We had a tiring and hectic trip to New Mexico for the opening weekend of the 52nd Annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. The morning on the balloon grounds was a bit of a letdown due to the wind causing a late launch with fewer balloons and no morning glow, but it was still an impressive site. If you ever go, I can't emphasize just how bad the traffic is and how poor the city is at directing it. Watching from other locations such as the Rio Grande or Sandia Crest is a different experience, but much less stressful.

Additional stops included Bandelier National Monument, Pecos National Historic Park, and the Manhattan Project National Historic Park- Los Alamos. Each of these history oriented parks provided fantastic learning opportunities about American History as well some beautiful sites.

The trip was cut short due to some illness and a heat advisory in Texas, so the Texas canyon country will have to wait for another time. For now, enjoy new images in the New Mexico and Hot Air Balloon Galleries.