Albuquerque - The Balloon Fiesta

We have just completed our 9 days at the Balloon Fiesta and what an exciting time!  Fortunately , for us, the weather was perfect and all of the events we wanted to participate in took place. Saturday morning early ( like we got up at 4:30am) we were a part of a "chase crew". We helped the pilot of the balloon, Snobird, unroll, attach it to the basket and inflate. She (yes I said SHE) then took off while the team got into chase vehicles and followed her to the landing area. We had a great experience but it was alot of heavy, back-breaking work.  Notice that "our" balloon is at least twice as big as the other balloons.

On Sunday, Melodie again got up early and went to the fiesta grounds to see a mass ascension. 

 I on the other hand slept in and watched the balloons fly right by the motorhome.

On Monday we took the big step and took a balloon ride!  Again we had to get up early, even tho they don't take off until 7:00am we had to sign several release forms (in case they drop us somewhere unplanned, I guess) and help them get the balloon ready for flight. The flight lasted just over an hour and it was AWESOME!!

We made it to almost 9,000 ft and circled the fiesta grounds twice.  From that high you could see most of the balloons in flight and landing. We landed safely and in the upright position and celebrated with Champagne (all of this before 9:00am). It was an experience of a lifetime but next time I want to start

 later in the day.