Balloon Festival-10/3

Today is the opening of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, which rhymes with siesta which is what we need after getting up at 3.  We awoke at 3 to go into the city to catch the buses that would take us to the Festival fields.
School buses from nearby cities were here to transport thousands of people.

Before 4:30 and the masses are beginning to gather.

After 25 minutes on the bus...we arrive.

Pilots and crews are beginning to get everything assembled.

Inflating begins...first the fans to begin filling up in this one, 105,000 cubic feet of space.

Liftoff goes very orderly....somewhat.  Balloons are sent off by rows, generally 1 at a time

Once the gas operated fans have done their job it's time for the propane burners.
Tom was lucky to pick this pilot and Balloon to hang around and take pictures and viseo of while waiting for the Dawn Patrol to lift.   See  Tim Taylor and the Dee III
For a video, not mine... see Tim Taylor and crew launch of Dee III

Tom was standing right behind the basket getting nice and warm.

The Dawn Patrol starts off at 6 am to test weather conditions. This may be more of a formality however because weather conditions are good for liftoff and besides, small balloons have already been sent aloft and info gathered.  The info is useful because the wind speed and direction isn't always the same as ground leve.

Finally the balloon and crew are up...not the first because they were in the middle of the row.

 

The balloons are spread out on the ground.  The one on the right is a brand new one that measures 310,000 cubic feet.

The "Zebras" as they are known are the ones that control who goes off in what order.

 More balloons ready for their turn.

The Fiesta Balloon.

Grammie got out in front of the crowd for her Where's Grammie picture...and then many followed for their selfies.

More often than not, there is usually someone who will ask if we both want to be in the picture.

Tom practicing on the wide angle pictures.

The Vegas balloon was the one where Grammie was standing in front.

Balloons and people galore.

The next several shots will have no comment.  Maybe later.  Hope all you kids enjoy!

Plenty more pictures to post later.