Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - 10/02/2011

We have arrived at a huge parking lot of RVs near the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque.  We decided to stay in the thick of things and are very glad we did, as we feel we are getting the full effect of the event.

It is an incredible experience and wondering why someone had not suggested that we need to see this extravaganza.  There are over 350 hot air balloons participating and this is the only one where they let the observers walk on the launch pad in between the balloons.  Everyone was very polite and made an effort not to get too much in the way of the pilots trying to guide these tremendous balloons.

The first night we arrived was the "Glow" event, where the balloons stay on the ground, but run their burners to light them up.

So at 6am the next morning we hopped on our bikes and peddled over to watch the preparation of inflating the 350 balloons and the mass ascension into the air.

Besides the typical balloons, there were lots of character ones that delighted the crowds.  The Fiesta lasts for 9 days and they estimate about 100,000 visitors.

The weather was warm and clear, so the crowds enjoyed a summer like day, while we watched these balloons leave the park only to return over and over.  It was quite an event and we are so happy that we made the effort so we could enjoy it.