hot air and jazz

This weekend was the jazz and hot air balloon festival here. One was a success, the other - eh, not so much. The balloons didn't like the wind that picked up over the weekend, so we were not treated to hot air balloons flying over main street - instead we got to see the hot air being ignited without a balloon last night (that is what's happening in the photo). They did inflate the balloons this morning in town park (at 6:30am! I was awake!), but unfortunately they didn't take flight. I was really looking forward to it, so I'm a bit sad, but there's always next year. I feel bad for the balloon people - all that planning all year for nothing! So I would imagine that they are more sad than me right now.

The jazz festival has been on as well, with performances happening all weekend all over town - and last night when the balloons didn't inflate, a small band came out with their tubas, trumpets, etc and played amazing music. It was great. I'm not sure if it was out of pity for the balloons or if it was planned. But in any case, the town was out and about and the kids were excited.

So that brings me to the end of my first week here. My adjustment to the altitude has improved - I no longer have a severely dry nose when I'm trying to fall asleep and a headache in the morning. Although I still get winded going up stairs and there still are moments when I feel like I'm sort of gasping for air...when I'm sitting still! It's so weird. I've been trying to battle it by going for hikes and staying active, so hopefully I won't be feeling so out of shape and lazy in the coming weeks. Speaking of the hikes - photos are here. It was gorgeous. We saw a porcupine! And I'll leave you on that exciting note.