Years ago we partied far from the interstate, at an outcropping we called Castle Rock. Lots of wonderful, crazy memories. In more recent years the smaller outcropping, across I-10 from Desert Center, is known as Castle Rock.
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| Original Castle Rock |
This year we joined them as well.
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| New Castle Rock |
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| Harold and Emily |
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| New generation of desert lovers |
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| Coy and Patty entertain Bill with the graceful "Dance of the Chairs" |
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| Gathering in the desert |
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| Jacquie, Jodee and Bobbye - so fun to get caught up with these gals! |
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| Annual tradition of releasing balloons in memory of those we've lost with messages for the upcoming year |
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| Up and away |
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| Tessa less than thrilled with the booties - lots of broken glass at this spot |
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| Mike and Bobbye |
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| Greg and Diana |
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| Dakota, Nicholas and Jordan - such troopers |
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| Betsy and Molly all aglow |
Looks like lots of fun and a good time bringing in the new year.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great time with friends!
DeleteA great way to bring in the new year, except for the need of Tessa's booties.
ReplyDeleteAlways so sad to see glass on the desert :-(
DeleteIt really does look like a wonderful gathering of friends for a New Year in a beloved place in the desert but I would beg you and your friends to alter your tradition. Please read this message from the fish and wildlife people Balloons and Wildlife: Please Don't Release Your Balloons If the link doesn't work, please copy and past this URL. http://www.fws.gov/news/blog/index.cfm/2015/8/5/Balloons-and-Wildlife-Please-Dont-Release-Your-Balloons
ReplyDeleteWe mentioned it, but didn't know the family who do it each year so weren't in a position to modify the behavior. When we went back a couple days later I was very happy to see the area was pristine with no sign of new people.
DeleteSure looks like a wonderful way to bring in the New Year making new memories with old friends:) Every photo that's been posted between fb and here show the happiness on everyone's faces. Love that the next generation was included. The boulder walls make the perfect setting!!
ReplyDeleteTessa's boots are so cute. She must wear them for me later this month. We'll take her on a desert hike with her boots:)
She got used to them pretty quickly - but the bright color made everyone laugh. We really did all have a wonderful time.
DeleteWhat a wonderful celebratory and meaningful gathering with friends! You guys are really making the most of your travels in connecting with friends, both old and new. (I had the same thought as Sherry about the balloons -- an alternative might be giving everyone a container of bubble stuff and you can blow bubbles as you send your prayers and thoughts skyward?)
ReplyDeleteWhen we do a similar ritual, we use bubbles or smoke, but this one wasn't ours. We've picked up "lost" mylar balloons from the bushes to dispose of later - they never biodegrade :-(
DeleteAwwwww poor Tessa.. Lol... She's so adorable. Great pictures and traditions. Love the arch on Castle Rock.
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