East Coast Trip 2024 - October 5

October 5: Day 3 of the Rally. Coffee and breakfast served again beginning at 5 am. Today is the Opening Day of the Fiesta and we got up at 5 am so we could be on the shuttle to the balloon field. We arrived in the dark, of course, and found a spot on the grass to set up our chairs. We were asked to move after a while because the balloonists were getting ready to set up. The field used for the balloons was divided into grid squares and each entrant was assigned a square. While we were waiting for the "green flag", Sandia Casino & Resort presented a drone light show, which was spectacular. When it was light, and the green flag was given, 5 propeller plans flew over the field and then the balloonists began inflating their "envelopes". We found our way next to a balloonist and decided to stay and watch the process. The basket is laid on its side and a giant fan starts blowing air into the flattened envelope. Several crew hold onto the ropes that are attached from the envelope to the basket and much strength is needed to do that job. Once the envelope has sufficient air, the propane tanks are lit and slowly the hot air is forced in and the envelope begins to rise causing it to rise. The basket is then raised off its side and the pilot and any passenger and/or crew climb in and up they go. It wasn't a very good day for the balloons because many struggled to take off, and some just couldn't make it because the wind died down. We took many pictures and a few short videos (which I can't include here). This balloon fiesta is fabulous but it's very hard to capture and convey. Alongside the field was a food fair and a fiesta merchandise tent, which had a long line of people waiting to enter. We found our shuttle and went back to the RV park to enjoy a Margaritas & Nachos social and balloon demonstration. It was a hot day so it was a little tough to take the pups out for long walks, so they got several short ones during the day.




















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