Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (October 14, 2023)

How it begins: hauling everything but the gondola in a trailer

The gondola in the pickup bed. I loved that we could mingle with the balloon pilots and passengers.

The balloon is laid out, ready for inflation.

You start with a fan at the opening to make room for the flame. Hot air balloon. Right.

As the balloon inflates, you tip the gondola upright.

Another view of inflating a hot air balloon.

A lot of balloon shapes too.

 

If we're ever all in Albuquerque, we must take a ride in Rainbow Ryder's balloon!

Passengers waving to us.

And so it ends.