Between the freezing temperatures and the higher than optimal winds, it was unknown if the balloons would be allowed to launch. The normal procedure is to send up a handful of balloons first to check both the surface winds and the upper winds. This group is called the 'dawn patrol'.
If all is good, a green flag is raised indicating that all balloons are cleared to fly at will--a mass ascension is what everyone hopes for. Even though the dawn patrol gave the 'all clear' that morning, the direction of the wind was not ideal for good landing spots, so some balloon handlers opted not to go at all, or to wait a while hoping the conditions would improve. The net result? Balloons did go up, but only in small numbers and in spurts rather than in mass. Nevertheless, we did see LOTS of balloons on the ground and some in the air, and we were glad we came.
We could have scheduled going to the launch site another morning, but one morning of getting up at 3:00 and standing around in freezing temps was enough. Besides, it was televised on a local channel each morning, and that was a much more comfortable setting. You know, like a football game.
Before the Balloon Fiesta, we visited 'historic downtown Albuquerque'. In our travels we've come to equate anything labeled as 'historic' to just mean 'old' and not necessarily historically significant. Albuquerque's historic downtown is old, but it is also infused with quintessential southwestern architecture and is an enjoyable area to visit and, of course, shop.
Before leaving Albuquerque, we took a ride on the Sandia Peak Tram which took us up to an elevation of 10,000+ feet.
At the top of mountain, there was a trail that led to a cabin that was built by the CCC in 1936 and sat on the highest point at 10,600 feet. The round trip was 3 miles. We took it. It was a trek, and the elevation taxed our lungs, but we're glad to have done it.
Next stop is Santa Fe. Our friends are accompanying us.
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