Oct 09, 2018
Sunday, Oct. 7 ~ Day 2 of the Balloon Fest
It was windy all night so we knew that there was a very good possibility that the balloons would not fly Sunday morning, so we slept in. About 6:30AM we read on the ABQ Balloon FB page that there was no flying but that there would be a static balloon display. They would be inflated but remain tethered to the ground. We were on the field by 7:20AM. It certainly pays to be staying right on site. Traffic is so bad that it takes some folks up to three hours to get here to the grounds. Park and Rides are taking just over 2 hours we have heard.
There were thousands of people there and it was fascinating, all the colors and the energy. Some balloons were already inflated and many more were rising by the minute. It was so wonderful to be right in the midst of it all. What a great solution to not being able to fly. The pilots and crew were so open to answering questions. Some even allowed children into their basket to have their photos taken by proud parents. It was a remarkable morning, so very different than the previous day. Eventually the balloons began to deflate and pack up. We were back to the RV by 9:30AM. It was still very windy and rain showers were in the forecast. It did not look good for the evening event.
Meanwhile lets start with some photos of our great morning. Apparently comments were turned to ‘off’ for some strange reason re yesterdays post, comments are now open. We would love to hear your comments about the Balloon Fiesta. There are many other photos that have not been published here and we will share them in the days ( weeks ) to come here and there.
Albuquerque ‘Change Your Perspective’
Can you see me front and center?
Now that is a huge balloon. Airabelle, as she is called, stands 80 feet tall and 120 feet long.
People are everywhere on the field, there are no restrictions whatsoever. Even when launching you can be next to the balloon.
Such detail in this balloon. Hmm two ears here!
Panoramic stitch created from six photos. We were at the far end of the field on a slight rise.
This is Colin’s favorite.
The crowd was very thick in this area. I had a wee panic attack as people pressed in and no one was moving. With a lot of forceful excuse me’s and some gentle prodding we got out and back on the field before I actually started screaming. It was truly horrific. I felt like I was being smothered and got very warm and faint. Phew, won’t go near these two balloons again 🙂
A new balloon this year.
This one was being deflated. Quite the tangle of ropes to deal with. Amazing that these balloons are made of cloth and rope.
A mound of color as the air escapes.
La Belle Province de Quebec.
Such creativity.
Colin’s dog balloon with his bone in the back pocket.
With constant strong wind and showers through the day, it did not bode well for the evening event. Finally this was posted.
Based on this we decided to not head to the field for the evening. But oh my, the NM Philharmonic 🙁 I had no idea they were to perform. Such a disappointment. We stayed in and had a very nice dinner with much vino and as we finished we heard the sound of fireworks. We were able to watch most of them ( the high ones ) from the comfort of our coach. The weather has not been our friend this trip. In past years, many of our friends who have been here on the balloon RV grounds, had to worry about heat and needing to run their generators for A/C . Not this year 😥 However we are totally enjoying what we are seeing and are creating very special memories.
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WOW, AREN’T THEY ALL MARVELOUS? SORRY SOME TIMES ARE A NO GO, BUT THAT’S WHY YOU GO FOR THE ENTIRE WEEK SO YOU HOPEFULLY GET TO SEE THE MAJORITY OF THE FEST. THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT SHOTS.
The very close up of Van Gogh is amazing – such detail – I do not remember him. These are wonderful photos and to see so many “old balloon friends” has just been so much fun. Thank you both for sharing with all of us.
Thank you for the beautiful pictures. It is obvious you are thrilled to be there and that makes me happy for you. After it is over and you have some time to process it, I would love for you to write a post detailing the logistics and costs of attending in an RV and staying on the festival grounds. It would be great to have first hand and up to date information.
Davy
It is really too bad the weather has not been better for you. I am really enjoying reliving our trip last year through your photos and stories. The panoramic shot is beautiful!
At least you got there and were able to witness this amazing event, the weather you cannot control but still looks like a fun time and amazing pictures , thanks for sharing.
Wonderful photos again tonight. In our 88,000 miles of motorhome travel we never made it to this event and can’t remember why it didn’t happen. Truly an extraordinary event, even if the weather is not cooperating. Enjoy!
Amazing colour everywhere! Too bad about the wind and rain, but still quite the experience.
I have so been enjoying your beautiful photos of the fiesta. I am glad you have been able to get in a couple of good days of photos, because it is certainly “ify” there with the sensitivity of the event so dependent on weather.
I hope you continue to enjoy the fiesta, and that the weather warms up a bit!