larryim Loc: Ohio

My wife and I attended one morning session of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. It was an amazing experience. The announcer said that as many as 550 balloons may be launched. The balloons are of all shapes and sizes. Due to the terrain (the Sandia Mountains) the balloons can take off in one direction, rise to an altitude where they go in the exact opposite direction, travel for a while and then go to a lower altitude to go back to the area in which they took off. This is due to what is called the Albuquerque Box, explained in this article if you are interested: http://theweatherprediction.com/weatherpapers/107/index.html.

Dawn Patrol lifting off

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Lots of balloons and color

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Yoda

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This circus balloon was one of the few that never made it off the ground.

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Draw, partner!

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Smokey and the bandit :-)

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UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Great shots! Thanks for the explanation of the flight paths.

Tikva Loc: Waukesha, WI

Wonderful shots. I've been to one balloon launch many years ago and it was fantastic. The launch was later in the day, so not quite as photogenic, but still amazing.

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

Very nice.