Well I did it my way. It got very cold here last night, in the 20's, and my little portable heater died. It was SO cold that I got up at 3 am to sit in the car with the heat on. As I sat there shivering, I realized that I could drive to Albuquerque to watch the hot air balloons' Dawn Patrol.
I got there about 4 am and the closest parking lot was being filled already. I just followed the traffic and got a great spot. As I watched many people getting bundled up and carrying chairs and blankets to the balloon field, I realized that I was less than optimally prepared. Without gloves, coat, blanket, or chair I decided to stay in the car until about 5:30 am. Earlier in the week, I had discussed the Balloon Fest schedule and routine with my campground neighbors, so I knew nothing was happening until 6 am. That's when the Dawn Patrol ascends to give the other balloons an idea of wind conditions for their take off at 7 am. My bladder was full and I was getting hungry so I thought that I should check out the facilities.
What were all these people doing, sitting in the dark, waiting for 6 am? At least these tents were doing a brisk business and I found a breakfast burrito and diet coke. But I refused to pay $75 for a fleece poncho.
A family shared their picnic table with me and I thought I had this thing in the bag.
Well, I didn't even make it until the Dawn Patrol got off the ground. I was absolutely frozen, and returned to my car in that great spot in the parking lot. With the heater and the classical station on, I got out a few times to get these photos.
Now, I am no dummy. I got the experience of seeing the Dawn Patrol and the first balloons taking off, in relative comfort without the crowds. I am sure that there were 10's of thousands on that field and only a few of us in the parking lot. I recognized that my little iPhone (not even an 11) could not begin to take photos like those seen everywhere of this event, so I left. No traffic to speak of and a smooth return to the campground by 8 am. As I said, I did it my way...
I passed many people just arriving who had to park so far away, that I am sure they ended up walking miles before arriving to watch a sky full of balloons that they could have seen at home, but who am I to judge?
For those who want to see some great pictures and to find out more about the Festival, here you go. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albuquerque_International_Balloon_Fiesta
After a short rest, shivering once again. I gave up, showered, and went to Walmart to buy a new portable heater. It's working great and I replaced the surge protecter also. So now I am working on my laptop in comfort and think that I am glad to live in the age of electricity!
Since I don't cook and I have pretty much run through my supply of protein bars, fruit and candy, I decided to treat myself to lunch at a nearby restaurant. I let my phone choose the nearest non-chain and stumbled onto the best meal that I have had in ages! The Ranch House has wonderful BBQ pork and several sauces to choose from. I thought the mild sauce was perfect and forgot to ask if they sell it because I got distracted by my free desert. The waitress, Julie, said that she could tell this was my first visit and that they offer free desert to first time customers. Luckily, I had chosen the smaller lunch version of my entree, so I had room for 1/2 of the Apple Crisp, warm with ice cream. I highly recommend this place and Julie! https://www.theranchhousesantafe.com
One reason Julie could tell that I was a first time visitor from another place was the fact that I was sitting at the table going through my road atlas and taking notes. I was determining when and how I wanted to start for home. I have checked off much of my wishlist, so I drove through the historic district of Santa Fe one more time. I dreamed about finding this place when I was younger and life here was more affordable.
Daydreaming about reality, I checked and the rents for a studio/1 bedroom apartment are about 2 - 3 times what I am paying now to live in Woodburn, IN.
So, Woodburn and winter, here I come.
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