ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA - NEW MEXICO

Golden Eagle Campground in Eagle Nest

Rio Grande

Drove to Albuquerque in sun then rain and wind. Travelled along the Rio Grande through part of the canyon then the peaceful roads ended as we hit Santa Fe.

We had been to the fiesta in 2009 and nothing had changed, camping on a bare dirt area, rally style with no services. The rain stopped but not the wind so we were fingers crossed that it would be fine for the next three days.

Up before dawn and down to the balloon field in time to see the Dawn Patrol take off, a pre-dawn show that also helps the other pilots determine winds aloft conditions. Then the special shape Rodeo showcased intriguing shapes such as a pair of bees, a stagecoach, Pigs might fly, a cow and Noah's Ark. When they have all left the competitions start, all about flying finesse, control and accuracy, a chance for pilots to test their skills against the best in the world while winning points and prizes. Big bucks are at stake. We then managed our breakfast burrito while viewing the chainsaw carving competitions – these men are so skilled and produce beautiful creations from a tree trunk!

DAWN PATROL

ZEBRAS CONTROL THE TAKE OFFS

CARVED FROM A TREE TRUNK OF PONDEROSA PINE

Back in the afternoon for the judging of Chainsaw carvings, raffle and auction of pieces carved. If we had been able to get it home we would have bid for one of then, they were so cheap. The enchanted horses went for $700 – in his gallery he said it would have been $2000. We did not win a carved bear with the raffle although what we would have done with it I'm not sure.

The Special Shape Glowdeo and Fireworks completed a perfect day!

SPECIAL SHAPE GLOWDEO