Parked at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, NM
Then, on Sunday, John and Marijean and Jerry and I arrived at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Couldn't tell you how many RVs were there, but we were located near the front of the park, and the park extended back behind us for over one-half mile. And that was just one of the parks. We dry-camped for the week for $30 a night. However, if you wanted water and electricity (no sewer), you could have parked in the elite section for $165 a night.
Arriving after the first weekend of the festival was over was a good move because we were able to enjoy the balloons and activities without too many people. But, by the last weekend, of the festival, the place was packed.
The first morning, Jerry and I got up early (still dark outside) to see the Dawn Patrol Show (helps pilots determine wind conditions). Here are the pictures we took early in the morning.
Dawn Patrol blowing up the balloons early in the morning.
Some of the venders selling hot coffee etc. as
the sun is coming up.
One of the balloons on the ground ready to
be set up. Sun still not up.
Fanning air into the balloon.
Another balloon being prepared while some others
are further along in the process.
The larger balloons take longer to get up.
Darth Vader lifting off of the ground.
Still waiting for this guy to get up.
Finally!
This was the 42nd Annual Albuquerque Balloon Festival
with over 500 balloons participating.
The balloon floated towards the RV park.
Flying right over John and Marijean's and
our coaches.
Some came awfully close to the coaches.
Others ended up landing between the coaches.
This one is on its way down.
Another landing in the RV park
(John actually helped the crew guide one down.)
And this is how they pack them up again.
There were a lot fewer balloons later in the week
because the winds came up. In fact, none of the
balloons could go up on Thursday because of the
high winds and a few rain showers.
Then on Friday night, we attended the balloon
glow. There were lots of balloons on the ground
and lots of people for this second weekend of the festival.
Afterwards we were treated to the most spectacular
fireworks display. New York -- we saw your fireworks
display over Niagara Falls on the 4th of July. You need
to learn from New Mexico on how to put on a fantastic
fireworks display.
Also spent one afternoon in Old Town Albuquerque.
Here, Marijean, John and Jerry are
enjoying their Margaritas.
Saw this in Old Town.
Yesterday (Saturday), we left Albuquerque a day early to beat the rush of RVers all trying to leave at once today. We drove to Winslow, Arizona, and are staying at the Meteor Crater RV Park. This is a really nice little park. Our mission here: to see the world's largest crater caused by a meteor over 50,000 years ago. It is 550 feet deep and could accommodate 20 football games being played simultaneously with two million fans. I used my wide angle lens to try to capture the whole meteor site and couldn't do get the job done.
World's largest meteor crater (see the people
on the walkway to the right of the photo.)
A closer view.
Tomorrow, we all are leaving here and going to Williams, Arizona -- where we will spend a little time at the Grand Canyon.
Until next time, enjoy the life you love!
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