Albuquerque, More Balloons

Saturday, October 14

Lots of folks arrived yesterday so that the RV Park is bulging today.  It is 57 degrees and another gorgeous day.  When we arrive at the field, the yellow caution flag is flying due to unfavorable winds, but this changes after less than an hour and the balloons once again being deployed everywhere.  This is a Mass Ascension which should be even more balloons than the previous mornings!  We stand in line for some coffee and hot chocolate and find a table with good viewing and get a picture taken as we wait.

Every morning one balloon goes up first with the American Flag flying and someone sings the National Anthem.

We have fun pointing out balloons we hadn't seen before and watching the orchestration of ascent.  Dos Equis is the first to lift off, among cheers.

Amazing sights!

We head back to the Trek for breakfast and then take off for Petroglyph National Monument, about twenty minutes west.  We stop at a Visitor's Center and learn about different trails, and decide on Piedras Marcadas Canyon, about another 6 miles.  It is very near suburban homes, but after a few minutes we are in the desert with huge mounds of lava rocks to our right.  The petroglyphs are etched on the rock by removing a black coating on the rock, rather than adding anything. Some are clear depictions of things we recognize, others puzzling designs.

We walk about a mile or two, speak briefly with some rangers, and head back to the balloon grounds with stops for drinks and ice.

Once again, Gwynne and Greg head to the evening session, and once again the yellow flag flies.

 Instead of cancelling everything, they do what they call "candle lighting" where the balloons are not inflated, but balloonists shoot off their flames.

We find out later that the Balloon Fiesta pays for the fuel.  Not so spectacular, but if this is your first or only session, at least you see something.

Backpacks and bags have been checked daily at the entrances and helicopters make regular rounds for security.