The fiesta was one of the premier destinations on our trip. We made the reservations for the President's compound the first day you could make reservations. Our itinerary was then planned to make it to Albuquerque by October third, the first weekend of the fiesta. The President's compound sat above the fiesta area and was a short walk down. Traffic was not problem at all for us. Saturday was the first day of the fiesta. Dawn patrol goes out at 5:45 to test the winds. The mass ascension happens at 7:00am if the winds are right. For us, Saturday the balloons went up, Sunday they did not. Monday the competitions started. In the evening was a glow for the balloons then fireworks. The booths had fair food and balloon merchandise.
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| heading for Albuquerque |
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Friday before the festivities begin, by 6 AM this lot was filled
The field was too |
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| dawn patrol is the first up to test the winds |
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and as the name implies they lift off before dawn (when everything is going
according to plan) |
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| the balloon museum made a pretty back drop |
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| morning glow, the balloons glow at the same time |
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| looked at all the people |
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| looked at all the balloons |
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| gradually the start taking off |
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| Saturday was a little windy so they started late |
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| but they were able to lift off |
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| yellow was a popular color |
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| the balloons went up in waves |
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| we heard there was anywhere from 350 balloons to 750 |
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| different shapes and sizes |
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| the sun just high enough to hit the balloons in the air |
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| the balloons looked cool against the early morning sky |
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| almost every phase |
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| in the air, on the ground |
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| high in the air, the balloons floated by |
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| all these balloons at one time, amazing |
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| all those in the air and still more on the ground |
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| they move really fast, but yet they don't |
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| from are bluff, we had a great view |
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| far from the maddening crowd |
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| it was truly an awesome sight |
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| no matter how you see them, 2 at a time, |
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| or numerous, they are so fun and bright |
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| little white fluffy dogs who love to bark at Ripley |
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| fireworks finished the day |
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although Thursday was special shapes day, there was still some, here is angry bird
The blue one was a super hero, but I'm not sure which |
testing testing, I have tried so many times to comment!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know what is up with that. Did you do something different this time? Guy has had people say they comment but I never see the comments.
DeleteHi Karen and Guy! I have tried to message you a few times, but it always disappears when I try to send it. I think I may have it now! I have been following your trip all summer, and really enjoying your gorgeous photos! I esp. am impressed with how much wildlife you've seen! You are in such a great part of the country now, we loved visiting Trevor in college there, so much to see. It was such a great surprise seeing you guys this summer, I wish we could have had longer to catch up. I spent most of our visit getting over my shock! Take good care, and give Ripley lots of pats. ~Sharon
ReplyDeleteSharon, good to hear from you. We are now in Arkansas. We loved our time in the west. Beautiful area. I am so glad we got to see you. I felt bad just showing up, but I think it worked out well.
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