Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

[MtnCamper]

We just returned from the balloon fest, and I have downloaded a few pictures if you want to see them.

http://community.webshots.com/album/199561053jaTTyt

[Acts 2:38 girl]

WOW!  Those balloons at night at really something, aren't they? I love the animals - I had no idea they did balloons like that!  That must have been so much fun!

[NightOwl]

Thanks for the great pics, mtn camper!   gosh, those things are gorgeous:)  We have friends living in Albuquerque and they never miss the balloon fest.  (Easy to see why.)

A few years ago, my DH took us up in a hot air balloon for my birthday  (I have always loved them!)  We were up for over 2 hours floating over the green rolling southeast Michigan countryside--the air temps were perfect and so were the winds.  It was like living  in an old French painting for an afternoon..

We helped in the whole launch procedure as well as wrapping up the canopy after we landed.  (Our gondola was made in England and our beautiful balloon was painted to look like a giant fishbowl)  It was a magical experience and I highly recommend it to anyone.  

PS--I agree with Andi, the night shots are really immpressive.  (I never saw a Stage Coach balloon before or a huge pink pig--they are really fun and make me wonder how they can achieve so many unusual shapes)

[MtnCamper]

It was indeed a good time. There were 750 balloons registered, and Sunday morning there must have been a couple hundred up and flying at once. The neat thing is they fly around "The Albuquerque Box" Which is different air currents at different levels. So they in fact can land where they took off from. They fly south for a while, then you see them coming around, and awhile later they are to the north. Soon to land in the very spot, or close to it, where they took off from. It's fun!

[NightOwl]

They land in almost the same spot? :#

 Oh, my, the ones I am familiar with NEVER get back to their starting point--they land in some farmers's pasture like we did :yikes:   The cows all came running to see us once we were not making any more noise--it was so funny--they lined up like kids at the circus and stretched their necks to see what was going on. :W    (They were so unafraid that I figure they must have had balloon visitors before.)

[vjm1639]

Wow...that's a lot of balloons!!! We go to a balloon and wine festival here every year too. We have pics on our Webshots page but there are nowhere near 750!!!   That must be amazing to see!  It's one of my favorite festivals...balloons AND wine!  ;>

[CampNfan]

WOW! that is a lot of Balloons!
We have the same thing here in the Mountians. But I think it was 2 weeks ago. DARN! I missed it......I was in Las Vegas..... :eyecrazy:

[vjm1639]

WOW! that is a lot of Balloons!
We have the same thing here in the Mountians. But I think it was 2 weeks ago. DARN! I missed it......I was in Las Vegas..... :eyecrazy:

Hi CampNfan.......Depending on where you are in Northern Virginia..the one at Long Branch is THIS weekend!  You haven't missed it yet!  :>   15th- 17th

[CampNfan]

Hi CampNfan.......Depending on where you are in Northern Virginia..the one at Long Branch is THIS weekend!  You haven't missed it yet!  :>   15th- 17th

Now there is a thought.....I remember that one too. Didn't they have Va. Wine tasting there as well?
I was kind of thinking of the St. Marys Country Oyster Festival this weekend.....
Maybe one on Saturday and one on Sunday? I love this time of year there is so much going on

[vjm1639]

Yep...this one is called the Hot Air Balloon and Wine Festival!  http://www.historiclongbranch.com/balloonfest/balloon.htm    One of the smaller wine fests, not nearly as large as the two summer ones...but hey, they still have my favorites!  After hearing the weather forcast I'd guess Sunday may be the better balloon day. Saturday is supposed to be quite blustery and maybe a little rain.  Sunday sounded better.   Yep..there's plenty to do around here this time of year.    

 
 

Now there is a thought.....I remember that one too. Didn't they have Va. Wine tasting there as well?
I was kind of thinking of the St. Marys Country Oyster Festival this weekend.....
Maybe one on Saturday and one on Sunday? I love this time of year there is so much going on

[cyclone]

Those pictures are awesome!  Maybe I need to consider a trip to Albuquerque for a visit with my Chilean brother.  I'd love to see that many balloons in one place.  We used to have a (much) smaller festival here but I don't think they do that anymore.

[tlhdoc]

Wow what thing to see.  I have never been to a balloon festival, but I will add it to my list of things I want to do.  I didn't know they made balloons in all kinds of shapes.  My Aunt and Uncle were at the balloon festival 2 years ago, but I didn't get to see any pictures.  Thanks for posting them.