Our RV park is adjacent to the Petoskey Equestrian Centre in Michigan and it was with much amazement that when I took Poppy out for her first walk, some folks were filling a hot air balloon in the grounds of the centre!

We rushed back to the motorhome to retrieve my camera and my first cup of coffee and back to the fence to watch what was going on.

It was on Poppy’s second walk, and this time I was already armed with my camera, that the hot air balloon was floating up and down above our campsite. It was a magical sight … something so serene and beautiful.

Needless to say, the sight of the balloon led me once again to review information about the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta which takes place in New Mexico sometime early to mid-October.

Recognized as the largest balloon festival in the world, and one of the top 20 hot air balloon events in the US, the nine-day event features more than 750 balloons originating from over 50 countries. There are a number of popular special events including the Dawn Patrol showcasing balloon launches before sunrise, and the Mass Ascension when all the participating balloons float up in two or three carefully coordinated waves. The festival is also the most photographed event in the world due to the geographic landscape and the ideal weather patterns which allow the balloonists unwarranted control over their “crafts”.

A herd of Canadian Geese managed to get in on the act!

Flying high over our RV park in Petoskey, Michigan!