MONDAY - Mike and Sue left to head back home to South Dakota yesterday, so now our little caravan is down to three rigs.
Today starts the "morning only" session days, so I may be able to get caught up on creating this blog. Did you notice it took me until late Monday afternoon to post the blog that ended Sunday night? That's due in part to having no free time and Tricia taking so many wonderful photos and videos that I felt just needed to be shared with you.
I'm going to try and cut back on the number of photos I share with you by only posting things that haven't been seen before on this blog. I said I'm going to try, so no promises!
I mentioned that this 9-day fiesta is basically a 4-day fiesta that gets repeated twice, but today does include a new event. It's called the "Fly In Competition" and the rules are pretty simple.
Just like the rules of golf make it a simple game, you strike a ball with a club and try to knock it in a hole hundreds of yards away. Simple right?
Well, the rules for today's competition are you take your balloon at least 1-mile away from the launch field and put it in the air, then you head for the launch field and try to drop your "Officially Numbered" tailed beanbag at targets on the ground. Get the closest to the center and you win, simple? Oh yeah, if your basket touches the ground you're disqualified and there is a time limit for this event.
Factor in the slightly less than predictable winds here in Albuquerque and it's almost as important to select the correct place to launch from as it is how low and how close you drop your beanbag at the target. Pick the wrong place to launch and your participation in the event could be over before it even begins, but hey, these guys and gals are professionals.
The first 24-photos of the slideshow are of the morning Dawn Patrol and the Balloon Launch, but the 25th slide is a video montage of the attempts at dropping the tailed beanbags at the targets. The videos are shot zoomed in from the far end of the field and are not very good, but don't worry there's another competion tomorrow and we'll get up close and video from there.
MONDAY MORNING SESSION
SLIDE NUMBER
1
OF
25
Every morning begins at 5:45AM when the winds are generally the calmest.
SLIDE NUMBER
2
OF
25
By 9:00AM the balloons are back on the ground and being transported back to the field.
SLIDE NUMBER
3
OF
25
The Dawn Partol lifts off at 6:00AM sharp each morning to check the winds at all levels.
SLIDE NUMBER
4
OF
25
Once the "green flag" is raised on the field the balloons are permitted to inflate.
SLIDE NUMBER
5
OF
25
By 6:45AM several of the balloons were awaited permission to launch.
SLIDE NUMBER
6
OF
25
This row of Rainbow Ryders balloons are usually the first to launch carrying paying guests.
SLIDE NUMBER
7
OF
25
Soon after you'll see balloons of all shapes, sizes and colors in the air.
SLIDE NUMBER
8
OF
25
These Rainbow Ryders look like they're well on their way to an unforgetable ride.
SLIDE NUMBER
9
OF
25
I included this photo simply because I liked the different shades of blue.
SLIDE NUMBER
10
OF
25
What color is the sky? In Albuquerque during October it's not just blue!
SLIDE NUMBER
11
OF
25
The beginning of this video features Tricia's favorite "Watermelon Balloon".
SLIDE NUMBER
12
OF
25
This is why we came to Albuquerque!
SLIDE NUMBER
13
OF
25
SLIDE NUMBER
14
OF
25
Everybody loves Tinkerbell.
SLIDE NUMBER
15
OF
25
There are quite a few of the "shaped" balloons in this video.
SLIDE NUMBER
16
OF
25
SLIDE NUMBER
17
OF
25
Now that's one colorful balloon!
SLIDE NUMBER
18
OF
25
This is what a peacock would look like if it were a hot air balloon.
SLIDE NUMBER
19
OF
25
This is just a portion of the numerous balloons in the air this morning.
SLIDE NUMBER
20
OF
25
We haven't seen this "Hillbilly Dog" balloon around this weekend...
SLIDE NUMBER
21
OF
25
...but it looks like his paw prints are all over this balloon.
SLIDE NUMBER
22
OF
25
More colors in the sky!
SLIDE NUMBER
23
OF
25
These were the first two to attempt dropping their beanbag into the boat.
SLIDE NUMBER
24
OF
25
I don't think either one of them were successful in landing their beanbag in the boat.
SLIDE NUMBER
25
OF
25
More attempts at hitting the targets!
TUESDAY - Today's morning session is basically a repeat of yesterdays scheduled activities.
That didn't stop Tricia from getting up at 5:30AM and marching out onto the field to take some photos for you.
TUESDAY MORNING SESSION
SLIDE NUMBER
1
OF
30
No 5:45AM photos today, but this one is from 6:15AM.
SLIDE NUMBER
2
OF
30
There goes the Dawn Patrol making sure it's safe for everyone else to fly today.
SLIDE NUMBER
3
OF
30
Today this red balloon had the honors of hoisting the American Flag for the National Anthem.
SLIDE NUMBER
4
OF
30
After the anthem it was time to load up all those paying customers into the balloons.
SLIDE NUMBER
5
OF
30
Notice how the field has been cleared in front of the balloon?
SLIDE NUMBER
6
OF
30
In this video you'll see how the "zebras" (officials) control the balloon launches.
SLIDE NUMBER
7
OF
30
Here is Winston with his camera, gimble and HD video glasses, filming the ballon launches.
SLIDE NUMBER
8
OF
30
The man does like his toys and I almost missed seeing him from the opposite side of the street.
SLIDE NUMBER
9
OF
30
I guess today too is a day "When Pigs Fly".
SLIDE NUMBER
10
OF
30
SLIDE NUMBER
11
OF
30
The beginning of today's "Balloon Launch".
SLIDE NUMBER
12
OF
30
No special effects here, that's just the sun rising over the Sandia Mountains to our east.
SLIDE NUMBER
13
OF
30
This is my favorite photo of the day.
SLIDE NUMBER
14
OF
30
A 360° view from the center of the launch field.
SLIDE NUMBER
15
OF
30
The Hammerhead Shark looks wide eyed (not bushy tailed) while Yoda looks like he's still asleep.
SLIDE NUMBER
16
OF
30
The Brazilian's King Capybara balloon is finally in the air.
SLIDE NUMBER
17
OF
30
These easy to maneuver egg shaped balloons are used for racing and stunts.
SLIDE NUMBER
18
OF
30
Hey! Yoda is finally wide eyed and awake. Welcome to the parade!
SLIDE NUMBER
19
OF
30
SLIDE NUMBER
20
OF
30
SLIDE NUMBER
21
OF
30
Chalmers Ford sponsors a balloon, that's where ROVER has been since we got here.
SLIDE NUMBER
22
OF
30
I'll bet this guy said, BASKET? I don't need no stinkin basket!
SLIDE NUMBER
23
OF
30
He's displaying another level of confidence in the sport of balloon piloting.
SLIDE NUMBER
24
OF
30
This is the beginning of Tricia's "Fly In Competition" closeup videos.
SLIDE NUMBER
25
OF
30
SLIDE NUMBER
26
OF
30
SLIDE NUMBER
27
OF
30
SLIDE NUMBER
28
OF
30
SLIDE NUMBER
29
OF
30
SLIDE NUMBER
30
OF
30
WEDNESDAY - Today is the last day of the "Morning Only" Session days.
Starting tomorrow we go back to the twice a day Morning and Evening Sessions with a 5-hour recess period in between.
Tricia shot several hand-held timelapse videos today, which I then stitched together into one video and placed towards the end of the slideshow.
I hope you enjoy it, because it took a lot of effort on both our parts to create.
WEDNESDAY MORNING SESSION
SLIDE NUMBER
1
OF
13
Tricia found a new vantage spot to photograph from this morning.
SLIDE NUMBER
2
OF
13
Before the sun rises it's a little bit too far away to shoot zoomed in with her cellphone...
SLIDE NUMBER
3
OF
13
..., but with no zoom, it does capture the scene quite well in the dim light.
SLIDE NUMBER
4
OF
13
It's now 7:00AM and time to get this show in the air (not on the road)!
SLIDE NUMBER
5
OF
13
SLIDE NUMBER
6
OF
13
The "Smiling Hammerhead Shark" balloon flew right over Tricia's new photography perch.
SLIDE NUMBER
7
OF
13
This "Spiderman Pig" balloon is one we haven't seen here before now.
SLIDE NUMBER
8
OF
13
The "Darth Vader" balloon is unable to fly this year, but is still a crowd favorite.
SLIDE NUMBER
9
OF
13
SLIDE NUMBER
10
OF
13
SLIDE NUMBER
11
OF
13
SLIDE NUMBER
12
OF
13
This is the overview from the VIP East RV Lot, not bad huh?
SLIDE NUMBER
13
OF
13
The view from the VIP North RV Lot isn't too bad either.
THURSDAY - Today is the first of three consecutive days with Morning and Evening Sessions. The first two days feature the "Special Shape" balloons during both sessions.
These Special Shape ballons require near perfect wind conditions to safely fly, so today nearly half the balloons never made it off the ground (too windy).
THURSDAY MORNING SESSION
SLIDE NUMBER
1
OF
29
This timelapse video is from Tricia's cellphone set up on a tripod.
SLIDE NUMBER
2
OF
29
The "Duke City Cement Truck" balloon had the honors of raising the flag today.
SLIDE NUMBER
3
OF
29
The colors of this balloon are just stunning!
SLIDE NUMBER
4
OF
29
Once all the normal shaped balloons had left the field the "Special Shapes Rodeo" began.
SLIDE NUMBER
5
OF
29
Some, but not all, of the Special Shapes were able to fly this morning.
SLIDE NUMBER
6
OF
29
Tricia must have taken 30 photos of this Sloth balloon.
SLIDE NUMBER
7
OF
29
I've only shared three of them with you.
SLIDE NUMBER
8
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
9
OF
29
This balloon brought the "beach vibe" to landlocked New Mexico.
SLIDE NUMBER
10
OF
29
I lied, here's a fourth photo of the Sloth, peacefully flying through the air.
SLIDE NUMBER
11
OF
29
The view from the trail leading to the East VIP RV Lot.
SLIDE NUMBER
12
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
13
OF
29
Notice all the school busses that bring people in from Park-N-Ride lots all over town.
SLIDE NUMBER
14
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
15
OF
29
All of the balloons in the next few slides are all "new to us" sightings.
SLIDE NUMBER
16
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
17
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
18
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
19
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
20
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
21
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
22
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
23
OF
29
This is Tricia's new favorite balloon...
SLIDE NUMBER
24
OF
29
...and it's all thanks to the little green turtle on top.
SLIDE NUMBER
25
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
26
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
27
OF
29
I wonder what these two are whispering about?
SLIDE NUMBER
28
OF
29
This is the proper way to safely deflate a hot air balloon.
SLIDE NUMBER
29
OF
29
The crew of this unscheduled landing did a good job of securing their balloon too.
THURSDAY EVENING SESSION
FRIDAY - OK, we've now made it to the final weekend of the 53rd Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, and you have too if you're still reading this.
I must admit, I'm a little bit "burned out" when it comes to balloon watching. Tricia however is still up every morning and out the door by 6:00AM to go and photograph all the colorful balloons.
FRIDAY MORNING SESSION
SLIDE NUMBER
1
OF
42
This couple put out some "big bucks" for a private balloon ride with just the pilot.
SLIDE NUMBER
2
OF
42
Now there's a Zebra (official) who really takes her job seriously.
SLIDE NUMBER
3
OF
42
Today is "Kids Day" at the park. This video is more about the audio than the video.
SLIDE NUMBER
4
OF
42
As cute as this pig balloon is from the front...
SLIDE NUMBER
5
OF
42
...he's even cuter from the rear with his curly tail and ear of corn.
SLIDE NUMBER
6
OF
42
I believe this is a young bull balloon. I wonder who he's courting with that flower?
SLIDE NUMBER
7
OF
42
Still haven't figured this one out. Is he "sushing" me?
SLIDE NUMBER
8
OF
42
Now this balloon is definitely "two faced".
SLIDE NUMBER
9
OF
42
Which one of these objects is the highest in the sky? It's the moon of course!
SLIDE NUMBER
10
OF
42
SLIDE NUMBER
11
OF
42
How appropriate, Elvis hanging out with the Friendly Ghost.
SLIDE NUMBER
12
OF
42
Halloween is coming up soon at the end of the month!
SLIDE NUMBER
13
OF
42
Looks like the Friendly Ghost is flying away and leaving Elvis behind.
SLIDE NUMBER
14
OF
42
SLIDE NUMBER
15
OF
42
SLIDE NUMBER
16
OF
42
SLIDE NUMBER
17
OF
42
The flames from the large propane burners make for some interesting photos.
SLIDE NUMBER
18
OF
42
SLIDE NUMBER
19
OF
42
SLIDE NUMBER
20
OF
42
I don't know why this fish looks like he's dancing, even though he has no legs! It must be the top hat and the cane!
SLIDE NUMBER
21
OF
42
If Mickey keeps heading in that direction he'll go right passed DisneyWorld in Florida.
SLIDE NUMBER
22
OF
42
SLIDE NUMBER
23
OF
42
SLIDE NUMBER
24
OF
42
SLIDE NUMBER
25
OF
42
A moose, an elephant and a barn full of animals.
SLIDE NUMBER
26
OF
42
SLIDE NUMBER
27
OF
42
SLIDE NUMBER
28
OF
42
The backside of a peacock and Tricia's favorite.
SLIDE NUMBER
29
OF
42
Why am I craving watermelon again?
SLIDE NUMBER
30
OF
42
SLIDE NUMBER
31
OF
42
SLIDE NUMBER
32
OF
42
Are these two headed off somewhere for another private conversation?
SLIDE NUMBER
33
OF
42
There are 3 of these bees here, I wonder where the other one went? He must have flown away!
SLIDE NUMBER
34
OF
42
King Capybara and Humpty Dumpty facing away from the camera and a Snokeling Seahorse.
SLIDE NUMBER
35
OF
42
He looks more like a seahorse from this angle.
SLIDE NUMBER
36
OF
42
YEP, that's definitely Humpty Dumpty.
SLIDE NUMBER
37
OF
42
I'm not sure if this moose is fully inflated or not.
SLIDE NUMBER
38
OF
42
Here's the Snorkeling Duck. He ought to buddy up with the Snorkeling Seahorse.
SLIDE NUMBER
39
OF
42
SLIDE NUMBER
40
OF
42
I kind of feel like the Red, White & Blue Guy in the middle.
SLIDE NUMBER
41
OF
42
The Tasmanian Devil has arrived. I hope he doesn't create too much mischief.
SLIDE NUMBER
42
OF
42
It seems the "Special Shapes Days" are always the most crowded.
FRIDAY EVENING SESSION
SLIDE NUMBER
1
OF
7
Every evening session begins at 5:00PM with the skydivers dropping in with the flag.
SLIDE NUMBER
2
OF
7
This is the only balloon with what could be perceived as a pouty face...
SLIDE NUMBER
3
OF
7
..., but the way his toes wiggle while being inflated makes it like he's being tickled.
SLIDE NUMBER
4
OF
7
SORRY, one more picture of the sloth balloon.
SLIDE NUMBER
5
OF
7
The Friday Evening "Special Shapes Glowdeo".
SLIDE NUMBER
6
OF
7
Let the fireworks begin!
SLIDE NUMBER
7
OF
7
The explosive "Grand Finale" of the fireworks show.
SATURDAY - Last Saturday Morning, the opening day of the Fiesta, saw it's session cancelled due to weather so it was no surprise that this Saturday Morning Session was also cancelled.
At least the whole balloon flying part of the activities were cancelled.
Today my weather station recorded 20MPH winds, much less than last Saturday morning's 29MPH.
SATURDAY MORNING SESSION
SLIDE NUMBER
1
OF
6
Look at all those tour buses filled with spectators at 5:50AM.
SLIDE NUMBER
2
OF
6
This food vendor consistently has the longest lines every morning.
SLIDE NUMBER
3
OF
6
The Dawn Patrol was not permitted to fly so they held a Morning Glow Session instead.
SLIDE NUMBER
4
OF
6
Imagine arriving in those tour buses just to find out nothing is happening this morning.
SLIDE NUMBER
5
OF
6
It wasn't long before the ground winds forced the ballons to deflate for safety reasons.
SLIDE NUMBER
6
OF
6
Here is a timelapse of this mornings activites without any flights.
One good thing did happen today however. We got ROVER back!
When we purchased ROVER back in 2018 I elected to purchase an extended warranty that covered us pretty much bumper to bumper up to 100,000 miles.
When we reached 100,000 miles back in October of 2023, nearly 2-years ago, I shopped for another extended warranty that would cover us even further down the road. FORD offered me another 3-year or 60,000 mile drivetrain warranty for almost $200 a month.
Up until just today I sometimes second guessed my decision to buy that warranty. Well today it paid for itself!
With all the work ROVER needed the warranty covered $7100 of the bill. Oddly enough my share of the bill was also $7100, but I asked for lots of items that are considered maintenance (not covered by the warranty), like brakes, belts and hoses to be replaced.
With this last round of repairs and maintenance we're hoping to travel trouble free for the next 5-years. Except for new shocks, struts and tires in January. Oh yeah, THE POD will be getting new tires too!
SATURDAY EVENING SESSION
SLIDE NUMBER
1
OF
3
The cloud cover over the Sandia Mountains to the east of our RV Lot at sunset.
SLIDE NUMBER
2
OF
3
Looking to the west from the RV Lot doesn't look very balloon friendly either.
SLIDE NUMBER
3
OF
3
Even though the balloon events were cancelled for the night, it didn't stop the Drone Show or the Fireworks Display from happening.
At 8:00PM Tricia and I were both sitting inside THE POD when the first of the fireworks explosions occured right over our heads. It was quite startling when we weren't expecting it!
SUNDAY - Today is the final day of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
There is only the morning session today and then tomorrow morning we are out of here, heading back up the road just 12-miles to the little city park campground where we stayed before coming down to the Fiesta.
As the forecast predicted, it was too windy for the balloons to fly today, but the Dawn Patrol did inflate and stay tethered to the ground.
SUNDAY MORNING SESSION
SLIDE NUMBER
1
OF
2
The grounded Dawn Patrol was all there was to see this morning.
SLIDE NUMBER
2
OF
2
Would we attend this Balloon Fiesta again? The short answer is YES! Would we again stay the entire 14-days including early arrival? Probably not! Would we stay the entire 9-days of the "Official Fiesta" dates? More than likely.
An explanation for the last answer would have to include the fact that our RV parking lot was only half full and then filled up very quickly on Thursday with people that were here to observe only the last 4-days of the festival.
During that 4-day time frame almost half of the balloon sessions were cancelled and others were changed to "no fly" events. So if you came to see balloons in the air, your experience was probably less than satisfying. If you came to see balloons inflated on the ground, then you may have gotton your money's worth of entertainment.
So yes, we would more than likely attend for the full 9-days of the Fiesta.
As luck would have it, Tricia has decided to include all the photos she likes that I didn't select to share with you all.
We'll just have to wait and see how many awesome photos I missed!
So without further adieu, here are Tricia's favorite photos from our Balloon Fiesta Experience that otherwise you wouldn't have seen.
TRICIA'S FAVORITES THAT I SOMEHOW MISSED
SLIDE NUMBER
1
OF
54
Yes, that is a full size commercial jet. Perspective makes all the difference!
SLIDE NUMBER
2
OF
54
Getting ready for Dawn Patrol, it's just magic when the balloons glow in the dark.
SLIDE NUMBER
3
OF
54
There was a chainsaw wood carver doing demonstrations and sales. Love the dragonfly!
SLIDE NUMBER
4
OF
54
Most of the baskets were squares or maybe rectangles. So this triangle caught my eye.
SLIDE NUMBER
5
OF
54
Usually Dawn Patrol went up one at a time. This morning all 6 took off at once. So cool!
SLIDE NUMBER
6
OF
54
The mountains to the east delays sunrise, making the highest balloons catch the sunlight first.
SLIDE NUMBER
7
OF
54
A closer look at the balloons catching the sunrise first.
SLIDE NUMBER
8
OF
54
And if you are at just the right angle, the sun makes the balloons glow. Love it!
SLIDE NUMBER
9
OF
54
SLIDE NUMBER
10
OF
54
We made a friends with a professional photographer who pointed this shot out to me.
SLIDE NUMBER
11
OF
54
More sun glow.
SLIDE NUMBER
12
OF
54
Now the sun is above the mountains and we need just a little more height.
SLIDE NUMBER
13
OF
54
There we go, the sun is all the way up. So many rainbow balloons.
SLIDE NUMBER
14
OF
54
How could I not love this one?
SLIDE NUMBER
15
OF
54
Does the alien jump out at you too?
SLIDE NUMBER
16
OF
54
How about now?
SLIDE NUMBER
17
OF
54
SLIDE NUMBER
18
OF
54
SLIDE NUMBER
19
OF
54
SLIDE NUMBER
20
OF
54
Oh, another triangle basket.
SLIDE NUMBER
21
OF
54
This design I just loved. It's like it was designed to be viewed from straight below.
SLIDE NUMBER
22
OF
54
Very controlled chaos on the field. Light and shadow.
SLIDE NUMBER
23
OF
54
Baskets waiting to go.
SLIDE NUMBER
24
OF
54
Everywhere you look there are balloons, near and far.
SLIDE NUMBER
25
OF
54
The shaded one looks highest, but the non-sunlit shade alone tells you it's the lowest.
SLIDE NUMBER
26
OF
54
SLIDE NUMBER
27
OF
54
SLIDE NUMBER
28
OF
54
Many of the balloons were built with blocks of color, these types really caught my eye.
SLIDE NUMBER
29
OF
54
"The Final Word" on the balloon field. Green is go, yellow is hold, red is no fly.
SLIDE NUMBER
30
OF
54
SLIDE NUMBER
31
OF
54
Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo! Did you read it or sing it?
SLIDE NUMBER
32
OF
54
SLIDE NUMBER
33
OF
54
It's crazy how some are illuminated by the sun and some are not.
SLIDE NUMBER
34
OF
54
SLIDE NUMBER
35
OF
54
Oooo, my colors!
SLIDE NUMBER
36
OF
54
Unlike the one Phil posted, this one has many illuminated balloons behind the haloed one.
SLIDE NUMBER
37
OF
54
SLIDE NUMBER
38
OF
54
This one landed at the back of our campground AND it's one of the fun designs.
SLIDE NUMBER
39
OF
54
Generally the balloons go west, but today they go east to the mountains and sunrise.
SLIDE NUMBER
40
OF
54
The clouds created their own drama, and sometimes a spotlight.
SLIDE NUMBER
41
OF
54
Like here, a spotlight off in the distance.
SLIDE NUMBER
42
OF
54
With a very light wind this morning, the balloons hung around for what felt like hours.
SLIDE NUMBER
43
OF
54
SLIDE NUMBER
44
OF
54
Blue sky is great, but clouds are more interesting.
SLIDE NUMBER
45
OF
54
SLIDE NUMBER
46
OF
54
SLIDE NUMBER
47
OF
54
See, only one balloon catches the spotlight through the clouds.
SLIDE NUMBER
48
OF
54
SLIDE NUMBER
49
OF
54
Great sunrise!
SLIDE NUMBER
50
OF
54
Spotlight again.
SLIDE NUMBER
51
OF
54
Let me in! OK, it's just the crew securing the top vent to hold in the air.
SLIDE NUMBER
52
OF
54
This is on the bottom of one of the baskets and it just makes me smile.
SLIDE NUMBER
53
OF
54
This VW bus is so cool, the lights stay on whether the propane burner is going or not.
SLIDE NUMBER
54
OF
54
And yes, one last sloth photo! Fully glowing from the propane burner. How can you not smile?
To be honest several of the photos that I selected Phil already had in the post. I am intrigued by the play of light on the balloons (propane burner or sunlight or reflection from the clouds), it all drew my attention. So many of the following photos I love for the play of light. I also threw in a few that just tickled my funny bone, or was less of a WOW factor of this event.
I hope I don't bore you! -Tricia-
Looking for our Visited States Map and Data? How about our State by State Bucket Lists or Visited Campgrounds List? If so, click on the sign below to be taken to our other website.
Every morning begins at 5:45AM when the winds are generally the calmest.
By 9:00AM the balloons are back on the ground and being transported back to the field.
The Dawn Partol lifts off at 6:00AM sharp each morning to check the winds at all levels.
Once the "green flag" is raised on the field the balloons are permitted to inflate.
By 6:45AM several of the balloons were awaited permission to launch.
This row of Rainbow Ryders balloons are usually the first to launch carrying paying guests.
Soon after you'll see balloons of all shapes, sizes and colors in the air.
These Rainbow Ryders look like they're well on their way to an unforgetable ride.
I included this photo simply because I liked the different shades of blue.
What color is the sky? In Albuquerque during October it's not just blue!
This is why we came to Albuquerque!
Everybody loves Tinkerbell.
Now that's one colorful balloon!
This is what a peacock would look like if it were a hot air balloon.
We haven't seen this "Hillbilly Dog" balloon around this weekend...
...but it looks like his paw prints are all over this balloon.
More colors in the sky!
These were the first two to attempt dropping their beanbag into the boat.
I don't think either one of them were successful in landing their beanbag in the boat.
No 5:45AM photos today, but this one is from 6:15AM.
There goes the Dawn Patrol making sure it's safe for everyone else to fly today.
Today this red balloon had the honors of hoisting the American Flag for the National Anthem.
After the anthem it was time to load up all those paying customers into the balloons.
Notice how the field has been cleared in front of the balloon?
Here is Winston with his camera, gimble and HD video glasses, filming the ballon launches.
The man does like his toys and I almost missed seeing him from the opposite side of the street.
I guess today too is a day "When Pigs Fly".
No special effects here, that's just the sun rising over the Sandia Mountains to our east.
This is my favorite photo of the day.
The Hammerhead Shark looks wide eyed (not bushy tailed) while Yoda looks like he's still asleep.
The Brazilian's King Capybara balloon is finally in the air.
These easy to maneuver egg shaped balloons are used for racing and stunts.
Hey! Yoda is finally wide eyed and awake. Welcome to the parade!
Chalmers Ford sponsors a balloon, that's where ROVER has been since we got here.
I'll bet this guy said, BASKET? I don't need no stinkin basket!
He's displaying another level of confidence in the sport of balloon piloting.
Tricia found a new vantage spot to photograph from this morning.
Before the sun rises it's a little bit too far away to shoot zoomed in with her cellphone...
..., but with no zoom, it does capture the scene quite well in the dim light.
It's now 7:00AM and time to get this show in the air (not on the road)!
The "Smiling Hammerhead Shark" balloon flew right over Tricia's new photography perch.
This "Spiderman Pig" balloon is one we haven't seen here before now.
The "Darth Vader" balloon is unable to fly this year, but is still a crowd favorite.
This is the overview from the VIP East RV Lot, not bad huh?
The view from the VIP North RV Lot isn't too bad either.
The "Duke City Cement Truck" balloon had the honors of raising the flag today.
The colors of this balloon are just stunning!
Once all the normal shaped balloons had left the field the "Special Shapes Rodeo" began.
Some, but not all, of the Special Shapes were able to fly this morning.
Tricia must have taken 30 photos of this Sloth balloon.
I've only shared three of them with you.
This balloon brought the "beach vibe" to landlocked New Mexico.
I lied, here's a fourth photo of the Sloth, peacefully flying through the air.
Notice all the school busses that bring people in from Park-N-Ride lots all over town.
All of the balloons in the next few slides are all "new to us" sightings.
This is Tricia's new favorite balloon...
...and it's all thanks to the little green turtle on top.
I wonder what these two are whispering about?
Now there's a Zebra (official) who really takes her job seriously.
As cute as this pig balloon is from the front...
...he's even cuter from the rear with his curly tail and ear of corn.
I believe this is a young bull balloon. I wonder who he's courting with that flower?
Still haven't figured this one out. Is he "sushing" me?
Now this balloon is definitely "two faced".
Which one of these objects is the highest in the sky? It's the moon of course!
How appropriate, Elvis hanging out with the Friendly Ghost.
Halloween is coming up soon at the end of the month!
Looks like the Friendly Ghost is flying away and leaving Elvis behind.
The flames from the large propane burners make for some interesting photos.
I don't know why this fish looks like he's dancing, even though he has no legs!
If Mickey keeps heading in that direction he'll go right passed DisneyWorld in Florida.
A moose, an elephant and a barn full of animals.
The backside of a peacock and Tricia's favorite.
Why am I craving watermelon again?
Are these two headed off somewhere for another private conversation?
There are 3 of these bees here, I wonder where the other one went?
King Capybara and Humpty Dumpty facing away from the camera and a Snokeling Seahorse.
He looks more like a seahorse from this angle.
YEP, that's definitely Humpty Dumpty. 
I'm not sure if this moose is fully inflated or not.
Here's the Snorkeling Duck. He ought to buddy up with the Snorkeling Seahorse.
I kind of feel like the Red, White & Blue Guy in the middle.
The Tasmanian Devil has arrived. I hope he doesn't create too much mischief.
It seems the "Special Shapes Days" are always the most crowded.
Every evening session begins at 5:00PM with the skydivers dropping in with the flag.
This is the only balloon with what could be perceived as a pouty face...
SORRY, one more picture of the sloth balloon.
Look at all those tour buses filled with spectators at 5:50AM.
This food vendor consistently has the longest lines every morning.
Imagine arriving in those tour buses just to find out nothing is happening this morning.
It wasn't long before the ground winds forced the ballons to deflate for safety reasons.
The cloud cover over the Sandia Mountains to the east of our RV Lot at sunset.
Looking to the west from the RV Lot doesn't look very balloon friendly either.
The grounded Dawn Patrol was all there was to see this morning.
Yes, that is a full size commercial jet. Perspective makes all the difference!
Getting ready for Dawn Patrol, it's just magic when the balloons glow in the dark.
There was a chainsaw wood carver doing demonstrations and sales. Love the dragonfly!
Most of the baskets were squares or maybe rectangles. So this triangle caught my eye.
Usually Dawn Patrol went up one at a time. This morning all 6 took off at once. So cool!
The mountains to the east delays sunrise, making the highest balloons catch the sunlight first.
A closer look at the balloons catching the sunrise first.
And if you are at just the right angle, the sun makes the balloons glow. Love it!
We made a friends with a professional photographer who pointed this shot out to me.
More sun glow.
Now the sun is above the mountains and we need just a little more height.
There we go, the sun is all the way up. So many rainbow balloons.
How could I not love this one?
Does the alien jump out at you too?
How about now?
Oh, another triangle basket.
This design I just loved. It's like it was designed to be viewed from straight below.
Very controlled chaos on the field. Light and shadow.
Baskets waiting to go.
Everywhere you look there are balloons, near and far.
The shaded one looks highest, but the non-sunlit shade alone tells you it's the lowest.
Many of the balloons were built with blocks of color, these types really caught my eye.
"The Final Word" on the balloon field. Green is go, yellow is hold, red is no fly.
Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo! Did you read it or sing it?
It's crazy how some are illuminated by the sun and some are not.
Oooo, my colors!
Unlike the one Phil posted, this one has many illuminated balloons behind the haloed one.
This one landed at the back of our campground AND it's one of the fun designs.
Generally the balloons go west, but today they go east to the mountains and sunrise.
The clouds created their own drama, and sometimes a spotlight.
Like here, a spotlight off in the distance.
With a very light wind this morning, the balloons hung around for what felt like hours.
Blue sky is great, but clouds are more interesting.
See, only one balloon catches the spotlight through the clouds.
Great sunrise!
Spotlight again.
Let me in! OK, it's just the crew securing the top vent to hold in the air.
This is on the bottom of one of the baskets and it just makes me smile.
This VW bus is so cool, the lights stay on whether the propane burner is going or not.
And yes, one last sloth photo! Fully glowing from the propane burner. How can you not smile?
