Autumn in New Mexico: Balloon Fiesta

So I continue the story of my busy October and a fun week (see last post for Monday's adventure ). Two weeks ago Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta was in full swing. My friend Mandy asked me if I would like to go down to see the special shapes take off on Thursday morning with her and another friend. I thought it sounded like a wonderful idea. We decided to leave a little later then recommended because we all have small kids and getting them up too early would just lead to melt downs later in the day.

The morning started off not so well, my alarm not going off and Mandy's call to see where I was woke me up. I told her to go without me and I would catch up with them at the fiesta. I grabbed clothes, my daughter, and the lunch and bags I packed the night before (good thing I did.) I ended up about 10 to 15 minutes behind them, and as I drove into Albuquerque I saw that most of the balloons were up and taking off already. My daughter enjoyed seeing the special shapes from the car because you could see a ton from the highway. There were flowers, a cow, bees, beer, and so much more.

We were so late that there was no one taking money for parking or at the ticketing gate. Basically the big event of the morning was done and they were not expecting anyone to bother coming so late. But after an hours drive and with friends already there, I was going. And I'm glad I did.

I knew that there was still a competition on the field, something about trying to hit a target as you drop something from your balloon as you fly by. Sounded interesting and with a nice large grass field it was a great place for the kids to play.

The target competition was great to watch. I was amazed how many times the balloons circled back around to take another turn to try for the target. And while I didn't get to see the balloons as they got set up and took off, I did get to watch them fly and they flew close, at times almost touching down. Also, I was glad to see the traditional shapes and colors.

Next year I'm hoping to get there very early and see the balloons that fly before the sun rises. I love the idea of the glow and rise in the dark. Hopefully my alarm will go off next time.

Here are some photos from the day. Again visit my Etsy Fine Art Photography store to purchase prints.