DAY 1 OF ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA

Currently in Albuquerque NM (Low 53 Plenty of Sun High 80) 

Yesterday was Day 1 of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. It started out with the 'Morning Glow', where a dozen balloons stay tethered and they run their burners.

These balloons then lifted off.

The main part of the morning program, the mass ascension of all the balloons on the launch field began with the National Anthem and a flag presented in a unique way. In light of recent events it was nice to see everyone stand during the National Anthem.

The other balloons started lifting off. There were about 500 balloons that lifted off in about 90 minutes.

And it continued.

The wind conditions were perfect and "the box" effect was noticeable. "The box" effect is what makes the balloon fiesta special. At lower elevation the wind is in one direction and as the balloon rises the wind is in the other direction. We saw this perfectly as the balloons would head to our left at lower elevation and then return above us at a higher elevation and continue to the right. But the wind died down and this balloon cut power and landed on the launch field. You can see another balloon in the trees that wasn't so lucky.

After this we noticed that all the balloons in the air at that time were pretty much stationary. We are sure the balloon chasing crews had a busy morning.

 The evening consisted of the "Twilight Twinkle Glow". When we got to the bluff and sat in our chairs they were starting to inflate the balloons.

Then it got darker and the glow show began.

This was better than the dawn glow because there were a lot more balloons. The twilight glow was followed by a laser light show and then fireworks. Sorry the laser show photos didn't turn out too well but the fireworks photos were pretty good.

It was great to be in the Presidents Campground and be able to walk to our chairs overlooking the launch field. Day 2 will be similar to today so hopefully we won't take as many photos as we did on Day 1 which had to be over 400.

Till next time,

Bob and Jo