October 6, 2012
Awake at 4:15 a.m. In the bus at 5:00 a.m., we made our way to the Balloon Fiesta Mass Ascension. Arrived at the park in the dark. The area was set up with tents selling funnel cakes, turkey legs, souvenirs, etc. Near this area a large area of land was filled with trucks with trailers attached - the pilots of the hot air balloons. The air was filled with tension - "will they be able to lift off or not?" Due to wind speed, the mass ascension was cancelled - no hot air balloons will lift off today. There seemed to be a collective sigh from the crowd. Many had traveled far to see this event.
Our group checked out the souvenir shops, ate breakfast burritos, drank coffee and ate Krispy Kreme donuts.We left a little earlier than planned and made our way back to the hotel for a few hours of rest before continuing our day.
After a time of rest, we drove to see Tinkertown. Our route took us by and up the backside of the Sandia Mountains. On the side of the mountains we saw some fall color - yellow trees - aspens.
It took Ross Ward over 40 years to carve, collect, and lovingly construct Tinkertown Museum. His miniature wood-carved figures were first part of a traveling exhibit, driven to county fairs and carnivals in the 1960's and '70's. Today over 50,000 glass bottles form rambling walls that surround a 22-room museum. Wagon wheels, old fashioned store fronts, and wacky western memorabilia make Tinkertown's exterior as much as a museum as the wonders within.
After our visit to Tinkertown, we drove to Old Town of Albuquerque. Upon arrival we had lunch. Part of the group went to a Greek cafe. Some ordered gyros - others ordered hot dogs. Part of the cafe was a turquoise jewelry business - took a while to get our food. Once we got it, it was good. Following lunch we had a walking tour of Old Town where we saw several buildings that were part of the initial settlement.
After our walking tour - it was back to the hotel to prepare for our trip back to the Balloon Fiesta grounds for the evening lumination and fireworks. Back on the bus at 5 p.m. we made our way to festival grounds. We had time to grab a bite to eat before the balloons began to be filled with air and they filled the air around us. They were tethered to the ground. At twilight, the balloons were lit up and it was a wonderful sight! After the lumination (around 7:30 p.m.), the fireworks began - a nice ending to a good day.
Back to the hotel, we packed up to get ready to go to Mesa Verde tomorrow. Bags out at 6:30 a.m. Departure at 7:30 a.m.
Everyone is doing well - a bit tired after two FULL days!
No comments:
Post a Comment