Our second morning of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta was just as much fun and exciting as the first. With no alarm set it began with a loud low flying plane at 4:30AM. Tim said the same thing happened on the first day but I didn't hear it. Then the loud speakers at 5AM and finally the helicopters shortly there after.
Tim and I arrived on the field at about 6:30AM. Just a little later than yesterday. As we walked out on the field we realized none of the balloons had inflated their envelopes yet. The yellow caution flag was out. Winds were only at 5 mph so we weren't sure why they hadn't launched. Soon they made an announcement. Currently the upper winds were aloft and outside of the parameter. Meaning the launch was on hold. While we patiently waited we walked over to the vendors (a gazillion are here) to get the #1 breakfast burrito and a coffee. In my honest opinion ... The ones we had the first day were much better.
Come 7:53AM the green flag was raised.
Balloons began to inflate. Winds were still at 5 mph, gusting to 12 mph. Only about 20 balloons were able to inflate before ... A wind shift and even more wind.
Then about 45 minutes later the 20 balloons began to deflate really quick. The gusts became too much and no balloons launched this morning. It was still extremely exciting to be on that field during the quick inflation. You could really feel the excitement build with the pilots, crew and crowd ... all anxious to launch.
With no launch happening we returned to the Airstream passing the Mounted Search & Rescue team on our way. For lunch Tim and I met a very sweet and dear friend who now lives here in ABQ for lunch at the Flying Star Cafe. This is a really neat local place to get good healthy locally grown/raised food. Then at 4PM back at base camp our fellow Airstreamers held a Doggie Parade.
The BEST, BEST part of the day was the Balloon Glow!!! It was invented right here in Albuquerque. This is a synchronized night glow display with all the balloons participating. The balloons stay static on the ground only inflating to put on a show. No launches at night. I must say this is the most spectacular single moment in all the fiesta. Unexplainable! Being on that field under 500+ inflated hot air balloons as they get into sync and become one. Just over joyed with excitement as it happens. I even at one point caught myself running. Then I realized Tim had lost me because I didn't let him know where I went.
I can't wait for the plane to fly over early in the morning marking Day 3 of AIBF and the start of yet another GREAT day of our Epic Adventure.
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