Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 10/5/13

Adventure Caravans International Balloon Fiesta Rally Day 2
Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013

This morning we got up very early, for us, at 6:30 AM so that we could watch the mass ascension of the balloons on the first day of the International Balloon Fiesta.  The balloonists start getting their balloons ready for flight around 4:30 - 5:00 AM.  They send several balloons, the Dawn Patrol, up to check the wind conditions before giving the "go ahead" for the mass launch.  We opted to sleep a little longer and forego that experience, although we heard from some in our group, who braved the 40 degree weather to see the inflation and launch up close and personal, that there were thousands of others there on the field and in lines for food and souvenirs at that early hour.  That fact was born out when we tuned into the local TV station's coverage of the event.   After we got ourselves up and ready to brave the cold, we got our cameras and tripods and went to the end of our row of trailers where there is a huge open field that is used for the ballooning events and landings. The Dawn Patrol was up and soon gave the word that launch was ''a go''.  Notice the sun just beginning to rise above the mountain.

Sunrise at balloon fiesta

At first only a few balloons began rising above the tree tops in the distance.  Then, we found out what they meant by mass ascension...  The general direction of the balloons was over the RV Park area.  You can see how we stood at the end of the drive to take our pictures.  We were surrounded with balloons. 

This is our trailer and truck

These balloons landed in the field where we were standing

Here are some of the interesting shapes we saw today.


Clock, hummingbird, bee and more beautiful balloons

Humpty Dumpty

Zebra and other beautiful balloons

Pink elephant

We took so many pictures that we decided to download and sort out the bad ones and try to pare down the quantity.  After all, it is just the first day. 

The rally participants have been divided into three groups and today was our turn to go to the International Balloon Museum.  We walked over to the museum which has displays of the history of non-motorized manned flight and ballooning, hang gliding, soaring, and there is an international ballooning hall of fame honoring all of the key pioneers in the field.

Fruit lady



Hang gliding and parasailing display and videos

Jules Verne basket that was attached to a balloon

This evening we went to the launch field where a balloon glow was supposed to happen.  It is where the balloons are inflated, but are tethered so they don't launch.  The burners are fired to make light inside the envelope (fabric of the balloon).  Well, the wind was a little brisk and there was a delay to wait for calmer winds.  So, since it was over an hour and no one was getting their balloon out, we decided to go back to the trailer and wait for the fireworks show.  As we were riding back to camp, it was announced that the glow would happen, so we missed it tonight.  Hopefully, we will see it on another night.  We could see the fireworks from where we were camped, but did not take pictures of the them.