Skywatch Friday

December 4, 2008

Balloon Fiesta – Skywatch Friday

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If you’ve never had the opportunty to watch seven hundred or so hot air balloons ascend in the still morning air against the bluest of skies, you are missing something special.  The first weekend of October, through the second weekend in October, Albuquerque, along with hundreds of thousands of visitors, celebrates balloons.  Because it’s gray December, I thought I’d share something uplifting.

Other uplifting skies can be seen at www.skyley.blogspot.com.  Don’t miss them.


  1. luna miranda says:

    beautiful colors…what an amazing sight!

  2. babooshka says:

    What a marvellous sight.

  3. C-Myste says:

    I can’t wait to come see that in person sometime.

  4. patricia says:

    wow!! seven hundred ballons?? what a wonderful fiesta!!
    I wish I was there 🙁
    Nice shot! Thanks for sharing,
    Happy SWF!!

  5. Gretchen says:

    I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing that. Thank you for sharing!

  6. Margy says:

    When my mom lived in Southern California we often saw a few balloons on weekends, but I’ve never seen so many in the air all at once. Since they are at the mercy of the elements, I wonder how they keep separated. I invite you to come see the skies over Powell Lake in British Columbia. — Margy

  7. Tony says:

    The thing that worries me is how do they steer. I would be worried about being blown out to sea by strong wind & never being seen again….
    I am blogging on WordPress now
    http://tonyintaz.wordpress.com

  8. admin says:

    For all you worry-warts: The balloons take off in waves so all 700+ are not ascending at the same time. The pilots are licensed and subject to FAA regulations. If the wind is more than 10 miles per hour, the balloons don’t fly.

    Tony, the sea is VERY far from New Mexico, so fetting lost over the open water has not been a problem.

  9. Terrific! I haven’t seen a balloon fest in years …