Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Passin Thru wrote:
We used to leave NM for the balloon fest. Too many people all looking up. I do recommend you visit old town, buy some frozen Hatch Green Chili and Eat a Lota Burger with Green Chili. Otherwise take some suntan lotion because the sun will burn your face because you are at 5000 ft.

Fantastic memories, I lived there for 10 years. I have been on the field for the mass ascencions; but it can be gorgeous a little farther (about 5 miles) away. On the field can be overwhelming because the balloons are so big that the one right above you totally blocks your view of the rest of them. Best activity times are sunrise and early morning due to air temp changes as tne sun comes up. Expect long lines everywhere if you want to go out for breakfast. The special shapes balloons are guaranteed to draw lots of ooooohs and awwwws! Be on the lookout for lots of traffic probs as the balloon's chase trucks are following their balloons throughout the morning. Drivers everywhere are looking up, not watching where they are going. Balloons use a lot of propane so fill your tanks before you go, so don't have to try to get it done there. Nighttime balloon glows (balloons stay on ground but light up their burners) are best viewed from farthur away so you can see the full effect of all the balloons lighting off at once. When you are out for the day you will hear the whoooosh of a burner, look up and see a balloon right overhead. Then there is the wonderful aroma throughout the whole city of roasting green chile....but that is a different thread. Go, be prepared for traffic, have extra memory available for tons of photos, and have a great time.