Balloon Fiesta , Year II

We left the western slopes of the beautiful San Juan Mountains just before they got a bit of snow and cold (about 6 inches worth) and headed East to the big city of Denver.   Ahhh,  shopping in the massive mall, familiar restaurants and more pickleball with the Parker Picklers.   And family !!   After 2 days among herds of mule deer in Cherry Creek SP (they fear nothing), we headed south on gusty I 25 to Santa Fe .   The next morning we were up early and off to Albuquerque for the a week of color.      

 Last year, before arrival, I suspected that we would see a lot of balloons.   They would go up and they would come down.   But I never had any idea of the splendor and breathtaking beauty of mass ascentions by 554 colorful and creative shapes that delicately float aloft and sometimes, indelicately, come down with a bump !   EVERYONE should see this at least once.  

 In the middle is Flyer with it's Colorado flag theme and piloted by Jon Schmitz and his Miller chase crew of many years.    All four of the grandkids have escaped from school, jobs and college to be here. It is a family tradition.    And we are delighted to be right in the middle of it all.

 The days start early, 5:30 with breakfast in the tents and then off for inflation at their appointed time.    After an hour or so floating along, the Flyer must come down .    It is getting harder and harder to find open space to land and on Sunday, Jon landed in a residential neighborhood where they were greeted with champagne and the delight of the families.   (The balloons are supposed to supply the champagne but this homeowner was happy to provide it !)  
We are "camped" in the Presidential Lot and overlook the gigantic field.   We have electric and water and the trucks come around daily to empty tanks as needed.   We have wonderful views out the front window.    Mike rents an RV and we are side by side.....they sleep in theirs and hang out in ours.   And we eat a lot, both here and in very good , and sometimes unique, dining spots in town.  

The internet is slow so I am only putting in a few pictures at a time.     This is Snow White and the 3 Bees.    She is new this year and the bee family is a  fan favorite.

Next issue will have the  evening glow and fireworks and more balloons.....!