[InShanghai]

I grew up in Albuquerque and I haven't seen the Ballon Fiesta in years. I remember watching it when I was five, there were only a few ballons then, and it's such a great memory. My mother would wake us kids up when it was still dark outside. We would buy doughnuts and go to the fairgrounds, where ballons used to be launched, to watch. The ballons being filled in the morning is exiting. The roar of the burners and the glow of the ballons will always be a treasured memory. One day I will take my kids to see a ballon fiesta, and I hope they have the same experience as I.

My favorite ballon was the Jolly Roger. One year it landed in a field near our house, and all the kids in the neighborhood ran over to ask for a ride. Unfortunately, the pilot told us that was the end their trip.

Thanks for posting this and bringing such wonderful memories back. I'll certainly keep an eye out for America One and Patriot!

[Syncro]

Wow what fantastic pictures!

I could only look at 1,243 of them, will have to look at the rest later.

Wish I could have driven out, but got bogged down in work (ever been audited lol) and personal issues.

This picture is cool:

This Barry D. guy sure is a serious sort...LOL

Perfect attire for swimming, didja find a pool Barry?

:>)

If you can ever come a little closer to the Coast out here, ship the stuff and I'll haul you and it around in the Limonomonol Phenomozine...

[NRA2BFree]

My mother would wake us kids up when it was still dark outside. We would buy doughnuts and go to the fairgrounds, where ballons used to be launched, to watch.

That was a long time ago. :) There*s no doubt that doughnuts and coffee are still the favorite of all who get up at 4:30 or 5:00 to head to the balloon field. :)