Trip #130 (61): Balloon Fiesta 2023 - and probably the last

 #130 (61) Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta ’23 + Cheap Trick. Our #6 & probably last

Oct. 7
Friday. Arrived at 9:05am, early enough to score a spot in the second row. Hung around, took a short bike ride, they fed us. Bill started a toothache, so took every drug he had. Hoping he can hang on until Tuesday. He has a dental appointment for when we get back.

Saturday. Went down to the field, him first, me later. I really have a hard time with the early mornings. no surprise. Took a million photos of course. Later we toured the town, going to Old Town which was packed so we moved on to Gertrude Zachary and the Nancy Rose vintage jewelry trunk show, then Macy’s. Went over for the sky diving, drones and fireworks which were all held up by the delayed filling of the gas balloons. They didn’t take off until 8:30, all 17 of them, so we came back and watched fireworks from trailer.

Sunday. I didn’t leave trailer for balloons. Bill was outside, it was a great day he said but I just couldn’t get motivated. Los Poblanos for 11:15 brunch. Went over to visit my new fave dog Ace, a brown Boston Terrier. His owners were nice to, he reminded me of Uncle Frank. Later took a 16 mile bike ride along Alameda and Rio Grande. Hung out, pretty warm about 80 in the parking lot. Walked over for the Glow about 6pm, wandered the concessions, he got some tiny donuts, and while walking back the drone show started so we sat there for that and fireworks, in a perfect center and close location. Late afternoon got a call from Ginger that Larry was on his way for a transplant. All excitement done by 8:30.

Monday.
Cheap Trick day. Have had perfect balloon weather the whole time. Great lift off, watched from trailer. Sitting around deciding what to do. Going to be 80 again. Going to town, so first went to Old Town and finally got in the fun shopping. Yes, I got chile pepper seeds and that’s about it, but always have fun looking. Next we went just around the corner pretty much to the BioPark, and did the botanic and very small aquarium. Got pretty hot during the botanical walk, I stupidly was in jeans. Plants were on their way out but it has pretty good infrastructure. Came back after one more stop at Michaels west of the park (needed new crochet hook) and showered for the concert, still warm out. First we had dinner at M’Tucci, an italian place along the interstate I’ve always wondered about. It was good but I still had a stomach ache from those tiny donuts I guess so took most home. The show was another 2 minutes down the road so got there at the exact right time. Good show, lousy sound system. Stood down front since when we got a seat it was in the last row. Show opened with Robin Jr, still have mixed reviews on him but he definitely has musical skills.

Tuesday.
Go home day, first stopping to dump at the area west of the park. Came back, half unloaded and Bill went to Dentist (only to find out it was just a consultation. But it did get yanked on Thursday.