New Mexico Skies: Sunsets and Hot Air Balloons

I visited New Mexico in early October 2018. The first thing that struck me upon arriving was the sky. The sunsets were incredible, painting the high desert landscape with vibrant oranges and golds that silhouetted the adobe-style buildings and distant mountains.

The main reason for the trip was the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Waking up to see the sky filled with hot air balloons is a surreal experience. From our vantage point on the highway, we watched hundreds of them ascend into the cloudy morning air. Traffic slowed as everyone took in the spectacle.

The sheer number of balloons was hard to comprehend. Classic shapes mixed with more unique designs, all floating silently over the city and the surrounding landscape. As the morning went on and the clouds began to break, they just dotted the huge expanse of blue sky. It was an amazing sight to see from the road.