Cecilia and I decided we needed to get together, so off to Alburquerque we went for a long weekend. Arriving at the airport, we picked up our car and drove over to our VRBO rental, Casa La Huerta, which was built in 1890. We both spent time planning points of interest we wanted to see, and #1 on both our list was a hot air ballon ride! Dinner was some delicious Southwestern Mexican Food. 
We spent the rest of our stay exploring the area: Old Town, the Turquoise Trail, Madrid, Jemez Springs, and the ABQ Bio Park. Of course we did find time to enjoy more Southwest Mexican food and the best tasting burger in Madrid.
The next morning we had brunch reservations at Los Poblanos, which was quite a treat! The restaurant features a farm to table menu with some interesting selections. Later we decided to drive up Sandia Peak, since the Sandia Tram was closed for maintenance. It was a pretty drive up to the top at 10,678 feet. Lots of snow still piled up, but the coming warm weather will melt it soon, We made several stops for photo opportunities and of course lots of laughs!
The next day was the big day, hot air balloon ride at sunrise with Rainbow Ryders. Meeting time at their office was 5:45 am to sign a release, and meet our pilot after which we loaded up in vans to go to the launch sight! Mixed emotions of nerves and excitement filled the air of all participants.
As the balloons were inflated the time to climb in our basket was at hand, no backing out now! Cecilia and I had great spots in the basket with a bird’s eye view of sunrise and the other balloons. We slowly lifted off and began to climb, floating above earth! Up, up, and away!
Winds were calm 1-7 mph and the only sound breaking the silence was when the burner heated the air in the envelope to give us lift. The view of sunrise over the mountains was spectacular. The pilot let the balloon descend as we approached the Rio Grande River in order to gently touch the basket in the river,…a Splash and Dash! Floating above Alburquerque provided amazing vistas of the Southwest topography. Soon it was time to land and our pilot gently set us down on a golf course in the sand. As the ground crew secured the envelope and loaded the basket, the pilot served Champagne, Mimosas, and water to celebrate our safe flight. We toasted our adventure and checked that off our bucket list!
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Our trip came to an end and we parted ways at the airport to fly home, but with great memories of a shared adventure!
Now I can say with pride……….
My Dive Buddy, is my Balloon Buddy!
Thanks Cecilia!
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