Rough Day

John had to fight 35 mph winds all the way today, complicated by the higher altitude. We ate lunch at 5900' and topped out at close to 7000'. We passed lots of wind generator farms. The trees that were along the road definitely had a northern list to them.

We passed many abandoned grain coop elevators along with gas stations and restaurants no longer in operation. There was a "Happy Tracks Horse Motel" along the interstate. Texas didn't have rest stops, they only had parking or picnic areas. I noticed rock mesas appearing at about 4200' and the landscape started showing prickly cactus looking plants and yucca, some still in bloom.

We crossed into New Mexico and Mountain time surrounded by empty land horizon to horizon. In a town called Santa Rosa on Route 66 we crossed the Pecos River.

Albuquerque is nestled at the foot of the Sandia mountains. We are spending the night dry camping on the Balloon Fiesta Grounds. I am 1.5 miles from the launch site. It is pretty special being here, as I have wanted to do this for over 30 years. John remembers the boxes of ballooning magazines I had when I moved in. Gotta get up early to catch the morning action. I hope the wind dies down.