Albuquerque and Organ Pipe

Just a couple of wrap up pictures from Albuquerque and then some cactus pictures from Organ Pipe National Monument.

On Saturday afternoon we took a short hike near Albuquerque. Sharleen and her sister Ruby are having a great time.




So are Ruby and Jerry. We parted ways on Sunday morning and we headed to Ajo, Arizona and Organ Pipe National Monument.







At the park we took a 21 mile drive that took about 2 hours and was dirt (mostly rocks) road that was one lane. We saw some amazing cactus with lots of Organ Pipe cactus as seen here on the right.

Another look at a Organ Pipe Cactus. This is the only place in the US that you can find them however Mexico has lots.





The Choya cactus seen here is pretty but don't get too close. They will attack and have been known to jump several feet to impale a hiker.
(just seems that way)





We took a mile hike in the mountains...... this is what the trail looked like.







We were treated to this view of a double arch at the end of the hike.


A great day looking at cactus!

Off to San Diego tomorrow morning.

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2015

We've been at the Balloon Fiesta for the last two days and this morning was the grand finale of our visit.

We arrived at the Fiesta park about 6:00am and we were immediately greeted with a dozen balloons starting to inflate. As you can see it's still dark and the balloons were magnificent.

After the sun came up we were treated to a sky filled with balloons of every shape. Click on the arrow to see the video.

A bug!

Darth Vader and Yoda!

The Wells Fargo stage coach!

?????? balloons I think!

The morning sky was filled as the sun rose.








There was Dumbo!








And every dog's friend!









A turtle!










And a chicken!






And this one is for Carrie.......

Moooooooo!



what a great morning at the Balloon Fiesta. Back on the road tomorrow.