Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 10/13/13

 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Last Day

Today is the last day of the Balloon Fiesta.  We are going to leave today, but really enjoyed the final mass ascension while we ate breakfast.  We sat at the table in the trailer and had a clear view of everything since most of our rally mates left yesterday.  Here is some of what we could see out the window.

View out our window this morning

Some balloons are starting to land in the field

There are still plenty of folks in this camping area.  Some are participant with their hot air balloon equipment, but most are visiting, either as part of a group or individually, just to watch the balloons and experience the many other activities surrounding the Balloon Fiesta.  See how empty the area around us is compared to previous posts. 

Here, you can see how most of the trailers have left our
 area.  We moved the truck to the other side of the trailer.

The balloons are coming closer

To illustrate that the balloons flew over us almost every day, note the balloon overhead reflecting in the hood of the truck.

It is a colorful striped balloon reflecting in the hood
of the truck

We left Albuquerque late morning, but before noon.  Along the way, we passed through the small town of Joseph City, AZ.  There was a very interesting historical marker telling of the fort that was built by the Mormons in 1876.  Originally called Allen's Camp then St. Joseph, in 1878, in honor of Joseph Smith, its name was changed, in 1923, to Joseph City.  It is the oldest Mormon community in AZ.  The marker is made of petrified wood with a plaque on it.

Historical marker in Joseph City, AZ

Here are some close up photos of the petrified wood.  Over many millions of years, minerals have turned the wood into very colorful crystalized rocks.  You can see the tree rings and the bark on the ends of the logs that are now interesting colors depending on what mineral was absorbed by the wood.

We continued a little farther to stay at the Meteor Crater RV Park again, now, on the way home.