The balloonists were splashing and dashing in the Rio Grande before sunrise this morning, and continued until well after sunrise. There were soft breezes moving the balloons very slowly near the water. I doubled the speed of the video to make it easier to watch. The last 10 seconds of the video was recorded yesterday. It shows how the balloons move different directions at slightly different altitudes. They call the wind directions changing every 100 feet or so “The Box” and the box makes if very easy to navigate balloons in this part of the Rio Grande Valley.
Off Center & Not Even 
What a mesmerizing sight. Do they ever bump into each other?
Hi Rebecca. Yes. They bump into each other all the time. Especially when the are inflating on the field. These two posts from the balloon field in 2018 and 2016 show you how they will be all scrunched up together when they are launching: https://photos.tandlphotos.com/blog/2018/10/vincent, https://photos.tandlphotos.com/blog/2016/10/2016-albuquerque-international-balloon-fiesta-from-the-field
Really neat! Thanks for sharing!
The early morning mist on the River adds an almost surreal touch to the scene. Beautiful capture…
Thanks, Susan!
Beautiful series, Tim. If one can’t be there, this is the way to enjoy it!
Thanks, Lavinia.
Well said!
Thanks, Inccock.
I got to know a lot from your blog all the best and keep it up 👍🏻
Thanks, Numansh.
Wow! So crazy how close they get to the river, awesome sights!
Hi Tiffany. They set down in the water. And some float down river for a little bit. In this post from 2015, one balloon splashes down hard in the water: https://photos.tandlphotos.com/blog/2015/10/splash-down.
Reblogged this on From 1 Blogger 2 Another.
Thanks, Douglas. I appreciate it.
I absolutely loved this Tim! Thanks for taking time to make and adjust the video. Just the thought of then dipping in the river was magical to me. I always got such a kick out of the special shape balloons. Hugs on the wing! (Sharing)
Hi Teagan. I’m happy you liked it. It’s nice to show how the move, dip and sound.
I love that photo. So relaxing to look at.
Thanks.
Amazing! This was so fun to watch! I can not I believe all the different shapes!
Thank you Tim for sharing… I love Hot Air Balloons!
Thanks Nancy. I’m happy you liked it.
These ballon posts keep getting better.
I adore your video. Although, it is somewhat frightening to see the fire shoot up int the balloon. Do the occupants wear some kind of parachute?
Your photos are amazing. Macy’s parade Balloons have nothing on this. WOW
Hi Resa. No parachutes. The fire is part of what makes them fun, and necessary to make them rise. The shshshsh of the burners lets us know balloons are overhead.
…okay… but I’m not in line to go up, yet!
It’s worth it to go up once. But they move to slowly for me. I like flying at jet speed through the air.
Lol! Yikes!
Wow Tim … what an amazing collection and display! Great video too… Sure does look like they might bump into each other 🙂
They bump into each other a lot. It can be like a balloon demolition derby. Thanks, Julie.