Mom and Dad tried to go to the balloon fiesta when it first opened.  They got up at four o’clock, drove an hour, waited in a line of cars three hours only to have the gates closed when it was their turn to enter the park.  Did we mention they already had tickets and a parking pass?  Needless to say, Mom was hot.  However, she is a believer in perseverance so on Friday they returned.  This time they got up at  three and were in Albuquerque by when the gates opened.  Mom said it was a long cold wait till the balloons started flying but worth it.  Look for yourself.

There was a laser show at the beginning followed by a Dawn Patrol.  A Dawn Patrol consists of a few balloons that go up first to see if conditions are favorable for flying that day.

If it’s a go, a green flag is raised and the ceremonies begin.

Mom said watching the Wells Fargo sponsor balloons carry the USA flag while the Star Spangled Banner was sung very moving.

It was Special Shapes Rodeo day.

Mom loved the pig and you can se a bit of the zebra back there.

Dad liked the pirate ship.  See the turtle and penquins?

Here’s a better look.

As you can see, it was a memorable time.  Mom said they used the parking pass once and only two of the 10 tickets so she figures it cost about $60 apiece for the balloon experience.  She said when she looks at it that way it’s more reasonable…not much more than theater ticket.  Hope you enjoyed it too. ~ Indy and Lucy

Mom say there were so many that it was impossible to take pictures of them all.