10/11/2026
Day 6 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
We departed our hotel before the sun even thought about rising, heading toward the balloon field in the cool, gentle 65‑degree morning air. With winds at only 2–3 mph, it felt like the perfect setting for a launch. After a scrumptious breakfast, we stepped right onto the field among the balloons, the pilots, and the radiant heat of the burners. Watching those massive envelopes — in every imaginable shape, size, and color — being carefully unrolled was indescribable. Hot‑air ballooning has deep roots in New Mexico; the first Balloon Fiesta in 1972 featured just 13 balloons, and today it has grown into the largest ballooning event in the world. That history was alive in the passion of the pilots, their kindness toward the crowds, and their love for the art of flight. Even though Hurricane Rachel created unsafe winds at higher altitudes and prevented the ascension, being so close to the process — the teamwork, the tradition, the quiet pride — was its own kind of magic. We left the field with full hearts.
Afterward, we returned to the hotel for a plated lunch, still buzzing from the morning’s excitement. Later, we departed for a private movie showing that gave us insight into some of tomorrow’s activities — and yes, unlimited popcorn and sodas made it even sweeter. As the day wound down, it was clear this had been a full, unforgettable day, one stitched with culture, history, and the joy of shared experience. A day we will remember for the rest of our lives. A magical day, a beautiful memory. Thankful, grateful, and blessed.
