MONDAY - We arrived at the Balloon Fiesta Field all together. That means that the whole time we're here we will be parked right next to each other.
On the way to the Fiesta we even managed to pickup our fourth and final member of the caravan at the KOA Campground in town. They are Mike and Sue, friends of John and Katherine.
At 8:15AM and still 12-miles north of the Balloon Field, we could see several ballons in the air.
When we arrived at the Balloon Field we weren't the first ones in line this morning, actually there was no line at all, we drove straight in with no waiting. We were early enough to be placed on the end of the front row in the North VIP RV Lot.
Tricia and I, plus Winston and VerJean, will be here for 14-days. The Festival is 9-days long starting on Saturday, but we're here 5-days early to have time to sightsee around the town of Albuquerque. John and the others will be leaving at the end of 10-days to get back home, because some of them have to get back to work. After 10-days of watching balloons float by in the air, I think they'll definitely have had their fill.
Around 2:00PM Winston and I took ROVER over to the FORD Dealership to get his oil and coolant leaks repaired, then called Enterprise Rent-A-Car to come pick us up.
While we were out, we got several text messages from various members of our party with grocery orders. With Mike and Sue providing dinner tonight, Tricia and I offered to cook up a big batch of my Chipolte Chicken Corn Chowder for tomorrow's dinner, along with two pans of cornbread. I hope everyone likes it!
Mike and Sue treated all eight of us to a delicious dinner of grilled BBQ chicken on skewers and a wide variety of salad fixin's to go with them.
While the meal was being prepared I happened to look skywards and saw these odd looking clouds around sunset.
TUESDAY - This morning we all left the Fiesta Grounds at 9:00AM and drove across town to the Petroglyph National Monument Visitor Center.
It was there we learned that all the petroglyph viewing trails were scattered all around town and none were at the Visitor Center itself, that's something new?
Anyway, we hopped back in our cars and drove back through town to the Piedras Maracadas Canyon Trailhead. It was here that we hiked a little less than 1.5-miles to see the petroglyphs.
PETROGLYPH NATIONAL MONUMENT AT THE PIEDRAS MARCADAS CANYON TRAIL
SLIDE NUMBER
1
OF
35
On the short little Nature Trail behind the Visitor Center Tricia spotted this roadrunner doing what roadrunners do, foraging for food.
SLIDE NUMBER
2
OF
35
All right, one giant green worm down! Where's the next one?
SLIDE NUMBER
3
OF
35
There he is! Down the hatch!
SLIDE NUMBER
4
OF
35
That was a pretty satisfying lunch.
SLIDE NUMBER
5
OF
35
Here, take a good look at my iconic beautiful crest and tailfeathers. BTW - Even though I'm known for being able to run 20 MPH, I can still fly when I want to.
SLIDE NUMBER
6
OF
35
Take notice that the trailhead is on the edge of a residential area. Actually there is a Valvoline Oil Change location adjacent to the parking lot.
SLIDE NUMBER
7
OF
35
This sundial looking petroglyph was the first one we spotted along the trail.
SLIDE NUMBER
8
OF
35
Directly above the sundial was a roadrunner looking petroglyph.
SLIDE NUMBER
9
OF
35
Rather than share what we all thought the petroglyphs represent, I'll leave you to interpret them for yourselves. There are no wrong answers!
SLIDE NUMBER
10
OF
35
Like this one, is that a headress on their head?
SLIDE NUMBER
11
OF
35
SLIDE NUMBER
12
OF
35
It wasn't just petroglyphs we were seeing along the trail.
SLIDE NUMBER
13
OF
35
There were plenty of birds and chipmunks to distract our attention.
SLIDE NUMBER
14
OF
35
The sky was so blue! No, there is no photoshop work applied to this photo.
SLIDE NUMBER
15
OF
35
We were so busy searching for petroglyphs in the rocks we almost missed the wildflowers.
SLIDE NUMBER
16
OF
35
SLIDE NUMBER
17
OF
35
SLIDE NUMBER
18
OF
35
That top petroglyph is definitely a roadrunner on top of a rock.
SLIDE NUMBER
19
OF
35
Finding the petroglyphs among all the rocks got easier as we learned where to look.
SLIDE NUMBER
20
OF
35
SLIDE NUMBER
21
OF
35
SLIDE NUMBER
22
OF
35
SLIDE NUMBER
23
OF
35
SLIDE NUMBER
24
OF
35
SLIDE NUMBER
25
OF
35
SLIDE NUMBER
26
OF
35
SLIDE NUMBER
27
OF
35
SLIDE NUMBER
28
OF
35
SLIDE NUMBER
29
OF
35
SLIDE NUMBER
30
OF
35
I liked how the one petroglyph went up one side of the rock and then down the other side.
SLIDE NUMBER
31
OF
35
Like I said, it's not just petroglyphs we spotted.
SLIDE NUMBER
32
OF
35
There's no way those are "life sized" tracings of peoples hands.
SLIDE NUMBER
33
OF
35
Horses weren't introduced to the mainland United States until 1519, so that makes this one of the newer 300-700 year old petroglyphs.
SLIDE NUMBER
34
OF
35
SLIDE NUMBER
35
OF
35
It's getting hot out here in the New Mexico dessert, let's get out of here!
After we finished our hike where we searched for petroglyphs we had one more sightseeing activity planned for the day.
The Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum, which is located on the opposite side of the launch field from where our campers are parked, introduces people to the history and achievements in hot air ballooning.
We spent about an hour walking around the museum and reading all the exhibit information before climbing the stairs to the second floor where a wall of glass gives an excellent view of the launch field.
For several hundred dollars a piece we could watch one of the morning or afternoon balloon sessions from the comfort of their outdoor balcony above the launch field OR we can go down right onto the field with the $15 entrance tickets that came FREE with our RV reservation.
Here's Tricia and VerJean having fun in "the kids section" of the museum.
One of the many "high tech" balloon baskets that has taken people around the world.
The unobstructed view of the launch field from the second floor balcony.
Way on the far side of the field are our three Airstreams and Winston's self-built RV van.
Here's a little bit closer look.
WEDNESDAY - VerJean, Tricia and I took the day off from sightseeing while the rest of the gang did another hike in the Petroglyph National Monument.
While VerJean and Tricia used their free time to knit, I started to tackle the chore of preparing this blogpost up until this point.
Remember I said we were arriving 5-days before the Fiesta "officially" begins to do some sightseeing around Albuquerque? While that is true, it doesn't mean there are no ballons to be seen. As a matter of fact, each morning around 7:00AM there are quite a few balloons in the air filled with people who have paid to get a ride out over the city.
On Monday when we were still 12-miles from the launch field we saw a half dozen or so balloons in the air, on Tuesday that number climbed to at least a full dozen and today, Wednesday that number is closer to two dozen. I expect that number will continue to climb until Saturday when the event starts and there won't be room enough in the sky for the joyriders.
Don't worry! Those balloons are well above the power lines.
We've seen a lot of the yellow balloons with the red and blue stripes on them. It is a national company that gives balloon rides all year long here in multiple states.
Here's one of the Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloons over THE POD now!
THURSDAY - After a down day to relax and rejuvenate we are once again off to do some sightseeing.
On the agenda today is to get the gang together and go out to lunch. Not just any lunch, this one will be at 10,300' on the top of the Sandia Mountains.
In order to arrive at the TEN3 Restaurant we'll have to endure the 2.7-mile, 15-minute ride, on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. At times during the ride you are suspended 1000' over the valley floor below, which as you'll see makes for some spectacular photos.
Before we get to the Tramway and lunch, here are a few of this morning's balloon sightings.
There's a lot of activity on the field at 6:45AM. That's the Balloon Museum in the background.
For a mere $575 you too can get an early morning 30-45 minute ride with the Rainbow Ryders.
This photo shows just how large these balloons are and these are "standard" sized balloons.
One of the last balloons in the air at 8:15AM was the Chick-fil-A sponsored balloon.
SANDIA PEAK AERIAL TRAMWAY
SLIDE NUMBER
1
OF
25
Here comes our transportation to the top, we'll be leaving soon.
SLIDE NUMBER
2
OF
25
It didn't take long to load up and be on our way.
SLIDE NUMBER
3
OF
25
At the blinding speed of 14MPH we quickly left the parking lot behind.
SLIDE NUMBER
4
OF
25
11-seconds later this was the view of the parking lot.
SLIDE NUMBER
5
OF
25
We made it passed the first tower with little more than a shimmy to the left.
SLIDE NUMBER
6
OF
25
4-minutes into the ride the entire town of Albuquerque was in view.
SLIDE NUMBER
7
OF
25
Tricia zoomed into this view of the Balloon Fiesta Launch Field.
SLIDE NUMBER
8
OF
25
When we passed the second tower we lost our view of Albuquerque behind a ridge.
SLIDE NUMBER
9
OF
25
When the two gondolas pass each other it means you're exactly halfway through the ride.
SLIDE NUMBER
10
OF
25
It is at this point that the gondola is suspended 1000' over the valley below.
SLIDE NUMBER
11
OF
25
These are called the Sandia Mountains because "sandia" in spanish translates to watermelon. They sure do take on a watermelon color when the sun is shining directly on them.
SLIDE NUMBER
12
OF
25
High up on a ridge is a stone house used during the 2-year construction of the tramway.
SLIDE NUMBER
13
OF
25
This photo shows the enormous solar panels located outside of Albuquerque.
SLIDE NUMBER
14
OF
25
We are almost to the top now!
SLIDE NUMBER
15
OF
25
Another zoomed in photo of the Balloon Fiesta Launch Field 5300' below us.
SLIDE NUMBER
16
OF
25
There goes our tramcar taking people back down to the bottom.
SLIDE NUMBER
17
OF
25
This is all that's left of the original ski lift used to bring people up the east side.
SLIDE NUMBER
18
OF
25
This is the current east side ski lift used every winter.
SLIDE NUMBER
19
OF
25
The east side of the Sandia's is much less populated than the west.
SLIDE NUMBER
20
OF
25
The Sandia Mountains are right in the middle of the Cibola National Forest.
SLIDE NUMBER
21
OF
25
We didn't take photos of our lunch, but it was delicious. It's now time to load up for our return to the bottom of the mountain.
SLIDE NUMBER
22
OF
25
Just like that we were off and leaving the upper gondola station.
SLIDE NUMBER
23
OF
25
Most of the trees were showing their fall colors.
SLIDE NUMBER
24
OF
25
While we were at the top everyone except VerJean, Tricia and I hiked the 2-mile round trip trail over to the stone house and back. We ate lunch while they hiked!
SLIDE NUMBER
25
OF
25
You know what this means. We're halfway to the bottom!
FRIDAY - Today is another down day to get prepared for the non-stop Balloon Fiesta schedule of events that begins tomorrow at 5:45AM sharp! The activities don't end until 8:30PM each day on the weekends.
During the week (Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday) the activities come to an end at noon-time, so we'll have a few days to recover for the final weekend.
🎈 🎈 🎈 Let the festivities begin! 🎈 🎈 🎈
SATURDAY - This morning the gates to the field opened at 4:30AM.
That was a little too early to get our group together, so we waited until 5:30AM to enter. The first event isn't until 5:45AM so we should be in position to watch by then.
We all basically made it in the gate together, but then each person had their own idea about what to do next, which is OK, so we didn't stay all together as a group for very long.
Even Tricia and I split up about a half hour later after purchasing myself a Balloon Fiesta hat in the souvenier building, but we then managed to reconnect about an hour later. To each their own is what I say.
The entire session only lasts about 2-1/2 hours and we've all agreed to meet back up at the trailers after it's over.
No balloons were permitted to leave the ground this morning. My weather station back at THE POD had registered a 29MPH gust sometime before lunch. I think anything over 10MPH will keep the balloons grounded and 20MPH will not even permit them to inflate.
SATURDAY MORNING SESSION
SLIDE NUMBER
1
OF
29
At 5:40AM there was a lot of activity on the balloon field.
SLIDE NUMBER
2
OF
29
At 6:00AM the 10-balloons of the Dawn Patrol inflated and prepared to launch to check out the actual wind conditions found "on and above" the launch field.
SLIDE NUMBER
3
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
4
OF
29
It was pretty exciting being down of the field and watching from close up.
SLIDE NUMBER
5
OF
29
This is the moment when the Dawn Patrol usually launches and when they didn't, we quickly realized that there would be no balloons in the air today.
SLIDE NUMBER
6
OF
29
At 7:00AM we had the "Opening Ceremonies", including a flyover by a squadron of planes.
SLIDE NUMBER
7
OF
29
All the burners lighting up the morning skies was a complete surprise to us.
SLIDE NUMBER
8
OF
29
It was reported that 500' above the field was experiencing 50MPH winds.
SLIDE NUMBER
9
OF
29
Even if the balloons couldn't fly doesn't mean they can't inflate and show off their colors.
SLIDE NUMBER
10
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
11
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
12
OF
29
We began seeing some of the "Special Shapes" balloons the Fiesta is known for.
SLIDE NUMBER
13
OF
29
I'm sure you all recognize Yoda. Darth Vader wouldn't spin around to give us a look.
SLIDE NUMBER
14
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
15
OF
29
Here's everybodies favorite bear, Smokey the Bear.
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
By 8:00AM is was getting too windy to safely leave the balloons inflated on the field. This was one of the first to deflate and all the others soon followed.
SLIDE NUMBER
22
OF
29
With today being a "NO FLY" day it reinforced our decision to spend 14-days here to experience what is essentially a 3-day event schedule that repeats itself.
SLIDE NUMBER
23
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
24
OF
29
I guess we'll have to wait because today is NOT the day when pigs fly.
SLIDE NUMBER
25
OF
29
The winds were really playing havoc with this balloon.
SLIDE NUMBER
26
OF
29
Even Frankenstein seems to be tetering a little bit.
SLIDE NUMBER
27
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
28
OF
29
SLIDE NUMBER
29
OF
29
Look who Tricia spotted out in the crowd. Left to right we have John and Katherine with their daughter Elisabeth, followed by our new friends Sue and Mike.
In between sessions we had the Albuquerque Mounted Police passed by the front of our campsite.
No surprise, but most of the activities for the Saturday Evening Session were cancelled too.
The balloons don't fly at night, but they do perform what they call a Twilight Twinkle Glow where they inflate and stay tethered tight to the ground. It was too windy to do even that.
They did manage to pull off the Drone Light Show at 7:45PM and entertained us with a fireworks show at 8:00PM, which we watched from the comfort of our dinette. The fireworks show is performed basically directly overhead of the North VIP RV Lot where we are staying. IT WAS LOUD!
SORRY! No photos of either event, but don't worry, there will be another one tommorow night.
SUNDAY - This morning the weather is perfect for a balloon fiesta!
Officially the fiesta lasts for nine days, including two weekends. If the weather is poor they don't fly the balloons, as we saw, or didn't see, yesterday. That is the reason we decided to attend the entire 9-day fiesta so we could maximize our chances of experiencing the entire show.
The first days of the fiesta are Saturday and Sunday and includes day and evening sessions. Monday through Wednesday they only have the daytime sessions and then on Thursday they begin the two sessions a day again through Saturday night. On the final Sunday, it's just the daytime again and on Monday everyone has to vacate the premises.
Basically we've just begun experiencing the Balloon Fiesta, but as you can see we have many photos to share. For that reason I'm planning to post this blog on Monday and save the rest of the fiesta for a Week #2 post to follow this one.
Now it's time to finally see a few hundred balloons in the air!
SUNDAY MORNING SESSION
SLIDE NUMBER
1
OF
99
The balloon launch field was pretty quiet at 4:15AM.
SLIDE NUMBER
2
OF
99
By 6:00AM the Dawn Patrol was well underway towards being ready for their show.
SLIDE NUMBER
3
OF
99
At 6:15AM all 10-ballons were fully inflated at ready to go.
SLIDE NUMBER
4
OF
99
This is called the "Morning Glow".
SLIDE NUMBER
5
OF
99
The first balloons of the 2025 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta are in the air.
SLIDE NUMBER
6
OF
99
As spectacular as this was it was nothing compared to what was to come.
SLIDE NUMBER
7
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
8
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
9
OF
99
At 6:40AM the Dawn Patrol reported back with favorable conditions to fly and soon after the others were airborn too.
SLIDE NUMBER
10
OF
99
By 7:00AM the field looked like it was in utter chaos, when if fact it was being carefully orchestrated by a team of officials.
SLIDE NUMBER
11
OF
99
Soon the balloons were leaving the ground 1-2-3 and 4 at a time.
SLIDE NUMBER
12
OF
99
Row after row the balloons were inflating and waiting their turn to lift off.
SLIDE NUMBER
13
OF
99
At 7:00AM we once again stood for the singing of the National Anthem.
SLIDE NUMBER
14
OF
99
At the conclusion of the National Anthem we once again got all the burners flaming.
SLIDE NUMBER
15
OF
99
Afterwards everything starting happening fast all over the field.
SLIDE NUMBER
16
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
17
OF
99
Look at the size of that balloon! Is that thing really going to fly?
SLIDE NUMBER
18
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
19
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
20
OF
99
I'm not going to caption most of the following photos, just enjoy them!
SLIDE NUMBER
21
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
22
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
23
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
24
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
25
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
26
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
27
OF
99
Exxon/Mobil is the #1 premier corporate sponsor of this years Balloon Fiesta.
SLIDE NUMBER
28
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
29
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
30
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
31
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
32
OF
99
Is that a brain balloon?
SLIDE NUMBER
33
OF
99
Look! Today is the day "when pigs fly"!
SLIDE NUMBER
34
OF
99
They did get that monster sized cow balloon into the air.
SLIDE NUMBER
35
OF
99
Is that Humpty Dumpty?
SLIDE NUMBER
36
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
37
OF
99
The pig balloon even comes with a cute curly tail.
SLIDE NUMBER
38
OF
99
This guy is piloting the brain ballon over our heads.
SLIDE NUMBER
39
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
40
OF
99
This alien has a friendly smile. We're not that far away from Roswell, NM afterall.
SLIDE NUMBER
41
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
42
OF
99
Word on the street is that 🐷Hamlet, the pig balloon is "up for sale" after this event.
SLIDE NUMBER
43
OF
99
Here is the pilot basket under the cow balloon.
SLIDE NUMBER
44
OF
99
Most of the balloons this morning drifted north right over the place we were watching from.
SLIDE NUMBER
45
OF
99
I just can't get enough of this balloon, I wonder how much he will sell for?
SLIDE NUMBER
46
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
47
OF
99
This pest control business's balloon is infested with spiders.
SLIDE NUMBER
48
OF
99
This popular balloon is recognizable even from the rear.
SLIDE NUMBER
49
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
50
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
51
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
52
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
53
OF
99
Tricia got this photo of Yoda as he flew over our heads.
SLIDE NUMBER
54
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
55
OF
99
The "King Capybara" balloon is from Brazil, making this the international event it is.
SLIDE NUMBER
56
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
57
OF
99
We saw this "dinosaur hatching balloon" in New York last summer, unless there's two of them.
SLIDE NUMBER
58
OF
99
A 360° view of where we watched this morning's activities from on top of a berm. The guy shielding his eyes from the sun is Aaron, a professional photographer we just met. He went to the same High School I did in Fort Lauderdale, albeit 18-years later.
SLIDE NUMBER
59
OF
99
Yes the dinosaur's tail has already broken out of the shell.
SLIDE NUMBER
60
OF
99
Could that be Dracula?
SLIDE NUMBER
61
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
62
OF
99
Yes there are a lot of balloons, but that doesn't even compare to the number of spectators.
SLIDE NUMBER
63
OF
99
Let's see, we've got a wolf, three penguins and a goofy looking mouse. Wait just a minute, penguins can't fly, can they?
SLIDE NUMBER
64
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
65
OF
99
This is the "Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon" balloon
SLIDE NUMBER
66
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
67
OF
99
Who is that shifty looking guy hiding in the middle of all those balloons?
SLIDE NUMBER
68
OF
99
This dinosaur balloon even has padded feet.
SLIDE NUMBER
69
OF
99
How cute! An elephant and a teddy bear in a passionate embrace.
SLIDE NUMBER
70
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
71
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
72
OF
99
Another goofy faced balloon, this one is an elephant.
SLIDE NUMBER
73
OF
99
Here's what Smokey the Bear looks like from the back side, he never spun around for us.
SLIDE NUMBER
74
OF
99
Another goofy faced balloon, this one is a frog.
SLIDE NUMBER
75
OF
99
This is what it looked like behind where we were sitting. This is the same lot we're parked in, only we're on the far right of the lot.
SLIDE NUMBER
76
OF
99
Now that's one "foxy" looking balloon.
SLIDE NUMBER
77
OF
99
A goofy faced Hammerhead Shark balloon.
SLIDE NUMBER
78
OF
99
Another people photo. I'd say the estimated attendance of 80,000 is about right.
SLIDE NUMBER
79
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
80
OF
99
Looks like Frankenstein made it safely up into the air.
SLIDE NUMBER
81
OF
99
There's that goofy frog again.
SLIDE NUMBER
82
OF
99
How about a snorkeling duck
SLIDE NUMBER
83
OF
99
The crowd just keeps coming towards us. It's starting to get a little bit scary.
SLIDE NUMBER
84
OF
99
Here's an indian balloon sporting his New Mexico colors.
SLIDE NUMBER
85
OF
99
I think that might actually be a good guy, Zoro?
SLIDE NUMBER
86
OF
99
This "Sugar Skull" balloon matches a set of Tricia's pajamas.
SLIDE NUMBER
87
OF
99
I guess penguins do fly, at least in New Mexico they do!
SLIDE NUMBER
88
OF
99
These three guys are still waiting their turn to fly.
SLIDE NUMBER
89
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
90
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
91
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
92
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
93
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
94
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
95
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
96
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
97
OF
99
SLIDE NUMBER
98
OF
99
That's not an optical illusion. It's a mini sized remote controlled balloon.
SLIDE NUMBER
99
OF
99
These 1/10-scale mini balloons are all remote controlled.
Like all Fiesta Days where there are day and night sessions there is a 5-hour recess between sessions. That's plenty of time to grab a lunch, take a nap and then review all the photos and videos you just took.
Well normally you'd have enough time to review all the photos and videos, but Tricia took over 600 photos and 25 short videos. Five hours is not nearly enough time to review all of those.
SUNDAY EVENING SESSION
SLIDE NUMBER
1
OF
18
Once again this is the calm before the storm at 5:00PM when the show starts.
SLIDE NUMBER
2
OF
18
This evenings session started with a Team Fastrax Skydiving demonstration.
SLIDE NUMBER
3
OF
18
That American Flag has got to be at least 100' wide.
SLIDE NUMBER
4
OF
18
Here are the Balloon Fiesta flag and the safety skydiver arriving on the ground.
SLIDE NUMBER
5
OF
18
Here comes the American Flag in for a perfect landing.
SLIDE NUMBER
6
OF
18
An hour later the field was once again filling with balloons.
SLIDE NUMBER
7
OF
18
Here is the nearly full supermoon rising over the Sandia Mountains to the east.
SLIDE NUMBER
8
OF
18
Tomorrow night at 11:30PM is the actual Full Super Harvest Moon's arrival.
SLIDE NUMBER
9
OF
18
Tricia always gets a craving when she spots the watermellon ballon in the crowd.
SLIDE NUMBER
10
OF
18
This is a sloooow motion video of what's called the Twilight Twinkle Glow.
SLIDE NUMBER
11
OF
18
Here's a second sloooow motion video because one is not enough.
SLIDE NUMBER
12
OF
18
How about a third sloooow motion video?
SLIDE NUMBER
13
OF
18
OK, back to real time speed for this one!
SLIDE NUMBER
14
OF
18
We're here for another week, do you prefer the sloooow motion or real time videos?
SLIDE NUMBER
15
OF
18
Here's what it looks like when you catch the moment ALL the balloons are lit up.
SLIDE NUMBER
16
OF
18
SLIDE NUMBER
17
OF
18
The balloons already on the ground are the ones that prematurely ran out of propane.
SLIDE NUMBER
18
OF
18
The nearby Sandia Resort and Casino sponsors each of the daily Drone Light Shows using 500 computer piloted drones to create artwork in the sky.
Week #1 at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is now behind us, but we've got another entire week of sessions ahead of us over the next 7-days.
I hope we both survive this magnificent event!
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.
On the short little Nature Trail behind the Visitor Center Tricia spotted this
All right, one giant green worm down! Where's the next one?
There he is! Down the hatch!
That was a pretty satisfying lunch.
Here, take a good look at my iconic beautiful crest and tailfeathers.
Take notice that the trailhead is on the edge of a residential area.
This sundial looking petroglyph was the first one we spotted along the trail.
Directly above the sundial was a roadrunner looking petroglyph.
Rather than share what we all thought the petroglyphs represent,
Like this one, is that a headress on their head?
It wasn't just petroglyphs we were seeing along the trail.
There were plenty of birds and chipmunks to distract our attention.
The sky was so blue! No, there is no photoshop work applied to this photo.
We were so busy searching for petroglyphs in the rocks we almost missed the wildflowers.
That top petroglyph is definitely a roadrunner on top of a rock.
Finding the petroglyphs among all the rocks got easier as we learned where to look.
I liked how the one petroglyph went up one side of the rock and then down the other side.
Like I said, it's not just petroglyphs we spotted.
There's no way those are "life sized" tracings of peoples hands.
Horses weren't introduced to the mainland United States until 1519,
It's getting hot out here in the New Mexico dessert, let's get out of here!
Here comes our transportation to the top, we'll be leaving soon.
It didn't take long to load up and be on our way.
At the blinding speed of 14MPH we quickly left the parking lot behind.
11-seconds later this was the view of the parking lot.
We made it passed the first tower with little more than a shimmy to the left.
4-minutes into the ride the entire town of Albuquerque was in view.
Tricia zoomed into this view of the Balloon Fiesta Launch Field.
When we passed the second tower we lost our view of Albuquerque behind a ridge.
When the two gondolas pass each other it means you're exactly halfway through the ride.
It is at this point that the gondola is suspended 1000' over the valley below.
These are called the Sandia Mountains because "sandia" in spanish translates to watermelon.
High up on a ridge is a stone house used during the 2-year construction of the tramway.
This photo shows the enormous solar panels located outside of Albuquerque.
We are almost to the top now!
Another zoomed in photo of the Balloon Fiesta Launch Field 5300' below us.
There goes our tramcar taking people back down to the bottom.
This is all that's left of the original ski lift used to bring people up the east side.
This is the current east side ski lift used every winter.
The east side of the Sandia's is much less populated than the west.
The Sandia Mountains are right in the middle of the Cibola National Forest.
We didn't take photos of our lunch, but it was delicious.
Just like that we were off and leaving the upper gondola station.
Most of the trees were showing their fall colors.
While we were at the top everyone except VerJean, Tricia and I hiked the 2-mile round trip
You know what this means. We're halfway to the bottom!
At 5:40AM there was a lot of activity on the balloon field.
At 6:00AM the 10-balloons of the Dawn Patrol inflated and prepared to launch
It was pretty exciting being down of the field and watching from close up.
This is the moment when the Dawn Patrol usually launches
All the burners lighting up the morning skies was a complete surprise to us.
It was reported that 500' above the field was experiencing 50MPH winds.
Even if the balloons couldn't fly doesn't mean they can't inflate and show off their colors.
We began seeing some of the "Special Shapes" balloons the Fiesta is known for.
I'm sure you all recognize Yoda. Darth Vader wouldn't spin around to give us a look.
Here's everybodies favorite bear, Smokey the Bear.
I guess we'll have to wait because today is NOT the day when pigs fly.
The winds were really playing havoc with this balloon.
Even Frankenstein seems to be tetering a little bit.
Look who Tricia spotted out in the crowd. Left to right we have
The balloon launch field was pretty quiet at 4:15AM.
By 6:00AM the Dawn Patrol was well underway towards being ready for their show.
At 6:15AM all 10-ballons were fully inflated at ready to go.
This is called the "Morning Glow".
As spectacular as this was it was nothing compared to what was to come.
At 6:40AM the Dawn Patrol reported back with favorable conditions to fly
By 7:00AM the field looked like it was in utter chaos,
Soon the balloons were leaving the ground 1-2-3 and 4 at a time.
Row after row the balloons were inflating and waiting their turn to lift off.
At 7:00AM we once again stood for the singing of the National Anthem.
At the conclusion of the National Anthem we once again got all the burners flaming.
Afterwards everything starting happening fast all over the field.
Look at the size of that balloon! Is that thing really going to fly?
I'm not going to caption most of the following photos, just enjoy them!
Exxon/Mobil is the #1 premier corporate sponsor of this years Balloon Fiesta.
Is that a brain balloon?
Look! Today is the day "when pigs fly"!
They did get that monster sized cow balloon into the air.
Is that Humpty Dumpty?
The pig balloon even comes with a cute curly tail.
This guy is piloting the brain ballon over our heads.
This alien has a friendly smile. We're not that far away from Roswell, NM afterall.
Word on the street is that 🐷Hamlet, the pig balloon is "up for sale" after this event.
Here is the pilot basket under the cow balloon.
Most of the balloons this morning drifted north right over the place we were watching from.
I just can't get enough of this balloon, I wonder how much he will sell for?
This pest control business's balloon is infested with spiders.
This popular balloon is recognizable even from the rear.
Tricia got this photo of Yoda as he flew over our heads.
The "King Capybara" balloon is from Brazil, making this the international event it is.
We saw this "dinosaur hatching balloon" in New York last summer, unless there's two of them.
Yes the dinosaur's tail has already broken out of the shell.
Could that be Dracula?
Yes there are a lot of balloons, but that doesn't even compare to the number of spectators.
Let's see, we've got a wolf, three penguins and a goofy looking mouse.
This is the "Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon" balloon
Who is that shifty looking guy hiding in the middle of all those balloons?
This dinosaur balloon even has padded feet.
How cute! An elephant and a teddy bear in a passionate embrace.
Another goofy faced balloon, this one is an elephant.
Here's what Smokey the Bear looks like from the back side, he never spun around for us.
Another goofy faced balloon, this one is a frog.
This is what it looked like behind where we were sitting.
Now that's one "foxy" looking balloon.
A goofy faced Hammerhead Shark balloon.
Another people photo. I'd say the estimated attendance of 80,000 is about right.
Looks like Frankenstein made it safely up into the air.
There's that goofy frog again.
How about a snorkeling duck
The crowd just keeps coming towards us. It's starting to get a little bit scary.
Here's an indian balloon sporting his New Mexico colors.
I think that might actually be a good guy, Zoro?
This "Sugar Skull" balloon matches a set of Tricia's pajamas.
I guess penguins do fly, at least in New Mexico they do!
These three guys are still waiting their turn to fly.
That's not an optical illusion. It's a mini sized remote controlled balloon.
These 1/10-scale mini balloons are all remote controlled.
Once again this is the calm before the storm at 5:00PM when the show starts.
That American Flag has got to be at least 100' wide.
Here are the Balloon Fiesta flag and the safety skydiver arriving on the ground.
An hour later the field was once again filling with balloons.
Here is the nearly full supermoon rising over the Sandia Mountains to the east.
Tomorrow night at 11:30PM is the actual Full Super Harvest Moon's arrival.
Tricia always gets a craving when she spots the watermellon ballon in the crowd.
Here's what it looks like when you catch the moment ALL the balloons are lit up.
