We decided on a whim to head to ABQ to the Balloon Fiesta on Monday. Wednesday morning we saw a most spectacular view. We enjoyed an outside the gate experience that was just incredible. There were lots, I mean LOTS of balloons in the air everywhere. They flew right over us, landed all around us. We were mesmerized.
The BEE balloon was a favorite!
Thursday morning we headed down, waited in line, paid to park and then headed into Fiesta Park to get up close and personal with the balloons. The morning dawn patrol launched and as we were waiting for the go, no go we strolled through watching and waiting for the others to take off. Soon they were popping up everywhere and we were right there among them. We enjoyed the morning watching the balloons launch and even went to the competition area for a bit. We took a stroll through the vendors, had a a few snacks along the way then headed out to ROADA for some rest. It was a VERY early morning. We were in the parking lot at around 5:00 a.m. We had stayed the night curbside in front of our friends place in Rio Rancho. So while close we still had to drive in.
Rest in our own space was great, we had lunch, maybe even a little nap and just enjoyed the beautiful weather. There were some winds so we weren't sure there would be a GLOWdeo but we were hopeful. We enjoyed a nice dinner in ROADA then decided to go back inside the gate to see the sights up close. This was shapes night for the GLOWdeo so there were lots of children. Since we had dilly dallied having dinner when we entered the gate with tickets the guy didn't scan them. That pretty much settled it for us we would come back in the morning!
Penguins kissing at the GLOWdeo
There was quite a bit of entertainment for the GLOW so we hung around, listened to the band, people watched and then called it a night. As we returned to ROADA we tossed around the idea to just stay in the parking lot...we moved to a less conspicuous spot and went to bed, we were joined by two other rigs. One didn't stick it out for the entire night, but we did and slept quite well.
The Friday morning launch was amazing and more balloons launched then we ever imagined. It was definitely a top experience and we had talked about going the last two years. I'm glad I didn't talk myself out of this neat trip. Of Course MiRV was ready to go instantly but I hem hawed. I was skeptical we could pull it off so last minute. But it was a really great trip! We got to reconnect with old friends, we scored DEEP discount tickets at 7-11 with the prices being even better then advertised! We parked and stayed right on sight with no issues. Our $15.00 parking fee got us three sessions and while we had only planned to attend two sessions with the unscanned tickets we went ahead and stayed for another. It was all good!
This sunshine just made me smile!
Up, up and away!
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