One of the most fun things about attending the Albuquerque Internal Balloon Fiesta (in early October each year) is the opportunity to walk amongst hundreds of hot-air balloons as they are being inflated and as they rise into the early-morning air. Particularly wonderful is if one is there early enough, the "Dawn Patrol" balloons prepare for a pre-daylight lift-off. These first-to-go balloons report back on weather conditions, winds, etc. to maximize safety for the hundreds of balloons that shortly follow. As the Dawn-Patrol balloons are inflating and lifting off, their fire-lit color is gobsmacking against the still-dark sky. Then, after they are aloft and until the daylight finally comes, you can see them only very faintly illuminated until, of course, the pilot fires up the burner!
One of the most fun things about attending the Albuquerque Internal Balloon Fiesta (in early October each year) is the opportunity to walk amongst hundreds of hot-air balloons as they are being inflated and as they rise into the early-morning air. Particularly wonderful is if one is there early enough, the "Dawn Patrol" balloons prepare for a pre-daylight lift-off. These first-to-go balloons report back on weather conditions, winds, etc. to maximize safety for the hundreds of balloons that shortly follow. As the Dawn-Patrol balloons are inflating and lifting off, their fire-lit color is gobsmacking against the still-dark sky. Then, after they are aloft and until the daylight finally comes, you can see them only very faintly illuminated until, of course, the pilot fires up the burner!