View from the front door about five minutes ago.

[Steverino]

They're quite loud. It's a relatively quiet neighborhood and on warmer days with the windows open you can hear the burners firing long before you see the balloons. It's a very distinctive sound and not one you'll mistake for anything else — it's essentially a giant flamethrower.

Learn something new everyday. I didn't realize you could hear the burners, must really be loud in the basket

 

[CBHScott]

Very cool

Albuquerque is in my big next move team photo

 

[dmn23]

Learn something new everyday. I didn't realize you could hear the burners, must really be loud in the basket

I should emphasize that they're relatively loud. It's hardly like a jet passing overhead, but they fly first thing in the morning when the air is cool and in this neighborhood there's not much traffic or other noise to mask the sound of the burners.

Balloons are a fixture of New Mexico and the International Balloon Fiesta in October each year is pretty mind blowing. These are from 2011 taken with a crappy little point-and-shoot.

 

[dmn23]

One more.

 

[sunvalleylaw]

That's awesome! What a fun festival! I have not seen that many at once before. Any worry about them bumping into each other?

 

[dmn23]

That's awesome! What a fun festival! I have not seen that many at once before. Any worry about them bumping into each other?

From 2011 (the year those photos were taken): "The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta again set the world record for most balloons launched in one hour, sending 345 hot air balloons into the sky from Balloon Fiesta Park during the opening day of Balloon Fiesta."

Like I said, it's pretty mind-blowing. Accidents aren't uncommon but they're few and far between. From Wiki:

Despite the economic boost, the balloon fiesta is a major problem for the local residents. Increased traffic flows, street parking on the west side of the park and increased accidents caused by balloon "gawkers" hinder the morning commute. Ballonists often land on private property without permission, causing damage. Balloon accidents, such as getting entangled in powerlines, are not uncommon and are sometimes fatal. The noise of the balloon burners frequently upsets dogs and livestock.
​

Interesting that they noted the noise. I mentioned earlier that you can easily hear them coming but I forgot to say that the balloons drive the neighborhood dogs apeshit.

 

[Tig]

Awesome photos, dmn23! I've always heard that Albuquerque's is the biggest, but wasn't expecting that many. The dry, cool air in October in NM is perfect for flying as well as watching.

 

[dmn23]

The actual number of balloons participating in the Fiesta is much higher. In past years it was up to 900 but now they've limited it to 600 each year. But they don't all participate in the mass ascensions so... 345 is still a LOT of effin' hot air balloons.

Seeing one balloon like the one that passed the house yesterday is neato. Seeing 345 in the air at once is nearly impossible to wrap your head around.

 

[Theodore]

 

[wagdog]

Awesome pictures! Most definitely WOULD NOT.

 

[dmn23]

It's a very good natured festival. Everyone's in a good mood and everyone's got that sense of wonder like a little kid. It's hard not to like balloons.

 

[MojoFilter]

It's hard not to like balloons.

Challenge accepted.

 

[dmn23]

Jesus. I'd heard about the accident but I hadn't seen footage.

 

[CBHScott]

"Spider-Pig, Spider-Pig..."