Although much of the nation knows Albuquerque, New Mexico as
the site of the popular and just ended television show, “Breaking Bad,” it has always had international recognition for
its Annual Balloon Festival. Each
October 100’s of colorful hot air balloons descend upon the valley in sight of
the Sandia Mountains. This is their 42nd
year hosting the popular event.
The Enchanted Sunrise Festivities
Beginning on October 5 through the 13th they put
out a full schedule of events including the new event, music (featuring
Darius Rucker and more), balloon rides, the special shape rodeo of
balloons, the chainsaw carving Invitational and a daily “Mass Ascension” of balloons
in the early morning light. A special treat, the “Glow” is scheduled for
the evening where, in the dark, all the inflated balloons stay on the ground
but are magically lit up by the gas burners that fuel their flights. Following, is the Afterglow Fireworks show, always
a favorite.
A
full-color Digital program, “Enchanted Sunrise,” is available for free at
their site. This year they boast 600 balloons
that are each pictured in the directory along with the 100 special shapes
balloons like the Wells Fargo Wagon and porky pig with sunglasses.
Albuquerque in Fall, Perfect for Balloons
Although many of the balloons randomly float over and land
in yards and parking lots to the delight of residents, there is a particular
reason that this location and time of year is especially perfect for the
event. According to an Associated Press
article, what makes Albuquerque in October ideal for such an event are its
typically clear skies; cool, often cold, mornings; and what is known as the
Albuquerque "box" that is created by the unique mountain formations
and weather patterns. When the box is in effect, the lower winds blow south and
higher winds blow north, meaning balloonists can travel one direction, and then
backtrack to land near their launch site by changing elevation. That keeps the
colorful balloons bobbing over the city rather than drifting away.
The photographs are all courtesy of a dear friend, Sonia Smith of Nana's Better Batter, who visited the Festival last year and fell in love with the colors. It truly is a photographer’s paradise.
Update: The hummingbird balloon is courtesy of Facebook friend Lesley Espinosa.
So where are y’all headed this fall? Whether you RV or just take a fall vacation,
share your favorite fall destination below in the comments.
Teri Blaschke is the
RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little
Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with
a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor
hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by
providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV
family. Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook,
Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV and our RV Country Daily Magazine and don't forget to Say hello to the voice of Hidden Valley 
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