Over the weekend, John and I took a long weekend in Albuquerque to experience the opening of the 34th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Wow! Our 4:15 AM wake up calls were worth the effort, the early morning mass ascensions were spectacular! In between balloon events, we shopped in Santa Fe and Old Historic Albuquerque and took a tram ride to the top of Sandia Peak (10,380' br-r-r-r-r) to watch the sunset. We had a great time and think everyone should consider putting this event on their "Must See" list.

Early morning lift off on opening day of the fiesta. As first timers, we misjudged the traffic and were a little late getting to the balloon park. We watched the dawn patrol from the car and missed the opening ceremony. No problem, we were right on time for the mass ascension.

Although the Balloon Fiesta Park is quite large, the 721 balloons took off in two waves. As impressive as the number of balloons, the number of spectators is also to be admired. The week long event will draw over 800,000 people this year.

We loved the colors! Balloon patterns come in so many unique designs, each different from the next. Note the can shaped balloon in the above photo. This was Alpo's 1st year as a participant.

One of 91 "special shaped" balloons in the fiesta, Smokey Bear caught our eye. Gee, for those of us who grew in the 50's and 60's, who can forget that "only you can prevent forest fires."

Chili peppers are an Albuquerque favorite. This balloon was a crowd favorite! It didn't lift off during Saturday's opening ceremonies due to wind that picked up late in the ascension, but we were treated to this sight during Sunday morning's lift off.

These two drew the largest crowd and loudest cheering. Joey Little Bee and Lilly Little Bee were perfectly choreographed. They ascended together touching hands. As they rose , the balloons turned toward each other and appeared to hug. The crowd went crazy! But of course for those of us who had been up for 3.5 hours and were hyped up on caffeine, just about every balloon was cheer worthy.

This is biggest balloon we think, Airabelle from Canada. The balloon basket looks so small hanging from Airabelle belly!

Sunday night we returned to the balloon park to see the Balloon Glow, the most spectacular of all the events! The balloons are tethered (usually to the wheels of a large pickup truck and steadied by ropes and handlers) and remain somewhat stationary, moving only with the wind. The event was called 1/2 hour early because the wind picked up with enough force to blow some balloons almost completely over.

"Now pilots on the count of ten." This was the call from the announcer for the balloon pilots to "light" their balloons. About 350 balloons participated in the Glow, and 350 balloons lit up at once is a sight never to be forgotten!

Our trip was over much too soon! We had a great time in Albuquerque and an experience we will always remember!