Another super New Mexico day. The balloon ride was incredible. Eleven of us were stuffed in the basket (at least that helped keep us warm). We were in the air one hour, 15 minutes. We were mostly 1,000 feet up, but up to 3,000 feet at a speed of 14 mph. It's a quiet ride, except for when the hot air is on. We could see for miles; there were about 30 other balloons in the air at the same time we were. I thought the landing might be a bit rough, but it was smooth. Very cool - so glad we did it as it is probably a once in a lifetime thing. Eldon took a movie of the ride on his camera; if I figure out how to download it, you will get to see it too! After the balloon ride, we packed up our bags & Larry and drove west for an hour to the Acoma Pueblo. Unknown to us, it was their Governor's Feast Day. It's usually in February, but because of the cold weather it was postponed until today. I can't show you any pictures because no picture taking is allowed. Because it was Feast Day, many tribal members were there. They were in Native dress and dancing. This was not for tourist benefit; it was their real festival. Part of the custom of the day is throwing packaged foods & other items (like plastic pitchers, so watch out) to the crowd for good luck. We were told if you get invited into someone's home, it is rude to decline. Of course, I thought, yeah, right, like someone would invite us in. When we were looking at an artist's pottery, we told them about our local Native tribe. Long story short - we were invited in to their home. The grandparents were there, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We had green chili stew and Indian bread and interesting conversation (mainly with Grandma). We were there about 45 minutes. I'm not sure but I didn't see any other tourists invited into homes. I could write a lot more about our day, but I'm tired! It seems like we have chanced upon unusual opportunities this trip. We don't have an agenda or have to be somewhere; we just go with what comes along at the time.
Comments from Eldon: The day started with the balloon captain telling us not to leave the basket until he told us to.......like I was going to step out for a smoke?? I feel sharing the meal with the Pueblo family was a real privilege and insightful experience.
Comments from Larry: I think Eldon is finally getting the idea I'm irritable. I scratched him pretty good 2 days in a row. Perhaps he'll start listening to what I want to do (like whale watching).