We have recently returned from our motorcoach trip to the southwest United States and the National Balloon Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

We began our nine-day tour heading south on Interstate 35. Our destination that night was Wichita, Kansas.

A manager’s reception awaited us in a beautiful, newly-remodeled property close to the the downtown area. We met our fellow travelers and received our trip schedule and route with anticipation of the days ahead.

As we continued our southwest tour, we reached Oklahoma City, the state capitol and largest city Oklahoma. Oklahoma City is situated in the middle of an active oil field, with related industries along with the largest livestock market in the world.

Our first stop was The Oklahoma City National Memorial, the site of the 1995 bombing that killed 169 people, including 19 children. Nine rows of bronze chairs were arranged on the grounds according to the floor they were working on or visiting. There was a reflection pool with calming sounds, which made for a peaceful setting. There is a memorial museum inside that will take you through those times and shows how the city moved on.

The National Cowboy and Western Museum was our next stop.

The museum includes fine art, Native American artifacts, historical cowboy gear and tells America’s story as it unfolds across the west. The exhibits included a tribute to the shaping of the movie cowboy which includes stars like John Wayne.

Another exhibit was the Rodeo Gallery featuring lifelike 1950s rodeo history champions and memorabilia. The art work there was outstanding.

Continuing west, we crossed into New Mexico and headed for Albuquerque. The Sandia Mountains run along the eastern side of Albuquerque, and the Rio Grande River flows through the city. A local guide greeted us and shared  history, stories and fascinating facts of America’s oldest and a most colorful community. Our three-night stay took us to the International Balloon Fiesta, the world’s largest gathering of hot-air balloons from around the globe.

The Balloon Fiesta celebrated its 45th year. It began in 1972 with a radio station promotion of 13 balloons. Since then hundreds of balloons from all parts of the world have come and joined in the fun the first week of October. The location of the festival makes this area ideal as the geography creates a special effect where the wind currents fly in a box-like pattern, sometimes bringing them back to where they started.

We were grateful for the close parking and the friendly greeting of the volunteers offering a golf cart ride across the field which is the size of more than 54 football fields. There were hundreds and soon thousands of people gathered as we were whisked into a hospitality tent for an early morning Krispy Creme roll, and a hot beverage. With a 6 a.m. arrival, we were there for the Dawn Patrol Show which is a display of color when balloons participate in a pre-dawn show that helps the pilots determine wind conditions.

As we waited for the go-ahead for the Special Shapes Rodeo, we watched for the flag flying of the main stage with first a red, then a yellow, then awaited the Green flag giving the “go” signal. The mass ascension was led by a balloon flying the American flag to “The Stars Spangled Banner.” Launch directors served as traffic cops, coordinating the launch so balloons left the field in a safe manner.

The morning continued with balloon events and contests, music and a visit for us to the International Balloon Museum. It features one of the most complete collection of artifacts, and stories from around the world of ballooning.

The afternoon was spent in the charming heart of Albuquerque, founded in 1706. Today, it’s the city’s cultural center, with five museums, 100 shops and galleries, and restaurants.

We explored the many choices for native cuisine and then returned to watch the balloon glow when all balloons fire their burners and light up at the same time, which is perhaps the most spectacular moment of the fiesta. The laser light show followed with the After Glow followed by fireworks.

The next morning we readied ourselves for another chilly morning. The hot chocolate an Krispy Kremes hit the spot as we arrived at 6:30 a.m. We saw the Krispy Kreme balloon start the show off. The day was exciting with masses of people as they came for a close-up picture of balloons as they were inflated and tethered. The balloonmeister then ordered ignition and the burners began to fill up their balloons as you began to see every shape. There was Darth Vader, Yoda, Simba, a firetruck, fish, chickens, many birds and more. It went on and on with cheers as another balloon made its way up. We were able to walk and take pictures next to these awesome sights.

Next Sunday we’ll share our trip to Santa Fe and end to our journey.

Upcoming trips

Nov. 16-20: Branson and St. Joseph, Missouri.  A special schedule of entertainment awaits us. The popular Irish singer Danny O’Donnell, the Million Dollar Quartet and the biblical production of “Moses.” There is also the crowd-pleasing, Dutton Family and a patriotic show with a live orchestra, “All Hands on Deck.” There will be surprise stops and a tour of the School of the Ozarks. We are excited to add to our visit St. Joseph where we will visit the Patee House, the center of the expansion of the Pony Express in 1858. We will walk through the era of travel, motor vehicles including a Model T Ford, 1918 Federal, a model railroad, and four floors of artifacts. We will also visit the home of Jesse James.

We will be departing at 8 a.m. from Walmart. Time is short for anyone interested. Call our travel number soon to check on availability at 507-438-3946.