THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CXLII

Anxiously Waiting

Stinky paces nervously around the teleportation tunnel. As usual, he is anxious for Periwinkle’s arrival. He’s hoping she didn’t get too freaked out by last night’s fireworks and is hiding in the closet at home. It seems to take forever, but finally Periwinkle comes tumbling out of the tunnel with the usual whoosh. The tabbies share lots of whisker kisses and paw hugs before Stinky leads Periwinkle back into the tunnel. When they emerge, they are in a huge field. 

Balloons Over Rockbridge, Lexington, VA

Periwinkle looks around and sees colorful balloons everywhere. She asks Stinky if they are going on another balloon ride like they did on their April, 14, 2020, adventure “Flying High”?

“Yes and no,” he replies. Stinky continues, “I heard on the television that they need volunteers for the event and thought it would be a cool thing for us to do. Balloons Over Rockbridge is a non-profit community group that helps raise funds and awareness for local charities and non-profits through its annual festival.1 I think when we finish with our volunteering duties, we’ll be able to take a ride.”

“Oh goody,” replies Periwinkle. “I certainly enjoyed our last balloon ride.”

“Me too. Let’s go ask those two men what we can do to help.”

“Okay.”

hot air balloons with comic tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky

 

“It seems they need us to help hold the ropes while they test this balloon,” says Stinky.

“That got a little warm being so close to the fire,” exclaims Periwinkle. “Let’s go out in the field and see what they need.”

“Good idea,” replies Stinky.

 

hot air balloons with comic tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky

 

Stinky tells Periwinkle, “They just need us to be spotters and meoyowl really loudly if any balloons get too close together. That should be easy and much cooler. Plus, we’ll be able to see lots of the balloons in the air. There are 19 balloons this year. The most ever.”

Suddenly, Periwinkle shouts, “Stinky, come quickly. This nice man has asked if we will help him check if his balloon is ready to offer some tethered rides.”

Up in the Air

Stinky starts sprinting in the direction of Periwinkle. They are helped into the balloon and are soon floating in the air.

 

hot air balloon ride with comic tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky

 

“Stinky, this is an absolutely purrfect day for ballooning,” exclaims Periwinkle, clapping her paws together.

Stinky points out two really pretty balloons floating high above them, and both tabbies wave at the passengers.

 

two colorful hot air balloons

 

After their tethered ride, Periwinkle & Stinky walk among the balloons on the ground helping out when asked and making lots of new friends. They discover, however, that the humans have been allowed to bring their doggies to the festival. Though the woofies are required to be on leashes, the tabbies decide it might be a good time to get another ride and this time without a tether.

 

hot air balloon ride with comic tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky

 

“Stinky, I just love floating along and seeing the beautiful countryside. Do you think we’ll be able to see your house? Maybe we could fly over and wave at your fursibs.”

Stinky giggles and tells Periwinkle that they are about 50 miles from his house, and he’s pretty sure they won’t be getting close enough for them to see it.

After their ride, the tabbies are watching the balloons when Periwinkle gasps, starts jumping up and down and pointing in the air. “Stinky look what the peeps did for us as a thank you for our help”

 

hot air balloons with comic tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky: tabbies spot a balloon with their logo

 

“Wow, Periwinkle, that is so cool! We are really lucky kitties to have so many opportunities for fun and adventure.”

Periwinkle and Stinky continue to walk among the crowd and balloons, while avoiding the doggies, helping out wherever and whenever asked. After a while Periwinkle complains about her paws being tired and tells Stinky she is getting hungry.

Snack & Nap Time

Always being prepared, Stinky gets the picnic basket and blanket he brought along and leads Periwinkle to a great place to watch the balloons.

 

comic tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, have a picnic in a field

 

After the tabbies finish their snack, they lie back on their blanket and watch the balloons float by overhead.

 

hot air balloons with comic tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky

 

Before they know it, Periwinkle and Stinky have fallen into a deep sleep wrapped in each others arms. When they awake, it’s time to return to Stinky’s house, and the tabbies gather up their gear and head to the teleportation tunnel. Within moments they are exiting at Stinky’s house.

After some catio time and a visit with Stinky’s family, it’s time for Periwinkle to head home. The tabbies share oodles of whisker kisses and paw hugs before Stinky leads Periwinkle to the tunnel. With a whoosh and a wave, she is gone.

Realizing he needs another nap, Stinky curls up and sleeps until dinner, dreaming of Periwinkle the entire time.

The End

If you missed Cooper Murphy and Tyebe’s recent balloon trip and Cooper’s poem for Tyebe, check it out at “Up in the Air with Cooper Murphy & Tyebe.”

Stinky & Periwinkle are joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. Why don’t you click on the badge and join them. It’ll be fun!

Note: All photos were taken by Tom Blue and used with permission.

  1. Information about Balloons Over Rockbridge’s mission is from their website, the link of which is above.