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