Albuquerque and the Balloon Fiesta

We had a wonderful evening with our friends. Since we did not unhitch last night we were able to get on the road by 8 AM for the almost four hour drive to Albuquerque. We are joining friends from Missouri, Rory and Sue, for this week long festival.

We arrived shortly before noon and didn't have to wait too long in line. Rory had saved a site next to them and, fortunately for us, the parking attendant was aware of that, so he directed us out of line and directly to our site. We are about 3/4 of a mile from the launch field so it won't be a bad walk every day. The festival doesn't start officially until Sat. Oct. 6 but we expect to see some balloons before then. Fantasy Tours has made all the arrangements for enjoying the balloons plus they have planned extra things to do during times that the balloons area not flying.

It was a nice afternoon and evening to sit outside our RV and visit and make new friends with those around us. Fantasy provided a BBQ dinner followed by a marimba concert. The sunset was beautiful and the campgrounds are above the city where we can enjoy the city lights every night.

Friday dawned warm and we spotted numerous hot air balloons hovering over the city. We have been told that they are at the elementary schools kicking off this week of festivities. Fantasy then bussed us up to the Sandia Peak Tramway. This is the longest tramway in the world and goes from about 6,500' to nearly 10,400' elevations. At the top is a ski area with three lifts and numerous bike and hiking paths. We also were able to have lunch at the top. As long as we were sheltered from the wind and had some sun, it was warm but the thermometer said it was only about 45°at the top.

For the afternoon, we toured Route 66 through Old Town, passed by the University of New Mexico and the high rise area of the City. Of course, the highest building was only 22 stories tall! We also visited a Turquoise museum and store where we learned about the gem and how to tell if it is Natural (a mined gem) or artificial (plastic). Do you want to know? Just ask if it is Natural! By law they have to give you papers that say it is Natural. If they can't or don't, then its not the real thing.

We are getting up at 5:15 AM to see the mass ascension! Gotta go to bed -- now!