Sunday, October 21, 2007

10/13/07 Fiesta Park - Pertoglyphs

Captain’s Blog
10/13/07
Albuquerque Fiesta Park/ KOA, South Bernallilo
Odometer Reading: 12372.2

Everyone was up early this morning for our last Dawn Patrol experience and the final huge mass ascension of the Fiesta. To our surprise there were several balloons being inflated while it was pitch dark out. We were amazed to see that they were doing a balloon glow for all of us making up for the Glowdeo that was cancelled last evening.
It was breathtaking!!!!!!!!!!!

The number of spectators on the field was unreal.
We thought there had been a lot a spectators on the previous days but this morning topped it all. We were trying to figure out how they were able to spread the balloons on the field with all the people on the field but they did.

The ascension far exceeded our every expectation. There was wave after wave of balloons ascending, many floating right over our RV. Some of the larger shaped balloon had to land on the highway due to lack of wind speed to get them farther into the fields. Pictures cannot capture the splendor of what we witnessed today. The ascension and flyover lasted around two hours then it was time to pack up and head to the KOA we have booked in South Bernallilo.

After setting up at the KOA we decided to head out to the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque. This is the site of prehistoric rock art on the West Mesa volcanic escarpment. Within the park are three trails leading to the petroglyphs each trail a little more difficult then the previous trail.

We climbed the most difficult trail first which was a one-half mile round trip up 400 feet in the hot sun. It seems we always decide to get active during the hottest time of the day. The petroglyphs were many and some left you wondering exactly what they meant. Once we finished the two easier trails it was back to the KOA for dinner. Unfortunately there would be no Glowdeo or fireworks for us tonight.

When watching the news it was reported that this morning’s ascension was the best attended and the best ever in Fiesta history!!!! How fortunate for us to have been part of that. This is a highly recommended trip even if you have never been interested in hot air balloons.



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