Hello Albuquerque!!

Captains Log October 2 – We managed to get a fairly early start this morning. We were right off

Obviously I couldn't wait!

I-40 so it was easy on. Traffic was heavy with trucks and there were 2 single lane areas but we managed to get to Bernalillo Sheriff's Posse Arena in Albuquerque by lunchtime! The grounds were packed with RV's. It was a bit of a surprise as we've been coming here for at least 10 years and our first time there was only us and one balloonist. Now there are a lot of balloonists and other Rver's as well.

Our camping friends, Betsy and Tommy are here with her sister and brother in law. They got in yesterday and are staying 5 nights I think. We didn't see them until we got back from an afternoon excursion.

We went to Old Town. We stopped at a Jewelry store and then parked at the Old Town lot. We didn't know there was a celebration going on sponsored by the city. The old mission church was hosting it's annual festival so there were a lot of

One of the dance groups

people and dancers in the gazebo and music – it was a really nice afternoon. In addition to the sights and entertainment we visited some shops. Nothing lifts your spirit like shopping!

Down the street from the Old Town area is a major Talavera pottery place. Wow! They carry other décor items in addition to wool woven rugs, blankets and more. We picked out new rugs for at home as ours are getting a bit worn. Hope we did a good job on the colors!

After dinner we walked to our friends and visited until the fireworks went off at the Balloon Fiesta. Then it was time to head home as it was getting pretty chilly out! We have to get up early in the morning for the balloon lift off!