From Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2011

This week, the morning sky over Albuquerque is alive with color from over 500 hot air (propane-fueled) balloons. Four weekend morning feature “mass ascensions” as most of these balloons lift off in waves from Balloon Fiesta Park at the north end of town. At night, balloons remain grounded but light up like giant lanterns for balloon glows, followed by fireworks. This is an spectacular event almost beyond imagining.

We took our friends, Robert Coontz and Jolene Jesse, to the first mass ascension last Saturday. We all had a grand time despite the massive crowds and noise.

This was the fortieth Balloon Fiesta. Coincidentally, I’ve known Robert for 40 years. Thirty years ago this month, he introduced Merri and me. And, not quite a year ago, we attended Robert and Jolene’s wedding.