Mass ascension: Albuquerque 2009 International Balloon FiestaIt's 600 balloons rising from balloon fiesta park and drifting in this morning's calm blue skies. At least 5,000 people showed up this morning to pay homage to Albuquerque's biggest event - one that attracts balloons from around the world. The park is a lightly marked grid for the ballooning crews to assemble their gear, but completely open to visitors to drift themselves amongst the giants - no backstage passes required. Regular Joe's have free access to converse with the crews, and occasionally you're asked to grab an anchor line - but quickly, to keep the balloon under control during the morning rise. It's a beautiful sight and fantastic to be able look up at any moment and see 20 balloons rising into the cloud of hundreds already gathered. This was the final straw.. I will move back to my roots next year with a suitable dSLR.
Rise and shine! A new interpretation.
An early start, with more early risers behind.
Fantastic: Free walkabouts with no press-pass required.
Anybody bring marshmallows? 
Hello, Mr Happy. 
This cow has an anatomically-correct ending
Really amazing: two independently-controlled balloons holding hands
YES! PROSIT! Needless to say this is my favorite balloon.
My fav, cropped for your enjoyment.
