REMEMBER IT ALL STARTED WITH 13 BALLOONS!!

Sunday October 15, 2017

REMEMBER IT ALL STARTED WITH 13 BALLOONS!!!

Our thoughts on the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: 

Many years back we had visited Albuquerque on a monthlong motorcycle trip, and stopped in Albuquerque for a convention. It was then we most likely learned of the Balloon Fiesta and at the time added this area to our possible location for retirement. We even bought a few books on adobe construction as we always planned on building our retirement home. 

The Balloon Fiesta since then had been on our list of events we would like to experience, yet there always seemed to be a conflict. So 2017 became the year for the Fiesta and our planning actually started in 2016 as we foolishly thought we could just swing on by to experience Fiesta. 

So in October of 2016, on the day and hour reservations opened, we were on line making reservations. Our research indicated we wanted to stay in the Presidents Compound due to it’s location and being a good for dogs. We originally started with a three night reservation for Thursday - Sunday. Our friends got reservations for earlier in the week, so we added two more nights to our reservation. Note the Presidents compound does sell out, even at it’s price. My thought is the cost is, for us, worth it for several reasons. 

1. Location, Location, Location -  It is a gated area, with 24 hour manned entrance. This keeps the general public from having access to your prime launch field viewing area. 
2. The camp sites are paved, roomy and fairly level. 
3. There is water and electrical hookups, both 30 and 50 amp. 
4. Your stay there includes one grey and black water pump out, and should you need an additional, the fee is $25. 
5. You receive four (4) individual admission passes good for your length of stay. This gives one access to the launch field.  These have a value of $10 each per event. Morning and evening sessions are separate events. For us, the 2 additional passes were used to bring friends in for a visit. This was encouraged when we checked in for the Fiesta. 
6. Any camping site one may choose allows one to be on site and not have to fight traffic into the Fiesta. Parking fee is $15 per event. 

One should plan to stay as long as one can, so as to experience the various events as well as, should the weather not cooperate, you have a better chance of seeing amazing events. 

Each morning I awoke in anticipation of seeing the mass ascensions, checking weather especially the wind. We both think this was a highlight. The evening Glows, laser show and fireworks were also very good. Yet the shear WOW!! factor of seeing 500+ balloons launch and float away is, well, WOW!!

The event staff, as I said, is composed  mostly of volunteers and all, from members of the board to the folks working the entrance, were all so warm and welcoming. They represented the Fiesta with an abundant amount of hospitality. This was an element which really made the event for me.  Several times during our stay we met members of the board in the Presidents Compound. They were always offering rides in their golf carts, stopping to ask if we were enjoying the Fiesta, telling stories of years past, and providing great information. One board member said “ I am in the third trailer in and if you have any questions, just knock on the door.” 

Sadly we will not be back in 2018, but for sure will have this event on our calendar for 2019.  

Thanks to one all who have followed along as well as shared this journey with family and friends, we sincerely appreciate you.    Some day soon all my photos will be up on 

https://soggymoosephoto.smugmug.com

A CALM BUSY MORNING AT THE FIESTA

10/14/2017

Up early to get down to the launch field. The winds were very very calm and the crowds were very very large. This is the busiest day thus far, hands down. Yet the security bag check line able it long went fairly quickly. 

I held back this morning and shot the Dawn Patrol from a media elevated platform. This was a good distance away from their launch area. 

In talking to folks this morning, they were saying the winds were not in the best direction and the pilots did not like flying to the North East. As the crowds of people were rather heavy, I opted to get up on the bluff by our campground.  You can see from this mornings pictures how large the crowd is today. 

At our perch overlooking the field I waited for the sun to light up the field. 

Taking pictures of balloons here is like taking pictures of penguins in Antarctica. One say I have enough pictures and then Oh Look A Ballon!!!! And the clicking begins. 

I can not stress how friendly and helpful all event staff have been, super willing to help one out, answer questions and provide information.  The balloon crews are the same, as they really enjoy sharing their sport.    

My tips for visiting Balloon Fiesta are go early to avoid the crowds, go mid week, but don’t miss an evening glow or the fireworks. If camping, go for the best location you can afford, or want to pay for. Yes, get down on the launch field for a launch. Talk to crews, volunteers, heck just about anyone here has some information to share.  Plan on being there a few days just in case the weather should not be conducive for any of the events. 

Any other question you may have just ask and we will help as we can. 

ANOTHER GREAT BALLOON FIESTA MORNING!!!

Friday October 13, 2017

Up early and head to the Media Tent for a breakfast burrito and coffee. The morning is much warmer at 58F than the last few mornings. I repacked my bag getting rid of my coat and prepared cameras for the morning. 

I made my way across the launch field to attend the Pilots briefing. Here lots of information is related to the pilots, such as weather and winds, the nature of the box for the day, where to not land (new alfalfa crop), don't leave chase vehicle on the field, don’t leave bags and packages about, drawings for goodies.  

A Disney Running friend had met a couple on a Viking Cruise and asked I meet up with them. It took a bit but I did find Pita’s Kiss. The folks on this crew were super accommodation in letting me photo and asking questions, and giving me additional information. 

I learned the ABQ Box can vary from day to day and the pilots fly accordingly. This balloon carries two 15 gallon tanks and can fly about 1.5 hours with that amount of fuel. The basket is readied and the balloon is pull out of the bag and lines attached.  Next comes the cold inflation and the the burners are fired for the hot inflation. 

This all takes place in an order controlled by the Zebras. They are easily recognized as they are dressed in black and white stripes. The Zebras are the ground flight controllers who coordinate the launch of the balloons. This is determined by winds and other conditions. The Zebras give the sign to warm up the balloon and may be move into position for launch, then the arms and thumbs up for the clearance to launch and a hand salute as the departure is made.  

It is amazing to see the coordination launch and soon the morning skies are filled with balloons. For those of us on the ground, the Zebras are cleaning the field to set things up for the competition events,  These are usually accuracy events where a bag of rice is dropped on a target, or a ring toss type of event. Prizes can include airline tickets. 

The best advice I can give is ARRIVE EARLY, ARRIVE EARLY. Traffic, I have noticed, was not fun by  any means. The food offerings are mostly fried and anything can be fried, think fair food. Binoculars can be useful, drink water, and sunscreen is a must. Plan your visit well in advance for the best camping and hotels.  It is an amazing experience not to be missed. 

A highlight for me has been meeting the volunteers, crews, and pilots. All have been so friendly and willing to share the stories and are so proud of this event. Their demeanor to make this a great event shines through. 

great photo light 

The number of balloons is staggering 

Lining up for the completion event

SPECIAL SHAPES KINDA MORNING

10/12

Special Shapes kinda day - I made my way to the launch field and took some photos as the Dawn Patrol took off. 

The Special Shapes are the balloon in the shape of a character, such as a frog or a pirate or a penguin etc etc, or a motorcycle rider. There seems to be no end to the creativity and artistry to these balloons. The shear size of some is awe inspiring. Here are some photos from the Special Shapes Mass Ascension.

If one is planning on attending make sure you check out the Balloon Fiesta web site as there is a good bit of information there. As far as RV camping goes one has several choices. 

Standard: is $35 per night and it is dry camping in the South RV Lot. Information is there are a lot of burrs there, which get in dogs feet. There is a walk to the Launch field. 

Box View: is $45 per night, dry camping and in the South RV Lot. Gives one a slightly better view. 

Premium: is $75 per night with 30 amp and water, also in the South RV Lot. 

VIP West and East are $90 per night dry camping, good location next to launch field, with 2 entry passes for your stay. 

Presidents Compound is $175 per night, located above the launch field, 4 entry passes per your stay, 30/50 amp and water connection. 

 We decided on the Presidents Compound and are very very happy with this choice. Great location which makes it very nice with the pups. Super friendly staff, with great info. The Presidents Compound is a gated area so the only people there are the folks staying there, this is nice given the number of spectators. 

If one wants to stay at the Presidents compound you need to be online the day reservations open. This area reserves out really quickly. Would we stay here again, yes for sure.