Rusty's Balloon Ride!

We got up at 5:30 am to get to the Balloon Fiesta grounds here in Albuquerque, NM. We watched as they got the balloons spread out and blown up. Rusty even helped getting his balloon blown up. Then they loaded up and they were off!

        

As soon as Rusty got in the gondola I handed him the camera. The shadow is his balloon. Rusty loved the balloon ride and I loved watching the whole thing! There were 60-80 balloons today, tomorrow there will be over 500! The Balloon Fiesta starts officially tomorrow and we'll be there starting at 4:30 am! Evidently, ballooning is an early morning sport. Here's the schedule:
5:45 am  -  Dawn Patrol Show Presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel.
6:30 am  -  Morning Glow (when all the balloons light their burners to heat up)
6:45 am  -  Opening Ceremonies
7:00 am  -  Mass Ascension
8:00 am  -  ECHO National Chainsaw Caring Championship