Finale: Glowing
I’ve read a book or two where the beginning captures my interest, but it loses momentum in the middle of the story. I found myself itching to flip to the final ten pages or so to discover how the story ends. I feel like my Albuquerque posts were going at that pace, so I cut out two of the posts I had planned, and am taking you to the last chapter; my favorite part of the whole trip: the evening balloon glow.
If you see only one thing at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, this should be it. As balloonists prepped their balloons to inflate, spectators walked right up to them- no barriers or signs restricting access. To make the interactions even more fun, many of the balloonists handed out trading cards . (Which was great until they ran out of cards!)
I could tell you all about the experience, but I’d rather just show you. I hope you enjoy the pictures!
Up close at balloon inflation. Good for photo op and warmth 
This balloonist let people climb in the gondola. I’m sure the lady climbing in would be pleased with this photo. (Sorry!)
Inside of the balloon (yes, I see that I might be a little obsessed with balloons)
It was like watching a fire breathing dragon!
Cluster of balloons *almost* lit up
They tried to coordinate the lighting, but a couple of them had technical difficulties (that sounds better than getting tripped up on “three”).
So, what do you think….does it look like fun?
Absolutely awesome! Thanks for sharing these photos!
Thank you for sticking around through all the posts, Suzicate
This is something I’ve always wanted to see. Thanks for sharing it.
If you do ever get a chance to go, I think you’ll enjoy it. Thanks, Chlost.
Like magic. That must have been quite a sight, Janna. Thanks for sharing.
It was so pretty, Imelda. There were hundreds of balloons and no way to get a picture that could do it justice. Thanks for stopping by, Imelda.
Wonderful! This images are awesome. On September in Ferrara-Italy- there was the yearly Balloon Festival.
I’ve never been, but I imagine Italy would make for some beautiful scenery for a Balloon Festival. I’m glad you liked the pictures here, Newwhitebear!
Loved the shots, Janna.
And everything you shared about the trip.
Aw, thanks, Nancy! Thanks for following along on the trip. Now I’ll have to think of what we can see next
Just wow! Like light bulbs made out of stained glass. Were all the balloons “normal” shaped or were there some “novelty” shapes?
They had several odd-shaped balloons, but we didn’t get really close up because the kids wanted to go eat. I have a couple pictures I’d hoped to add to this comment, but I don’t think I can do that
Thanks for stopping by, Phil!
fabulous!!! . . . did’ja get to go up in one?
Oh, I wish! We did check on the pricing and it was going to be over $1,000 for all of us to go. With hubby just getting back to work, there was no way I’d consider doing it. I think it might be less expensive in town, where there isn’t an event to drive prices up.
I imagine those are even more beautiful in person. Thanks for sharing!
You’re right. Pictures can’t capture the enormity of it all. I’m glad you stopped by to check out the pictures, Patti!
lovely via pictures. in person – priceless experience
It is much more amazing in person, Patty. I knew the trip was okay when my older son told me, “Mom, this wasn’t as boring as I thought it would be.” That’s a huge compliment from a ten-year-old
Wow, it looks like a fantastic experience!
It was beautiful. Unfortunately photos don’t begin to capture the enormity of all those balloons. Thanks for visiting, Mike!
Speaking from personal experience, Janna, it IS fun! Thank you for bringing it all back for me — sadly, I didn’t take a camera along on my balloon flight.
You didn’t have a camera? I guess that means you’ll have to go again so you can photograph the ride, Debbie
Beautiful! I’m so glad to see these pictures. I hope to visit Albuquerque one day and see this myself. But I’m pretty sure I’d be a spectator and not a rider.
I hope you do get to visit someday, Sandra. It really is pretty, even if you stay on the ground