Escapees Boomers gather in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The following morning, we set off down the road heading south along Routes 64 then 84/285, eventually passing Santa Fe via I-25 to our final destination in Albuquerque. 
Leaving Taos, I was able to catch a few backward glimpses of the Rio Grande Gorge before the road began to wind out of the hills towards flatter terrain. 

backward glance at the Rio Grande Gorge

twisting and winding our way out of Taos

following the Rio Grande for a few miles

driving through flatter terrain

One hundred and twenty miles later, we arrived at Balloon Fiesta Park where hundreds of RVs were gathering.  

Eventually it was our turn to check in and be escorted to the section for the Boomer group where 46 RVs would participate in the Boomers & Balloons Rally. 
This would be home to us all for the next 13 days.  

the only Alpine in the group... though we did see two other Alpines in the park
with other groups

Almost overnight, the enormous 77-acre RV lot, across the street from the Museum and launch site, swelled with every imaginable type of RV.  Every available spot was filled.  We felt lucky to have secured a spot.

the view from the roof of the Alpine  - Michael cleaned the solar panels for maximum function as we were dry camping

Our hosts, Gail and Jim, had worked extremely hard to organize the event for the Boomers, down to instructions for easy access to the RV Park. The roads around the park become extremely busy with traffic and at various times of the day police close off certain lanes making it a nightmare to drive into or out of the park.

Hats off to Gail and Jim for making this an amazing and memorable experience! From social gatherings to Happy Hours and a potluck, the CARE auction, and the enormous and mind-boggling undertaking of shepherding all of us who signed up to crew for balloon pilots, Gail and Jim truly were fantastic hosts. 

Many of us arrived a couple of days early which gave us an opportunity to meet and socialize. One of the outings was to Box Bear Brewery. Here the two of us sampled a variety of interesting beers with exotic names and tastes: Guava Gose, Pineapple Milkshake, Coffee Chocolate Milkstout. 
We enjoyed the chocolate milk stout enough for Michael to finally buy himself a growler and have it filled (are you reading this Raymond?!).

Most of us at the rally were newbies never having experienced the Balloon Fiesta let alone participating as a crew member for a pilot. Despite the details provided by our hosts, I really didn't know what to expect or how it all actually worked, other than that each day began at the crack of dawn for those who wished to be part of the crew. 
All was about to be revealed on Friday with the Albuquerque Aloft event.