Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The 44th annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

began today. Yesterday, balloonists went to many schools

and took off from their fields so that school children could see

the process up close.

Being an avid photographer, I brought Amaya and my camera

to school with me to enjoy Albuquerque Aloft at our school site.

We watched the balloonist team set up the balloon.

They surprised those of us who had arrived early

by testing the burner before the balloon was on it.

The sun was still rising during their process of laying out the balloon.

School children continued to arrive, socialize,

and watch the excitement on the field.

Finally, they used the fan to inflate the balloon.

Then they used the burner to cause the balloon to rise.

What squeals of delight and surprise!

The balloonists talked to the audience for a few more minutes.

When our morning bell rang, they started their ascension.

It rose up over our gym

and continued on their adventure through the morning sky.

This morning, I watched the hot air balloons

from my apartment balcony as the International

Balloon Fiesta began its first day.

Local businesses offering hot air balloon rides

launched from closer to where I live

while hundreds of balloons launched from the

Balloon Fiesta Park during the morning.

Here we go again!