New Mexico: balloons, and hikes

I recently came back from New Mexico. Aside from visiting my wife's family in Rio Rancho, we were able to see a little of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.  High winds ruined the first day of balloons so we weren't able to see the mass-ascension in the morning, although we did have the enjoyment of waking up at 430am and waiting in lines and riding school buses to and from the park for a few hours.  However, the next evening we attended the Balloon Glow, an event where hundreds of balloons inflate, tether, and ignite their torches and glow at various times after sunset.  Fireworks brought the night to a close.

Click on a picture to see a gallery of the images from this post.  I think it's a really awesome feature Blogspot added. 

"Carne Red Burrito" from Sadie's, balloons, and near-perfect weather.  Seriously, how can you complain?


Inflating a balloon as we watch, backs to the setting sun.


You'll never be disappointed in the light you find in New Mexico.



Firing it up at dusk.



Watching the balloons light up the night, from left, are my wife, our daughter and my sisters in-law




After what seemed to be the end of the fireworks display in front of us, we were startled by a new show of fireworks to our left.  


For one day & night, we drove up to Santa Fe (always required when we visit NM).  And thanks to a friend, we drove out to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.    Stunning, and yet another example of the endless amounts of outdoor activities to do in New Mexico when I'm you aren't stuffing your face with carne adovada or chiles (yes, this is what you should do in Santa Fe, along with the occasional Margarita).  Neither of us had ever heard of it.  Not surprising since I didn't grow up there.  However, my wife grew up in Santa Fe and hadn't known of it's existence.  It was a fairly easy hike, but interesting and thanks to the nice weather (which NM seems to have plenty of), it offered tremendous views once you summited the several hundred foot plateau.





Eva is tempted by an apple under a tree, in the presence of a snake, at Shidoni sculpture garden in Tesuque, just outside Santa Fe. 



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