October 8-9: Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

On Sunday when we woke up in Espanola, it was pouring. And this was the day we were to leave for the Balloon Fiesta. That means we would have to disconnect all hoses and electrical cords in the rain and then hitch up the car in the rain. An experience we try not to have happen but sometimes nature takes charge of our lives.

In addition, we checked the weather and it was supposed to rain for the next several days which was not real encouraging for the flight of the balloons.

But off we went, driving in the rain and arriving in Albuquerque by eleven in the morning. We set up, which means we unhooked the car. No set up for the motorhome since we would be dry camping for the next week. No hook ups to electricity or water.

Sunday and Monday were very disappointing since it did rain all day on both days and all balloon activities were cancelled. We continued to hope that the weather would clear by Tuesday.

By the way, for those of you who do not know, this balloon fiesta in Albuquerque is the largest in the country. There will be 700-800 balloons here and in the mornings when they have a mass ascension, all of them will go up. In addition the camping area where we park our rigs is directly across the street from the launching and landing areas for the balloons. We have been told that the balloons float right over our rigs! What an experience that will be.

So back to our rained out days................On Sunday evening it seemed that the rain had stopped and that the balloon glow would happen. But it didn't. The winds were so strong that they were concerned about putting the balloons up so they did what they called a "candle lighting".




They shot the flames in the air without the balloons. It was really a neat effect.




































After that there were fireworks.












Since it was raining on Monday, we went to the casino. In our package for registration there were two $10 coupons for a casino, so in the rain we all trouped over to the casino. Had fun playing there. Barb played poker at the tables and I used the two $10 coupons to play video poker. And I earned enough points to get a balloon fiesta sweatshirt. Since we were Seniors we had dinner there for $5.00 each at the buffet. Great buffet and of course we ate too much, much too much.

We drove back to rig in the rain and wind and projected that Tuesday would be clear and calm and sunny.

Love to all of you.