Going to the Albuquerque Balloon Fest wasn't really in my plans...it was a last-minute decision before heading back to my winter spot in Arizona.

But what a good decision it was. I arrived in Albuquerque on the last Saturday of the two-week event. My first event was the evening glow. Just as it was getting dark, the balloons - I won't even try to guess how many - attempt to all fire up at once. It's harder than it sounds, but many were fired simultaneously, casting a wonderfully warm glow all around. This continued until around 8:30 when the grand finale fireworks were set off.

Sunday morning was the mass ascension. Oh, my gosh!! How spectacular and fun that was. To be surrounded by walls of balloons and watch them rise to the sky is an event everyone should experience.

If you've never been, treat yourself.