Shadow Shots: Tribal Fire

Another shot from the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, a mysterious one in keeping with the season.

I loved the burners blazing in the night and black silhouettes casting long shadows, looking almost as if a pagan tribe had gathered round a magic fire.

That's the moon up above, and the red haze ... probably just camera flare. Or maybe a passing spirit?

It's always shadowy at HeyHarriet's. Stop by and see. You may want to bring a flashlight.

PhotoHunt: High

If ever you are in Albuquerque, make time to take the tram ride to the top of Sandia Peak.



You'll ascend to a first tower about halfway up, then swoop like a lazy eagle to the summit.



At the top you'll find a restaurant, alpine wildflowers, hiking trails along craggy cliffs, and vistas that go to the edge of the world.



Posted for PhotoHunt: High

PhotoHunt: Waiting

Crews scramble to be first into the sky at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Thousands of spellbound spectators watch and wait.

More photos and commentary about the event at the previous post: Balloons Over Albuquerque.

Posted for PhotoHunt: Waiting

SkyWatch: Balloons Over Albuquerque

I have always loved balloons - in my younger days I toyed with the idea of getting a balloon pilot license myself. So it was a dream come true last week when we went to the 40th Annual Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

It was absolutely wondrous to stand there at dawn among the towering, billowing masses of color, fire, and sound. Wave after wave lifted and rose, baskets brushing by only a few feet away, until the sky was filled with their magic and joy.

These shots are from the mass ascension October 1, where the festival set a new world record: 345 balloons launched in one hour.

And yes, I will be uploading photographs for weeks.



Click the link for more at SkyWatch Friday, where things are always looking up.