Early the next morning, we were at the Balloon Fiesta Park - and I do mean EARLY. All the hot air balloon flights at the Fiesta are first thing in the mornings, starting around 6:30 am. Parking lots open at 4am. So what we do, is spend the first part of the night at a Flying 'J' Travel Plaza, set the alarm for 3:30, get up, dressed, and drive to the Balloon Park. That way we beat the crowds and the line-ups. By 4 am, dozens of volunteers with flashlights are on-site to guide everyone to their parking spaces, starting with the lower parking lot right at the entrance gates, and filling the parking lots one after the other. We are usually among the first fifty or so vehicles in the lower parking lot. Once parked, we pull down the shades and go back to bed, with the alarm set for 6 am.
The first morning it was very overcast, and there was a yellow flag flying, which meant the ascension was on hold as officials were waiting to see if the conditions would become favourable. The kids looked out from the RV, and there were quite a few balloons inflating on the field already. It was going to be extremely crowded, with thousands of people, so we could only take two dolls along. Peach, Owen and Leona decided it would be best for the little ones to go with us, while they would watch from the RV in the parking lot.
The first morning it was very overcast, and there was a yellow flag flying, which meant the ascension was on hold as officials were waiting to see if the conditions would become favourable. The kids looked out from the RV, and there were quite a few balloons inflating on the field already. It was going to be extremely crowded, with thousands of people, so we could only take two dolls along. Peach, Owen and Leona decided it would be best for the little ones to go with us, while they would watch from the RV in the parking lot.
The weather was expected to be very iffy the next few days, because of the remnants of a hurricane, but after waiting a bit, conditions improved and the green flag went up. It was a 'GO'!
One of the special things about the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta - in addition to it being one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the world - is that spectators are allowed right on the field amongst the balloons. The public can wander among the balloons and watch close up as they inflate and take off. People gather around their favourite balloons as they inflate, then cheer loudly as it finally lifts off.
Efreet can't believe the crowds, or the number of balloons inflating! Where to look? Where to go?
One of the special things about the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta - in addition to it being one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the world - is that spectators are allowed right on the field amongst the balloons. The public can wander among the balloons and watch close up as they inflate and take off. People gather around their favourite balloons as they inflate, then cheer loudly as it finally lifts off.
Efreet can't believe the crowds, or the number of balloons inflating! Where to look? Where to go?
Up, up, and away....balloons start lifting off....
That morning it was the 'International Ascension' in honour of balloon teams from the
many foreign countries participating, and most of the balloons were the 'standard' shape.
But there were also quite a few special shapes.....
many foreign countries participating, and most of the balloons were the 'standard' shape.
But there were also quite a few special shapes.....
RSS Feed
