Day 4, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and Good Local Food
| Miles: | 278 |
| Start Point: | Madrone, NM |
| Sun Rise: | 7:10 AM MDT |
| Start Weather: | At 6:00 AM MDT the temperature was 37.8 ° with 76% humidity. The conditions were clear with a wind speed of 2.2 MPH and wind gusts of 10.8 MPH. On top of Sandra Crest at 10,600 feet the temperature was 23 °. |
| End Point: | Madrone, NM |
| Sun Set: | 6:40 PM MDT |
| End Weather: | At 6:00 PM MDT the temperature was 63.5 ° with 27% humidity. The conditions were clear with a wind speed of 0.5 MPH and wind gusts of 5 MPH. |
Table of Contents
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
We hate getting into crowds so I thought driving to the top of Sandia Crest at 10,600 feet would be a great place to view the morning ascension of the balloons while skipping the crowds. We were on the road before 5:00AM local time to reach the mountain top before the 7:00AM ascension. The view was great and we watched the sun rise with clouds below us in the valleys.
But there were two problems. We were too far away to see the balloons. Could not see a thing. And the wind was blowing briskly with an air temperature of 25 °. We did not anticipate that so we did not spend much time out of the truck. But we are still glad we went.
We drove back into Albuquerque to check out the Fiesta grounds to decide if we wanted to return there the next morning to see the mass ascension up close and personal. Laurie noticed a Waffle House so we stopped for breakfast.
After breakfast we headed to the Fiesta grounds and soon saw a sky full of balloons. Driving around the west side of the park, we saw one balloon being bundled up after landing and one in the process of landing and collapsing. After some photos Laurie said she had seen what she wanted to see. She has been at the Fiesta as a child and wanted to see some of the sights again.
Sandia Crest, Albuquerque, NM. It was 25 degrees so we got few photos.
Bobby
Sandia Crest, Albuquerque, NM. It was 25 degrees so we got few photos.
Bobby
Sandia Crest, Albuquerque, NM. It was 25 degrees so we got few photos.
Albuquerque, NM.
Bobby, Laurie
Albuquerque, NM.
Albuquerque, NM.
Albuquerque, NM.
Albuquerque, NM.
This is the musical highway. Turn up the volume and listen.
Video
Musical Highway. Listen carefully to the audio.
Albuquerque, NM.
Albuquerque, NM.
Albuquerque, NM.
Albuquerque, NM.
Albuquerque, NM.
Afternoon at the Campground and Dinner
So we skipped going onto the Fiesta grounds and headed back to the Kiva RV and Horse Park for some afternoon relaxation. The owners are very fond of the 2nd amendment.
We asked where they go to eat and they highly recommended Frank and Lupe's in Socorro. We were not disappointed. By the way it looked from the road we would not have normally stopped but we are glad we went. It was great. Dominique served us and answered our many questions. In New Mexico they serve a flat bread which you split open and cover with honey while hot. It is delicious.
Kiva RV Park and Horse Motel, Bosque, NM. Our kind of place.
Kiva RV Park and Horse Motel, Bosque, NM. Our kind of place.
Kiva RV Park and Horse Motel, Bosque, NM. Our kind of place.
Kiva RV Park and Horse Motel, Bosque, NM. Our kind of place.
Kiva RV Park and Horse Motel, Bosque, NM. Our kind of place.
Frank and Lupe's El Sombrero, recommended by the folks at the Kiva RV Park and Horse Motel. Great place to eat.
Frank and Lupe's El Sombrero, recommended by the folks at the Kiva RV Park and Horse Motel. Great place to eat.
Frank and Lupe's El Sombrero, recommended by the folks at the Kiva RV Park and Horse Motel. Great place to eat.
Bobby, Laurie
Frank and Lupe's El Sombrero, recommended by the folks at the Kiva RV Park and Horse Motel. Great place to eat.
Bobby, Laurie
Video
Great local Mexican restaurant that we would not normally have tried. The campground folks recommended this one. Great meal.
Laurie
Elevation Changes During the Day
The day started at 4,738 feet and ended at 4,747 feet. The highest altitude was 10,645 feet and the lowest altitude was 4,588 feet.