Huge patches of colorful fabric stretch across the entire launch field. There are hundreds of balloons here in various stages of inflation and we are right out among them.  First into the air are 50+ bucket listers (the balloon ride guys who take up as many as 10-12 riders in huge baskets suspended under standard lightbulb shaped balloons).  In the bright morning sky it is a fantastic kaleidoscope of colors.  Lions, chickens, a huge cow, the Bimbo bear, a lady bug, fish, a fire hydrant……..shapes begin to appear mixed in with more standard balloons.  It is almost overwhelming in shear number and size of the craft.  It takes an hour to get them all off the ground and with perfect wind conditions the “Albuquerque box” brings many of them back around the field for as many as 4 passes.  A shape we know for a fact is over 50 feet tall looks tiny high in the distance.  Colors seem to glow with the reflected sun.  It is mesmerizing to watch and we stay until the very end.  The greatest accomplishment; a pilot takes off, flies the box air currents and returns to the field to land in the very same spot he launched from.  We saw some guys come pretty darn close!

We cruise the craft and merchandise booths then head home. It is only 11:30 AM but we are pooped.  What a great day.