Special Shapes

After the mass ascension the special shapes were inflated. It was fun to watch as they were inflated from flat on the ground and try to figure out what it was going to be when fully inflated. It was like being at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade but without baton twirlers or marching bands.

 Spider Pig

 It took a long time to get the cow inflated and then it never flew. Not sure why but it was fun to see.

 The butterfly was one of my favorites.

 Not really sure what this thing is, but it was colorful.

 I really liked this one too. Not sure if you can tell, but it's a balloon with a dragon or snake wrapped around it.

And we all know who this guy is.

More From Balloon Fiesta

 

We particularly liked this balloon for a gin manufacturer and not because we are fans of gin. Although all the balloons were colorful and unique (except the two identical ones right below it in this picture) this one was fun because it was different. 

 The officials (referred to as Zebras and often wearing gaudy Zebra garb) would go to each balloon before it was given the okay to launch. They'd give their whistle two quick tweets and they'd take off. It was a flurry of whistles, applause, and balloons taking off all around us.

All those trucks that you see in the pictures soon took off to chase the balloons and bring them back from where they landed. When we were on our way home we saw balloons in people's yards and fields.

After the mass ascension they started blowing up the special shapes. Come back next time for those.

Balloon Fiesta Timeline

We had been hoping the balloons from the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta would magically float over our campground during a reasonable hour for us to enjoy. When it looked like that wouldn't happen, we decided to bite the  bullet and make the trip (only about 10 miles, so not sure why we were avoiding it).

5:50 am: Alarm goes off. I really question our sanity. We discuss the fact that we don't have any cash but assume we can use debit card for everything we need. Walk the dog, quick breakfast and head out by 6:30.

6:50 am: No traffic problems. Get to parking area and it's cash only. Turn around and go to gas station where I pay a fee of $2.50 for $40 from the ATM.

7:00 am: Because of the detour to the gas station, we go in a different parking lot. They don't charge us. I'm pretty excited about that.

7:15 am: We are on the Balloon Fiesta Field (no waiting in line because a camper gave us his two extra tickets. Cha-ching.)

7:20 am: We finally figure out that there is a yellow caution flag flying which means they are waiting for better conditions for the balloons. Some of the balloonists have the balloons out flat on the ground, ready to start filling when they get the word. Others aren't doing much.

7:25 am: It's a bit chilly and we are sharing the one pair of gloves we found in the car. We wander around and admire all the flat balloons and wonder what's happening.

7:45 am: A cheer erupts from the crowd as a green flag replaces the yellow one. Balloonist begin filling their balloons w/the big blasts from their propane gas things and large fans.

We are able to be right next to the balloons as they are being inflated and they are lined up in long multi-colored rows.

As the balloons are ready to launch, some singers mutilate the Star Spangled Banner and this balloon with an American Flag flying from the bottom takes off to cheers from the crowds.

What a thrill.

Come back next time for more photos!

An Ode to Sopapillas

I got this image online, but it's pretty representative of the sopapillas we've had at various restaurants.

It seems that every region has their "thing" they serve with a meal. In the south it might be biscuits or fritters. In the Midwest it's dinner rolls or a fancy bread basket. In new Mexico, it's Sopapillas. Essentially it's a piece of fried dough that puffs up so that if you tear the edge, it creates a big pocket into which you can pour honey (usually served in a squeeze bottle like ketchup). Mostly the Sopapillas don't have a ton of flavor, but they are a great vehicle for getting your honey fix. 

Restaurant Review: The Route 66 Diner

Recently Chris had a conversation with a camper about a place with great hamburgers and hot dogs. The description was something like "take Central Ave past Old Town until you get to the sketchy part of town. Off to the side of the road you'll see this place that looks like a dump and has a dirt parking lot."

Whether we found the place he was talking about or not, we enjoyed the Route 66 Diner. It fit the description and it was lunch time so we decided to give it a try.

It was like walking into a time machine or being on a TV show. The cook waved to use from the kitchen window and encouraged us to sit wherever we'd like. Two or three waitresses did the same.

We sat in a booth with burgundy tufted vinyl seats, though we were tempted to sit at the long counter.

First, the iced tea was awesome, particularly because we were both pretty tired. Nice and strong, lots of ice and rapid refills. 

Chris had chili rellenos (fans of our restaurant reviews will note this is a dish he has often). His review: "Good to excellent. Well worth the drive."

I had the patty melt and it was great. A hand formed burger patty with cheese and green chilis (wasn't expecting those, but the weren't over powering and added a nice kick) on grilled wheat bread and served with hand cut fries fresh from the fryer (again...why don't my pants fit?). Excellent and the perfect diner fare.

By the time we left the place was nearly full with locals, so you know that's always a good sign too.

Oh...and the sopapillas were good too.

I doubt if we'll go back since we're only here for another week, but I'm glad we made the trip.

A Toast To The Widows

We've met a wide range of people here at the KOA, the vast majority of them being very nice and interesting folks, but a lady checked in last night that reminded me of a group who I think deserve special acknowledgment---the widows.

I've encountered several older ladies this summer who were out on their first road trip after their husband's death. Nearly all of them have the same story to tell: when their husbands were alive they had a large motor home and he did the driving. Then when age or illness made that too difficult, they sold the motor home and stayed put. Usually the widow continued to live in the house they had at the time her husband died, but within a couple years they all get the urge to go back on the road. In part, I think they do it to remind themselves of the nice times they had with their husband. Maybe they do it because they don't want to sit around the house.

All the widows I've met have bought a smaller motor home or RV than what they had with their husbands and they seem rather proud (as they should be) that they are out and about, taking care of everything themselves.

These ladies really touch me with their resilience and spirit of adventure.

Lockdown At The KOA

Our workdays start at 7 am. We go to the office and while Chris sweeps and mops the floors, I turn on the computers, fill the cash drawer and get set up for the office/store to open at 7:30. Craig, the owner, is usually there before we arrive and often the three of us will chat a bit before the day starts.

Recently the three of us were shooting the breeze about something when Craig said, "What are the police doing here?"

I didn't think too much of it because the police occasionally drive through the campground as part of their patrol.

However, this was no courtesy patrol. Craig took a couple steps outside and the officer met him there.  We could hear the cop say, "Go inside, lock the doors and don't leave. There are people in the area with guns."

Chris paused in his mopping and we looked at each other. Should we take cover? Did he have to keep mopping?

Craig came inside and we locked the doors, though that hardly made me feel safe since there are large windows and a glass door at the office. We joked a bit about what might be going on, then Craig left out the back door. A few minutes later he came over the walkie talkie, "It's a hispanic couple, she's got red hair and he's got a .45."

Me, "Are they here?" (I thought he'd seen them.)

Craig: "I sure hope not." (Apparently he'd gotten the scoop from the cop who was going around the park telling people to get inside.

After a few minutes we just went on about our business. The police never did come back to give us the all clear andw we never heard if the people were caught.

It was a pretty exciting start to the day. Maybe we really are in the wild west.