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
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