Up, Up and Away!

Up before dawn to see the mass ascension of over 550 hot air ballons as they lifted off from the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.

Balloons glowed in the pre-dawn darkness.

We were allowed to get up close & personal with the balloons & pilots.

As the morning sun broke over the mountains, we marveled at the sea of balloons inflating right before our eyes.  It was a rainbow of colors!

And then the special shapes started popping up.

Jester's smile loomed above us.

Pink elephants floated by.

Whales swam silently overhead.

We saw angry birds,

Toothy beavers,

And a frog prince!

Witches flew by,

Wise old owls perched above us,

And yes, even pigs fly, here at the Balloon Fiesta!

This is truley a bucket list destination.

You cant't help but smile!