Glam Balloon Watching – October 6, 2021

Although there was no reprieve from the 3 a.m. alarm, what we experienced today was quite different. We had purchased tickets form the International Balloon Museum for breakfast and to watch the Nations Balloon Ascension from their location on a hill top near the field. I was thinking indoor skybox kind of seats and even wore less layers and sandals. Big surprise! We got damp grassy area with drizzling rain and plastic tables and chairs. They did have gas patio heaters dispersed about so we chose our seat based on the proximity to a heater. It turned out well because we met the nicest couple from Los Alamos, NM and had a great time sharing the experience with them.

The wind was blowing harder than yesterday and the rain made it questionable whether the balloons could fly or not. The Dawn Patrol never did take to the air, but by 7:15 many of the balloons carry flags or signs of the different nations were lifting off and heading right over our heads. In fact, one balloon came very close to where we were sitting and actually landed because he couldn’t get enough lift. we saw some balloons we didn’t see yesterday and took more pictures.

From there, we drove to Sandia Mountain which touts the longest tram ride in the world where you ascend over 4,000 feet to 10,639 feet above sea level and the temperature drops 20 degrees. When you eat breakfast at 6 a.m. you feel the need to eat lunch earlier than normal so we put our name on the waiting list for the restaurant and 40 minutes later we were looking out over the ski slope and the back side of the mountain.

One more early morning balloon day and then off to San Angelo, Texas to see our Grandson, Kyle at Angelo State University. Proud grandparents. What can I say.