The alarm woke us out a deep sleep at 4:00 AM.  It was the same routine as yesterday, leaving the house at 4:30, riding the bus to the park, finding hot coffee and donuts, and waiting for dawn.  With the help of cell phones and texting, my fellow Metter Magnolias, Julie and Lydia found us before the launch.

Metter Magnolias plus one

As the light dawned over the Sandia Mountains, the first balloons began to raise their heads.  First there was the Dawn Patrol.

Dawn Patrol

Then everywhere we turned there were more and more popping up and ascending into the ever-brightening blue sky.  We kept losing each other in the excitement of snapping photos all over the field.  But, somehow we managed to meet at the designated spot when it was time to leave.  The photos below cannot do justice to the adrenalin rush one gets while watching these giant creatures unfurl in all of their splendor.

Balloons

Balloons

Stagecoach

Nancy and Balloons

Balloon

Elephant

Clock

Polly and Nancy

Balloons

Up, Up, and Away!

Polly, John, Peter, Nancy, David

Somehow in all of the excitement, we hardly noticed that the temperature was dropping.  It became more and more difficult for our fingers to push the camera buttons.  Finally, with hands almost numb and bodies shivering, we decided it was time to seek shelter and warmth.  Catching the bus back to the car, we all agreed that food would be the solution to shaking bodies.  So, off we went to Lily’s, a place that David’s motorcycle friends meet for breakfast.  We were not disappointed.  Then it was back home to catch up on some much needed sleep.

Brunch at Lily’s

Sunday evening John, Peter, Polly and I were treated to yet another epicurean dining experience.  Alison prepared a roasted vegetable medley while David grilled pork tenderloin.  The meal accompanied by assorted wines and a dessert of grilled peaches and ice cream was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

October 7, 2012