmon.  Nearby was an antipasti station with salads, roasted and grilled vegetables, artisan cheeses, cured meats, and fresh baked goods.

Endless Mimosas

Breakfast Items

Healthy Fare

Tacos and Quesadillas

Crab Cakes

Lamb

Pastries

Charcuterie

Filet Mignon

Prime Rib

Lemon Meringue

Carrot Cake

Note: click on the photographs for larger views and an available slide show.

On the outside patio we found a “south of the border” station hosted by a delightful Mexican woman making hot-off-the-grill tacos and quesadillas. YUM!

Further exploration found a pasta station, and an entrée station where we delighted in carved prime rib, grilled filet mignon, lamb skewers, seared scallops, crab cakes, shrimp scampi, roasted chicken, and seasonal fish.  WOW!  We all made return visits to this station.

And last, but certainly not least, we found the dessert station.  Here we found a chocolate fountain, flaming bananas foster, éclairs, cream puffs, cakes, pies, tarts, and cookies.  The warm apple pie á-la-mode was a big hit at the table.  YUM!

A great challenge of many buffet-type meals is that the food quite often gets cold and loses its freshness.  We saw none of that here.  The staff was very attentive to keep everything hot, fresh, and looking beautiful.

There were four of us dining at the Camelback Inn Resort and Spa.  When I surveyed the table, I saw eight thumbs up!

As of this writing, the Sunday Champagne Brunch was $59 for adults, and $20 for children ages 4-12.

Week #9, of our Top Ten Sunday Brunches of Scottsdale & Phoenix series, found us at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North.

We first visited the AAA Five-Diamond Four Seasons Scottsdale as a part of our Arizona AAA Five-Diamond Resort Tour, and have happily found ourselves back to enjoy the luxurious features of this beautiful property many times (look here).

Formerly the home of the ancient Hohokam Indians, the Four Seasons Scottsdale is set upon the site of the former Crescent Moon Ranch, a finishing school for wealthy debutantes operated by a member of the Kellogg family.

We have dined a fair number of times with Executive Chef Mel Mecinas, and we were greatly looking forward to a more casual experience at his Sunday brunch.

Week #9 – Sunday Brunch at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

To make the experience even more enjoyable, the property is set near the foot of Pinnacle Peak and offers stunning views of the mountain and features massive granite boulders strewn across the landscape.

Cornflake-crusted French Toast

Quiche

Farmers' Market Fritatta

Southwest Scrambled Eggs

House-made Juices

Banana Oatmeal (caramelized banana)

Huevos Rancheros

Blue Corn Pancakes (honey/agave syrup)

Eggs Benedict

Note:  click photographs for large view and available slide show.

We began our Sunday brunch at the buffet table where we found Cornflake Crusted French Toast, Quiche, Farmers’ Market Fritatta, Southwest Scrambled Eggs, and House-made Juices, along with a plethora of other fine delectables.

As we happily worked our way through the first wave of our Sunday brunch, out came a stream of kitchen staff bringing Banana Oatmeal (steel-cut irish oats, caramelized banana, milk, arizona dried berries, brown sugar), Huevos Rancheros (two eggs any style, chorizo quesadilla, avocado, black beans, ranchero sauce), Eggs Benedict (canadian bacon, english muffin, hollandaise sauce, tomato, breakfast potatoes), and Blue Corn Pancakes (crockett’s desert honey-agave syrup, minted berries).

There were three of us happily passing plates around as a chorus of oohs, ahhs, hmmms, and oh wows floated in the air.

As you can see from my photographs above, everything was absolutely delicious.  However, after sampling, I returned to the massive stack of blue corn pancakes, dripping in honey and agave syrup, and made my last stand.

I had absolutely no chance of making my way all the way through these lip-smacking blue babies, but I was determined to make my last glorious impression right there.

The Blue Corn Pancakes were uniquely out of this world!

We highly recommend a beautiful Sunday drive up to North Scottsdale to enjoy Sunday Brunch at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North.   You are certain to enjoy the finest local, and seasonally sourced products prepared by the masterful hands of Chef Mecinas and his team.

You should also note that Sunday brunch ends at 11:30 at this resort, so get there early!

With three of us present, we were all thumbs up, so we give this Sunday Brunch six thumbs up!

Note: don’t forget to check back next week when we’ll whisk you off to another exciting and mouthwatering Sunday Brunch experience.

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Disclosure: our wonderful Sunday Brunch was provided by the kind folks at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North.  Thanks! 

The AAA Five-Diamond Phoenician Resort is one of our favorite Scottsdale, Arizona resorts.

It was just a little over a year ago that we made our first visit to The Phoenician (here’s our video).  We were now back again to sample one of their newly renovated suites and share the experience with you.

The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona

The Phoenician has just completed an $80M renovation project, with $4M of that earmarked for their luxurious suites.

We greatly enjoyed a 1,475 sq. ft Phoenix Suite with timeless amenities that were designed to pamper, indulge, and would make even the fussiest of movie stars feel like royalty.

…timeless amenities that were designed to pamper, indulge, and would make even the fussiest of movie stars feel like royalty.

Take a peek at the video of our most recent stay:

Note:  If you can’t see the video, click here.

If you are looking for a good spell of being waiting on hand and foot, with amenities that are certain to leave you spellbound, then head on over to The Phoenician’s website and see if you can find just the perfect luxurious hideaway for your next vacation.

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Disclosure:  our wonderful experience was provided by the kind folks at The Phoenician.  Thanks!  It was fantastic!

We just experienced our very first hot air balloon ride, and it was definitely one of those life-time memory experiences!

We chose Hot Air Expeditions because of their perennial award-winning status, their colorful balloons with a mammoth saguaro cactus on the side, and a champagne gourmet desert picnic at the conclusion of the adventure.

Make sure you read this post all the way to the bottom, we have a very big surprise for you!

We left the Deer Valley Airport at 3:30 in a large passenger van that doubled as one of the chase crew’s vehicles.  After a 20-minute ride, we arrived to our launch point in a desert clearing where there was plenty of smooth sand to get our balloon filled with hot air.

In roughly 15-minutes, the crew had the balloon upright, nine of us climbed aboard,  and we were off to float in the the dead quiet of the Sonoran desert breezes.

Take a peek at the video from our hot air balloon adventure:

Note: click here if you can’t see the video.

Floating aloft in our first hot air balloon left us with several impressions:

1. It is quite a remarkable thing to be floating with the breeze.  Because of this, if everyone were to be quiet in the balloon, there would be a complete and utter stillness as you move with the wind.  It’s really quite peaceful.
2. Looking out at the beauty of creation, with the approaching sunset painting the Sonoran desert and the distant mountain peaks with its beautiful orange hues, will take your breath away.
3. There was a certain, fun sense of adventure as we floated above the earth somewhere around 1,000 feet.
4. It’s definitely an experience we will want to have again.

Win Two Free Tickets for a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Phoenix!

We had such a great experience with Hot Air Expeditions that we’d like to extend the opportunity for you!

We are giving away a hot air ballon ride for two with Hot Air Expeditions.

The contest is open to anyone, however, the company is based in Phoenix. Therefore, you should live where it would be possible for you to take advantage of this experience, or perhaps plan to come to the Scottsdale/Phoenix area in the near future.

Here’s how to enter your name in the drawing:

• Tell us in the comments section below what you love most about traveling!

That’s it! Once you make your comment below, we will automatically enter your name in the drawing for the two free hot air balloon ride tickets.

Be certain to do this right away as the comment period will end at 5:00 MST on December 9th, 2011, and the winning tickets will be drawn.

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Disclosure: our hot air balloon experience, and the free tickets for the drawing were provided by the kind folks at Hot Air Expeditions. Thank you!