Sunday, January 22, 2017

The Bucket List

When you get to a certain age, you start thinking about your bucket list.  How much time do I have left to see some of the things I have always dreamt about?  Of course, none of us knows when our time will come, whether in youth or old age.  I am so glad Georg and I were able to enjoy many of those items together before we lost him too soon.  After two difficult years it is time for me to assess what's left on my list.

One thing was a helicopter ride into the Grand Canyon.  Georg and I traveled there together and were amazed at the majesty of God's creation.  But we never attempted the hike down and that is definitely beyond my capability now.  I was on my way to Lake Havasu for the annual balloon festival (the second thing on my list).  Since my plane was landing in Las Vegas and I was driving to Arizona, I decided to stay in Vegas first and do the helicopter ride.  My hotel recommended Maverick Aviation Group, for their safety record.  They picked me up from my hotel and we signed up at their office.


I will never forget flying over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the endlessly fascinating colors and rock formations of the desert landscape.  Best of all, landing in the canyon for champagne and a light snack.  The whole journey, from door to door, was about four hours and worth every penny.


































Then it was on to my next destination, Lake Havasu City, Arizona, a popular vacation spot and water recreation area.  In particular, it is also famous for the London Bridge, which was dismantled in London in 1967 and relocated in the city by Robert P. McCulloch.  The structure was completed in 1971.  It is the site of the annual balloon festival.

The view from my balcony at The Heat Hotel, overlooking the bridge, afforded the best possible vantage point from which to see the balloons.

















What's next on the bucket list?   I want to get back to Hawaii and I've been wanting to see Orca whales up close for a long time.  Hopefully I will be able to fulfill those dreams this year as well.  God willing!