October in New Mexico

I miss New Mexico, especially now. New Mexico hosts The International Balloon Fiesta every year at the beginning of October. There are over 1,000 hot air balloons that launch every morning. It is customary to wake up at 4am, drive the balloon park dressed in your heaviest winter gear (it is freezing) and get hot chocolate and green chile breakfast burritos (though you have the option of buying roasted corn or turkey legs as well~ lots of vendors ~ lots of food and souvineers). The dawn patrol lifts off at 6am to check the winds and the balloons start inflating. It's an INCREDIBLE site. Here are some pics from 3 years ago- the last time I went. They have fun events like The Balloon Glow in the evenings and The Special Shapes Rodeo where they launch only fun shaped balloons.











The Mass Ascension.






Brrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!




The first wave of balloons after the dawn patrol~ still sunrise.