Many of you may know that I’m still here in mostly sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. When we first arrived, we ran into some crazy, unseasonable weather which lasted for the better part of 2 weeks, courtesy of El Nino.
Typically, the sun shines here every day and the average temperatures can run anywhere from the mid 60s to mid 70s. This may not seem hot enough for some sun lovers, but I can assure you that with the desert climate, and when there isn’t a cloud in the sky, and relaxing at the pool, it can easily begin to feel as though it’s well above the 80s.
My husband and I like to take advantage of the sunny days by going to the pool, plus it gives me a chance to do some reading and writing. But with the El Nino in effect for much of the winter here, some of those beautiful, sunny, hot days aren’t consistent, bringing overcast clouds and sudden drops in temperatures for a day or two. Those are the days we use to go out exploring.
This past week we ventured out to see the biggest car collector show in North America, Barrett-Jackson, where they auction off cars for mega bucks, and people come from all over the world to attend the event. The event runs for 9 days and also hosts numerous vendors selling everything from western apparel to all sorts of automotive memorabilia, jewelry, and artwork.
Although Scottsdale is home to the Barrett-Jackson show, they’re only here one week a year and the rest of the year the show travels to other venues such as Las Vegas, Connecticut, West Palm Beach, and many more places.
The show attracts the likes of anyone from avid car buffs, curious lookers like us, to celebrities, and sports figures alike. It’s held at Westworld which I’ve been told is over 300 acres. It was truly the hugest event I’ve ever been to. The auctions run daily and some cars have been known to be sold with a price tag in the millions! I have to say the whole event is truly spectacular and so well organized. There are various parking lots designated to the event and shuttle buses await to drive you to the event once parked.
While passing an old 1965 Corvette, my husband told me to get in so he could take a picture.
We watched a live auction for car memorabilia for awhile and I was taken in at the speed of how the auctioneer spoke. The actual car auctions weren’t to begin till later that evening.
After walking through 2 massive pavillions of cars and vendors, we wandered outside to see what seemed like another 10 acres of cars and vendors. We came across a booth that offered you to try and ride a virtual sports car on a racing track. I thought I’d give it a go, but after 2 minutes I thought I was going to be sick from the virtual speed. I must have had a dozen car crashes and hit the side walls just as many times before I begged for mercy to let me out of the seat.
After walking for nearly 6 hours and toting 3 bags full of merchandise we bought, we’d had enough for the day. It was certainly an event we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.
DGKaye©2016
DGKayewriter.com 
oh I had palpitations of the good kind looking at your post today. I love vintage cars, American or British and I would have melted into a happy puddle if I were there. Wonderful photos thank you so much
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So glad the photos made you smile Adele! 🙂
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I remember those muscle cars – wow! A great excursion after surviving the storm. Thanks, Debby.
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Thanks Marian. We actually went days before the storm. Those who ventured out there the last day, Sunday, took a thrashing. 🙂
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Sorry the Phoenix weather has been unusually cold and wet. I’m beginning to question why we’re heading back since it was lovely along the TX coast. Oh yeah, I miss my two children and have appointments AND people to meet 🙂 Looking good in that Corvette!
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Lol thanks Ingrid. Yes I lucked into an El Nino winter it seems. Thankfully, it should be back to nice on the weekend! 🙂
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Good, just in time for me to return 🙂
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Well timed! Starting Friday the good weather is back! 🙂
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Even I, who knows zilch about cars, remember these and would be gaga at the show. Everything is so sparkling and shiny. Did you wear sunglasses inside? 😀 😀 😀
See anyone famous, itching to buy?
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Lol Tess, yes with the track lighting and the heavily polished chrome, those cars were twinkling. We went on the first day before the collector auction began at 5pm. Each day the cars being auctioned got more expensive in value. The weekend drew the biggest crowds and celebs when we weren ‘t there. But they also had it televised live and replays for 6 hours nightly. I watched it every night with my jaw hanging open. Watched Jay Leno and Burt Reynolds auction off a car and a truck. 🙂 🙂
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Oh Debby… you know I love all things AZ and NM… But you couldn’t know that I love old cars. Thank you for all the photos. I’m positively giddy! Sharing this all over the place! Mega hugs.
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Mega thanks for sharing Teag. It was certainly an experience of a lifetime for us. 🙂 ❤
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This sounds like a fun day. 6 hours! You are both very resilient. The 57 corvette is as long as a boat! 🙂 .
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Oh yes, we sure got our exercise Carol. It was certainly fun looking at cars that were so long. I questioned myself as to how I ever drove those things and parallel parked, lol. :_
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Those cars suit you 🙂
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Oohlala, thanks Christoph! ❤
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Totally my kind of car show, Debby. I love those old cars. They’re so beautiful.
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Me too Diana; so thought I’d share! 🙂
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OMG! I want all those cars. Did you manage to sneak one in your handbag for me? Please, please, say yes ?
xx
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Lol Hugh, I was waiting for you! I’m so sorry I couldn’t fit any in my purse, but I did bring you some photos, right? Lol xo 🙂
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Oh yes, the photos are great, Debby. What a wonderful event. I think that car really suits you.
xx
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Thanks Hugh. Damn, I should have bought it! LOL, only about $150,000. 🙂
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Love it! Oh Debby, you are so much fun!! It’s the same here with the temps, it can feel a lot hotter on those days when the thermometer says otherwise. Hubby would go nuts at a show like this! Great photos, you are one hot mamma…you go girl! 😀 xoxo
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Woohoo! Thanks Sher! It’s no wonder men go crazy for this show. It had me hooked! 🙂
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🙂
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I’d love the ‘Vette but could scarcely afford it. Haha. Looks like you’re having a good time in the desert.
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Not to many of us can afford Vettes, that’s what made it so fun to sit in. But let me tell you, it’s hard on the back getting in and out, lol. I do love the desert; especially when the sun is shining. 🙂
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Looks awesome. Those cars are amazing. things like those events are the kinds of shows that anyone car lover or not would enjoy because it’s so bright and arty and unusual.
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For sure Sach. I’m not a car fanatic and I was totally overwhelmed by the show. 🙂 xo
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It looked awesome. I remember going to one for lorries…. I know… I know, sounds boring but it was epic they were all spray painted and decorated with beautiful art work. It was more like an art festival than one for lorries!!
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I know what you mean. I thought it was so exciting. Go figure? 🙂
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