2010 Balloon Fiesta

Taking a break from etiquette rules from the 1950's - today (10/10/10) is the final day of the annual Balloon Fiesta here in Albuquerque.  This year was no different from other years in that there were a couple events (primarily in the evenings) that had to be cancelled due to unfavorable conditions.  However, most events went off as planned and most folks were thankful for slightly warmer than normal morning temperatures.

For the first time in I can't remember when, I actually didn't have to work this week and so got to do some laid back balloon chasing, hoping to get photos to use for my needlework patterns.

Here are some photos that most likely will not be used for patterns, but are kinda fun nevertheless.

A good takeoff -

The two faces of a jester (special shape) balloon -

Two balloons looking for a good place to land - 

A balloon that's made a safe landing -

And here's a balloon that made a rather 'sloppy' landing.  You'll be happy to know that nobody was hurt, not even the balloon.  OK, the balloon may have had some minimal damage, but looked to have survived enough to fly another day.

Thanks to the efforts of the fine folks at PNM (local utility) and the equally fine folks with the Albuquerque Fire Department, the balloon's envelope was un-draped from the power line.

And that's it for this year.

Papillon