States – Page 8 – Kevin's America

La Jornada (The Journey)

Albuquerque NM

This sculpture outside the Albuquerque Museum depicts several of the 600 settlers who embarked on an arduous seven month journey in 1598 from Santa Barbara (about 250 miles south of El Paso TX) to establish their homes in the northernmost province of New Spain (present day New Mexico). Many modern day New Mexicans trace their roots to these brave men, women and children.

International Balloon Fiesta

Albuquerque NM

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
-Psalm 19:1

At 6:30 AM, still dark, they did a Drone Light show. Pretty cool.

Balloons started lifting off in the dark, and the fire made the balloons glow.

It was actually warm as we floated in the sky, about 2,000 feet above ground. Albuquerque is at altitude of about 5,000 feet so we are 7,000 feet above sea level.

We felt no breeze while in the balloon. The breeze is what moves the balloon, so we were actually moving at whatever the wind speed was.

There are about 500 balloons at the Fiesta, about 300 while we were in the air.

Close encounter. Our balloon actually “kissed” this balloon but we did not feel any impact.

This is the way we landed, on our backs! Not to worry, it was intentional.

Our landing was about a 30 foot skid in an abandoned golf course.

Every balloon flight is celebrated with a champagne toast. This tradition dates back to the 1700s in France, the very early years of balloon flights. Since you can’t really accurately control where the balloon lands, often times balloons would land on someone’s private property, typically a farm. In the early years, people who had not seen or heard of balloons were fearful that the balloon was a dragon (or worse). Thus developed the tradition of bringing a bottle of champagne to give to the farmer as a peace offering. Champagne was the libation of choice because French King Louis XVI wanted to show off his wines! This tradition continues to this day. Our pilot Pete said he has landed on farms in the Napa Valley CA, and gave champagne to the slightly irritated farmers.

Our pilot also shared this Irish Balloonist Prayer:
The winds have welcomed you with softness
The sun has blessed you with its warm hands
You have flown so high and so well
That God has joined you in laughter
And set you gently back again
Into the loving arms of Mother Earth

Here we are with our balloon pilot Pete.

During International Balloon Fiesta, Balloon Fiesta Park looks like a state fair!

Last day in Hawai’i

So our vacation is almost over. We flew from Hilo to Honolulu to spend one last afternoon at Waikiki.

Flying to Honolulu we flew past Haleakalā. The observatories are visible here.

Flying south of Molokai. The city visible here is Kaunakakai.

This is a typical lower income apartment complex. Water heater, washing machine and sink are outside.

We had lunch here, per recommendation from our granddaughter.

This arrangement is in the lobby of the Halekulani Hotel.

Honolulu and Diamond Head profile as we are leaving in the plane. Goodbye Hawai’i!!

Last night in Hilo

Hilo Bay leading out to the Pacific Ocean.

Grilled pineapples, grilled chicken and sweet potato fries.

The TVs at the bar showed surfing competition, rather than Sweet 16 games from March Madness! Welcome to Hawai’i!

Banyan Drive

Hilo HI

Banyan Drive in Hilo is a street lined with banyan trees, many were planted by famous people. These banyan trees are quite interesting. The hanging aerial roots are pretty strong – I pulled on a couple and there was no give at all. I can imagine Tarzan swing from tree to tree grabbing these roots!