[Leica] AM Ascension Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

[Aram Langhans]

After the Dawn Patrol, if the weather cooperates, is the mass ascension 
where up to 600 balloons lift off in about an hours time.  The Green 
flag goes up just before sunrise and the field sprouts balloons like 
mushrooms.

View them large if you can.

http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Aram/f8/bf/Balloon+Fiesta+AM-9047.jpg.html

As the sun rises, it makes for quite a sight.

http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Aram/f8/bf/AM+Ascention-9574.jpg.html

With many balloon events, you are relegated to viewing from selected 
areas and not allowed to mingle.  At Albuquerque, probably the largest 
event in the world, you have free reign to wander wherever you want.  
Just pay attention and let the crews do their thing.

http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Aram/f8/bf/AM+Ascention-9371.jpg.html

http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Aram/f8/bf/AM+Ascention-9396.jpg.html

http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Aram/f8/bf/Balloon+Fiesta+AM-9106.jpg.html

http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Aram/f8/bf/Balloon+Fiesta+AM-9105.jpg.html

The people who control this are called Zebras, and they are the ground 
flight control people. They do an excellent job.

http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Aram/f8/bf/Balloon+Fiesta+AM-9116.jpg.html

http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Aram/f8/bf/AM+Ascention-9388.jpg.html

As the sun rises, the sky fills

http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Aram/f8/bf/AM+Ascention-9607.jpg.html

There are many special shapes and they are the popular ones.  And they 
come from many countries.  Here is Bavaria's tribute to Vincent Van 
Gogh, but he has both ears.

http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Aram/f8/bf/AM+Ascention-9387.jpg.html

http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Aram/f8/bf/AM+Ascention-9414.jpg.html

And I am not sure what this one is.  I think a saxophone.

http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Aram/f8/bf/AM+Ascention-9400.jpg.html

That's enough for now.  Thanks for enduring all these.

Comments welcome.