Travel Tips

Before the sunrise, a small group of local balloons fly off the field. Dawn Patrol verifies the weather reports, and tests wind direction at various altitudes. The 'Albuquerque Box' is a unique phenomenom that allows a ballon, with a skilled pilot, to change altitude to change direction. The 'box' can allow take off and landing at almost the same spot.

Mass ascension follows Dawn Patrol by an hour or two ..... just before mass ascension we have the raising of the flag. Of course, this occurs from a hot air balloon. The National Anthem is piped through the speakers, folks stop in their tracks, and all attention is on the flag ...... even I feel a bit patriotic then, when I'm awake enough!

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After dawn patrol, the participants on the field begin to inflate their chariots. Watching the inflation process is thrilling for me .... I am always amazed that such fragile fabric, wicker baskets, and propane torches can carry us into the clouds!

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Special shapes is always fun! You'll see cars, dragons, chile ristras, flying farolitos, fish, ducks, cats, dogs, gargoyles, witches, cows, suns and daisies too. Sorry I only had my cell phone's camera this morning ..... otherwise I'd have been able to share the one of Jesus and Noah's ark flying together ;)

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Man! I am always thrilled to see all those balloons flying overhead! Just look at how many are in this one pic ... in person you can see this sort of view surrounding you in all directions!

Ballon fiesta is more than just balloons ... I know you may find this shocking, but fiesta is also a time to play, shop, eat delicious foods that are bad for you, and to visit with the various public servants who work so hard throughout the year. My volunteer duties keep me close to the Public Safety section of the park. This means I have close contact with our men and women in various shades of polyester uniforms and large caliber weapons :)

This day I got to visit with the Horse Patrol unit! These are HUGE draft horses that stand over 17 hands and have hooves larger than my dinner plate. Despite their enormous size, they are gentle giants who seem to enjoy a scricth or two. This week of fun for us is work for them as they perform crowd control duties. They also have an opportunity to earn some money for their unit by selling pins (Proceeds go to the care and aquisition of the critters).

Oh! That little guy is King Richard. He's a miniature horse that was donated to the unit for education and public relations ... his name is special as he's been named after two of our fallen officers.

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I just gotta share this one ... I was attempting to snap this pic of King Richard's tail wrap when he lifted his tail to leave a gift in the entry to the first aid booth :) Even little horses are cynics it seems :)

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Here's the first aid booth. I've been hanging out here as a volunteer for about 8 years now. I heard they are tearing it down and will put up a new one on the field for next year ..... the end of an era it seems .... sniff, sniff.

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Can you tell I LOVE Balloon Fiesta??? I enjoy the times I get to crew. I have lots of fun the times I get to volunteer at first aid. Realistically, anytime I can get away with wearing my favorite hat - I'm happy!

No matter how many years I attend, I can't stop feeling light and happy inside as I watch the balloons inflate and fly. It brings out my inner child over and over again.