On a cool October morning, the alarm in our hotel room went off at 3:00 AM.  Handsome and I have been waiting for this day for months.  It’s our 25th wedding anniversary!  It’s hard to believe we have been married 25 years, where has the time gone?

Handsome surprised me for my anniversary by taking me to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.  I’ve have wanted to attend this for as long as I could remember.  It’s the worlds largest Balloon Fiesta.  When we arrived at the site, it was dark, very dark.  We could hardly see in front of us.  But soon, the fire of the balloons illuminated the sky, it’s a breathtaking sight.

The Balloons start firing up at 5:45 AM for Dawn Patrol.  Dawn Patrol Balloon pilots take off in the dark and fly until it is light enough to see the landing areas.  This gives the other balloonist an inkling on how the wind speeds are.  We were lucky, this was a Mass Ascension Day, it is where about a dozen balloons present a choreographed launch, set to music.

Just a few of the countries represented at the balloon fiesta.  Italy, United States & England.

The sky looks so amazing dotted with hundreds of hot air balloons!  A spectacular sight.  

I loved watching the balloons filling with air and then rising into the powder blue skies.

Loved how this balloon represented pride in our great country.

There was even an Elvis sighting!

And a Darth Vader and an elephant sighting!

The colors of the balloons are so vibrant.  With over 600 balloons in attendance, every color and color combination possible cast a beautiful rainbow across the New Mexico sky.

The Albuquerque sky dotted with spine-tingling beauty.This is one of the most spectacular anniversary trips we have taken.  If you ever get a chance to go to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, take it!  It is a sight and a feeling hard to explain.  And, if you are lucky and book early, maybe you too can go up in a hot air balloon.

New Mexico is unlike any other state I have traveled to.  Find out about New Mexico here.

Find out more about the Balloon Fiesta.  For time and dates, click below:

 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

 Or call: 888.422.7277

Disclaimer: We were not sponsored, compensated or affiliated by the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.  I just wanted to share our wonderful experience with you.