I don't believe the pioneers of manned balloon flight that first lifted off from Annonay, France in the late eighteenth century ever imagined pigs, cacti, or spaceships sharing the same airspace but I witnessed all of the above in the skies over New Mexico this morning. What an incredible sight it was during a "Dawn Patrol" launch. Hundreds of special shape and classic shape balloons filled the Balloon Park then just after sunrise they rose up and drifted away.
It never occurred to me how casual a ballooning event would be. The Albuquerque Balloon Park is a very well developed venue for the massive annual event that sees hundreds of balloons launching in dozens of events the first part of October every year. The park hosts a large museum dedicated to all things hot air. Beyond the museum is a nicely paved concourse that allows for all of the vendors and stages to be accessible without getting muddy feet should there be in-climate weather. Below the concourse are terraced grassy fields that serve as launch pads for the balloons. What I found casual was that spectators are allowed access to the launch fields and are free to roam around and mingle with the crews that launch and fly the balloons.
The balloons are amazing. The special shapes are quite incredible and definitely captivated the spectators.
For a great adventure in the Albuquerque area reserve a few days early in October next year to check out the 2010 Balloon Fiesta. You'll probably see a few things you never imagined would be possible.
Pigs were seen flying.
Cacti too.
Even a spaceship.
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