Getting Carried Away at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Every traveler has certain ''bucket list'' destinations. One of ours has been to travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Each October, hundreds of hot air balloon enthusiasts and thousands of spectators gather in the high desert to celebrate the graceful art of floating in air. Two weeks ago, it was our turn to get ''carried away'' at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Originating in 1972, the nine day fiesta quickly grew from a gathering of 13 hot air balloons to become the world's largest balloon rodeo with more than 500 floating beauties. October's cool morning temperatures and the unique weather phenomenon called the ''Albuquerque Box'' helps produce near-perfect soaring conditions. The ''Albuquerque Box'' is a set of predictable wind patterns that aid the balloonist's travel course. At low altitudes, the winds blow to the south and at higher altitudes the winds blow to the north thus allowing the pilots to follow a ''box'' pattern and land close to where they took off.

Balloon Fiesta Park, located north of downtown Albuquerque, is the location for all the festivities. The 365 acre park has camping spaces, parking areas, and a ''Main Street'' complete with vendors selling all sorts of New Mexican souvenirs and delicacies. Our ''foodie'' friend, Gary highly recommends the ribbon fries loaded with bacon, cheese and of course, New Mexico green chilies!

But the highlight of Balloon Fiesta Park is the 78 acre launch field. For a $10 admission fee, we had ''up close and personal'' views of all the balloons and activities. Highlights from our couple of days on the launch field included:

... beginning the day with the
''Dawn Patrol'' as they light up
the morning skies with their
propane burners and test for
favorable winds,

... getting near to the balloon crews
as they set up, inflate, and prepare for take off,

... watching the ''Mass Ascension'' of balloons
as they take off in organized waves at 7 am,

... enjoying the ''synchronized burns''
of hundreds of balloons during
the evening Twilight Balloon Glow,

... and ending the day with the
fireworks extravaganza.

While we initially didn't reserve our camping spot early enough, we were fortunate to be one of those on the ''wait list'' who were able to snag a spot after someone canceled out. For $40 a night, we had a home in the ''dry camping'' section ... no hook ups but a perfect spot to view the early morning ''rush hour'' that floated over us.

According to some ''fiesta'' enthusiasts, the ultimate experience is to be on the launch field for the early morning Mass Ascension. After digging out our winter jackets (as it is quite chilly in the desert at o-dark-thirty), we took the free shuttle bus over to the launch field for this true balloon fiesta experience.

32 degrees and I could hardly feel my
toes, but it was oh ... so beautiful to see
the balloons greet the sun when it finally
appeared over the mountains.

Ascending along with the sun was Christ
(the balloon) during the ''Mass Ascension''.

Noses are red, feet are numb,
but our smiles are genuine as we get
''carried away'' with all the early morning fun!

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta claims to be the most photographed event in the world. And yes, I too got ''carried away'' with the picture-taking, but it is not hard to do. Everywhere you look ... a magical, mystical photo opportunity is waiting for you. 

You will love it as we did, and so we encourage you to put the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival on your travel ''bucket list'' and get ''carried away'' with all the fun!

Maybe someday I will get braver and agree to truly be ''carried away'' when Doug convinces me to take a ride in one of these floating wonders!

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