Space Shuttle "Patriot" was scheduled to fly today but due to a lack of crew and time constraints, Larry the Phoenix was once again brought out. Balloons were sent off the field a minimum of one mile, then had to to fly back. There would also be no place for us to set it up in the city. The competitive balloonists were astounding at reaching their destination and targets on the field.

Even Suzie doesn't want to get up this early.

Barry's chance to talk to the crowd.

Actually this is Barry's attempt at taking over Fiesta!

How Danny got this shot from BEHIND the balloonmeister, I'll never know.

Barry was removed from the podium by force.

Let's go! 30 seconds until the field is closed.

There goes Larry the Phoenix.

Due to the $500 landing fees on the Sandia Reservation, the balloons left the field and flew in from the city. Absolutely beautiful sight.

Most people have left the field to fly in. Notice the tracks through the water, er, grass

Go ahead, tell me that balloons and horses can't get along.

Larry in the mist.

This smile is because the zebra got a lei.

Mary from the March Pin Co. Every year in Albuquerque, if there is Fiesta, there is Mary. We are honored to have her on our crew again.

Suzie wants to help but has no opposable thumbs.

So instead she plays London Bridge.

In fact, even some balloons shrink around the scarecrow.

Using extraterrestrial powers, just after these pictures the other balloons were melted. Featured story in "Weekly World News".

Yep, no crows here.

The field at Lake Albuquerque. This is another reason not to set balloons up on the field today.

Danny & Jim

Balloons getting down just before Indian Country.

Somehow geometry prevented him from going up the hill.

Click on this picture. You will see a balloon going INTO the clouds at the top of the mountain. Someplace I wouldn't want to be.

We may have been at IHOP, but Barry was at IMASLEEP.