Rather than trying to squeeze in all the shots of balloons and our experience on the balloon field into the last post, we decided to write a separate one to show you what it was like. Like a lot of amazing experiences in your life, pictures rarely do them justice.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is one of the last ones of this size that allows attendants to be down in the field right next to the balloons. You can literally walk right up to them. If you are not careful, one might just knock you over as it is being inflated. I really hope it stays this way for a long time to come.
To experience the morning flights in its entirety, you really have to be there before dawn. October mornings in Albuquerque can still be very cold so if you plan to come, bring lots of layers.
Enough jabbering, let me shut up for a minute and let you enjoy these photos.
One of the crowd favorites in the the Darth Vader balloon.
It flew really low right over us on the second day.
It landed to the field just over the fence from our rally field.
Anna was not shy about getting up high for a better perspective.
Most of the evenings, balloonists will also come to the field to participate in Twilight Twinkle Glow.
Here is one of the balloons just as it raises overhead.
Milo is doing his best Luke Skywalker impression.
The announcer over the loud speaker counts down and lets all of the balloonists know to burn at the same time.
Fireworks at night caps off the day.
On the second morning, we went back to the field once again to see them take off.
This is Kyle’s first time at the Balloon Fiesta. He can’t wipe off that grin.
It’s Luka’s first time too. He doesn’t quite know what to make of it.
Are you wondering what Milo is so excited about?
It’s the Darth Vader balloon! This is actually one of the only balloons that you could not walk near. A whole cast of Star Wars characters help protect it like the death star.
The girls would have preferred a picture with Princess Leia but this bounty hunter will do.
Elvis has left the field.
On the third night, a group of chemical gas balloons lift off just before dusk on a race. Since the balloons don’t need propane, they can stay aloft for days and fly long distances. This is an annual race at this event and many of the previous winners have landed in Canada or just shy of the Atlantic ocean.
Each balloon is piloted by two balloonists. They have to carry all of the food and water they will need for the multi-day ride. And yes, they can not stop for bathroom breaks.
The Spiderman Pig balloon and the trio of bumble bees are some of the kids favorites. One of the bees landed right by Ava when we were here 2 years ago that sent her running for her life.
This is certainly not going to be our last time here. We will be back again very soon.
over and out,
dan
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