Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

First thing, I had to learn how to spell Albuquerque.  Around here they abbreviate it ABQ, I like that too.  We had the best parking spot every!  There were about a dozen Beaver coaches that came into the Fiesta grounds on Friday October 4th and the remaining 35+ came into the VIP East parking area on Tuesday, October 8th thru the 13th.  So 10 days of dry camping and experiencing the Balloon Fiesta.  We got up Saturday morning to view the 5:45am Dawn Patrol (11 hot air balloons that take off first to check wind and other necessary things) They fly the flag every day to alter the pilots and crowds (red - no flying   yellow-still deciding   green - go).
Next at 7:00am is the Mass Acension. Up to the total of 550 hot air balloons take off from the Fiesta grounds.  It takes over an hour to get them all up and safely alternate so they do not risk injury or balloon "kiss" - bumping into each other.  It was the most awesome sight and unbelievable how huge the balloons are.  We walked down to the grounds and could walk around the hot air balloons getting ready to lift off.  It was definitely an up close and personal experience. 

The rest of the morning and afternoon as free time.  We took an adventure with Pam and Bob up the Sandia Peak Tram.  It is the world's longest and highest elevation tram to the top of Sandia Peak.  We ate in the base Mexican restaurant and took the ride up.  We had a very entertaining Tram crew and about 30 other riders.  At the top it was extremely windy but an awesome view of the city of Albuquerque on one side and Santa Fe on the other.  Toured the top and rode back down.  I don't like heights but it was just to great to pass up.  No cables broke, so we lived to tell about it.
That evening they have a night Glow.  Balloons are inflated and tethered to the ground and lit up frequently or by the count of 3 so they all "glow".  Followed by a wonderful fireworks display and ground show.  We had this routine throughout the 10 days.  Thursday they had "shapes" balloons on the field and in the air.  I can't believe that the Old Lady in the Shoe can fly!!  There are also contests all week with the balloons.  They go up, fly around, and then see which pilot/team can drop a weighted flag onto an X on the ground.  They had a large envelope on a pole, 30 feet in the air.  The pilots fly by in their balloon and try to grab the envelope.  Many did !  There was also a gas balloon race.  5 specially made gas balloons left the grounds and the one that flew the farthest won.  No stops or touch downs.  The winner made it all the way to Ontario, directly north of Green Bay- north of Lake Superior.  We followed their path online.  Extras on the grounds were chainsaw artist contests, food booths, collector pins, southwest jewelry, and souvenior shops.  Saturday, October 12 they had bands playing all day, including Darius Ruckers (was lead singer for Hootie and the Blowfish) and 4 other bands. 
One side trip we went to was Old Town Albuquerque.  A beautiful 1703 adobe church, that still holds services. The town square, also build in early 1700's.  Now a tourist area with many little shops and eateries, it was neat to see.  I went to a few quilt shops with the ladies and loved seeing the different material patterns that they have in the Southwest.  Just don't know what I would do with red chiles all over a shirt or shorts.....  We most definitely had to check out the Balloon Museum and see the history of ballooning.  Many great stories there!
Come Sunday morning we leave the Fiesta grounds and start heading back to Wisconsin.  Time to check on the kids and house.