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Sunday, October 2, 2011

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

We got up at 3:00AM Saturday morning, and drove from Santa Fe to Albuquerque for the 40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. It was amazing! We arrived in time for the "Morning Glow" of the Dawn Patrol. These 12 balloonists launch first, to check the weather conditions.




One reason Albuquerque mornings are ideal for ballooning, are the cool Albuquerque morning temperatures in October and the Albuquerque box. The "box" refers to the wind patterns that balloonists use to launch, catch the southerly winds, climb higher, catch the northern winds, descend, then repeat the box or land nearby.


As the sun began to rise, the balloons were launched in waves. There were 354 launched in one hour, breaking the world record. I don't know the exact number of balloons that were launched that morning, but there were more than 500.

There were "special shapes".....





It was a great day! If you have never been to the balloon festival - add it to your bucket list!


Happy Trails!
Deborah

10 comments:

heyduke50 said...

it is on the list...

Gail Houle said...

You got some spectacular photos! It is definitely on our bucket list!

Bob said...

On my list too. Great photos!

Merikay said...

Near the top! Hoping for next year. Whether the house is on the market or not!

Nancy and Bill said...

Well, Hidyho you two!! Wondering where you had gotten to. Glad all is well and you are having such a spectacular time. We will definitely be adding the Ballon Festival to our TODOS list:o))

Safe Travels and Happy Trails....

~M said...

Wow! Great pics. Too bad we didn't make it over there before we moved away from Phx. It's still on the bucket list. Cheers! ~M

Kevin Read said...

That is on our list as well. Looks like a must not miss. Beautiful pictures.

Kevin and Ruth
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

Rorik said...

Hello,
Good to hear from you, it has been a while. This is the first year Sherri and I have not been in Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta. Sherri worked 20 years for the two restaurants at the base and top of the Tramway. Your pictures remind of us what a special place Albuquerque is this time of the year.
Hope your travels are going well!!

Donna K said...

Somehow I missed this post but wanted to say how much I enjoyed your pictures of the balloon festival. Someday I want to get there...someday...

Pam and Randy said...

Great blog and great idea!

Pam Ryan
http://worldcruise12.blogspot.com/