Close Encounter of the Balloon Kind

It was a beautiful morning in the Chihuahuan Desert today, as we now head for a high of 80 F.  The balloon pictured here came out of the valley and made steady progress toward Tortugas Mountain, where we were hiking.  Becca didn't see it for the longest time, but when she did it spooked her a bit.  Although it got really close to us, it was really the sound of the gas burner that upset her. She headed quickly up the trail with tail planted firmly between her legs.  I feel pretty certain that the pilot of that balloon was looking down at us.