Reflection of the 2019 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Here are some random thoughts -
Lynn says do your research on the Fiesta, get a good idea of what to expect.
If not familiar with Southwest foods, give them a try. Hatch green chilies are great. Like most events, prices are adjusted accordingly upward.
To think this event started in 1972 with 13 Hot Air Balloons and has grown to become this amazing event.
362 Days till next years AIBF as of this writing.
So much to say, I doubt if I can cover it all.
I guess first is one can not truly explain this event, one must see it in person to get the full experience.
Random Tip #1 - Start planning now for next years visit in 2020 for the 49th AIBF.
Random Tip #2 - Plan your visit for as many days as you can, as weather can cancel some events.
Random Tip #3 - Weather can vary so plan for warm to cold.
This year I was part of the Official Photo Team and even though I was very very busy, It was fun. Big thanks to Lynn for supporting my crazy schedule. Also Thanks to Mary for being my Ground support Crew.
During this event there are over 4500 ballon flights during the AIBF. That is a whole bunch.
The weekend events include Glows and Fireworks thus one should plan on very early mornings and late evenings. Arriving as EARLY as possible is the key to Fiesta.
Random Tip #4 - If you want to do a Balloon Flight, make this reservation ASAP as they sell out quickly.
Random Tip #5 - If you want to camp in your RV and want one of the premium locations, be on line to make you reservation the second they are available. It is amazing how quick they sell out. Check the AIBF website for booking information.
A special opportunity for those of us staying the full 9 days in the Presidents Compound is we are able to reserve for next year for a nominal fee. This will save us from playing the online reservation game. This offer had to be committed to before the end of this years AIBF.
Yes we have our reservation locked in for next year. Our plan is to arrive October 1, 2020 and stay through October 11, 2020. Let us know if you want to join us.
One thing is how friendly and open the pilots and chase crews are to your questions. You may end up helping a crew if you are willing. There is a location at AIBF where you can sign up to be on a chase crew. This experience will give you great insight as to what it takes to get a hot air balloon into the air.
If camping, we tend to over pack on food, as we really did not have time to do as much cooking as we thought. Keep meals simple and fast as you can get very busy taking it all in.
If you have a Canon Camera you can get it cleaned and checked out for free at the Canon Tent. This would be about a $70 service. You are allowed two pieces of camera equipment a day.
Speaking of photography make sure you have an extra media card or two as you will take a lot of pictures. I asked at the Canon Tent if they sold media cards and they said no one at Fiesta was selling them, so be prepared.
Random Tip #6 - Bring lawn chairs as you can take them into the launch area and they are nice for the campgrounds.
So till next year,
The winds have welcomed you with softness. The sun has blessed you with its warm hands. We have flown so high and so well that God has joined you in laughter and set you gently back into the loving arms of mother Earth.
Here are some random thoughts -
Lynn says do your research on the Fiesta, get a good idea of what to expect.
If not familiar with Southwest foods, give them a try. Hatch green chilies are great. Like most events, prices are adjusted accordingly upward.
To think this event started in 1972 with 13 Hot Air Balloons and has grown to become this amazing event.
362 Days till next years AIBF as of this writing.
So much to say, I doubt if I can cover it all.
I guess first is one can not truly explain this event, one must see it in person to get the full experience.
Random Tip #1 - Start planning now for next years visit in 2020 for the 49th AIBF.
Random Tip #2 - Plan your visit for as many days as you can, as weather can cancel some events.
Random Tip #3 - Weather can vary so plan for warm to cold.
This year I was part of the Official Photo Team and even though I was very very busy, It was fun. Big thanks to Lynn for supporting my crazy schedule. Also Thanks to Mary for being my Ground support Crew.
During this event there are over 4500 ballon flights during the AIBF. That is a whole bunch.
The weekend events include Glows and Fireworks thus one should plan on very early mornings and late evenings. Arriving as EARLY as possible is the key to Fiesta.
Random Tip #4 - If you want to do a Balloon Flight, make this reservation ASAP as they sell out quickly.
Random Tip #5 - If you want to camp in your RV and want one of the premium locations, be on line to make you reservation the second they are available. It is amazing how quick they sell out. Check the AIBF website for booking information.
A special opportunity for those of us staying the full 9 days in the Presidents Compound is we are able to reserve for next year for a nominal fee. This will save us from playing the online reservation game. This offer had to be committed to before the end of this years AIBF.
Yes we have our reservation locked in for next year. Our plan is to arrive October 1, 2020 and stay through October 11, 2020. Let us know if you want to join us.
One thing is how friendly and open the pilots and chase crews are to your questions. You may end up helping a crew if you are willing. There is a location at AIBF where you can sign up to be on a chase crew. This experience will give you great insight as to what it takes to get a hot air balloon into the air.
If camping, we tend to over pack on food, as we really did not have time to do as much cooking as we thought. Keep meals simple and fast as you can get very busy taking it all in.
If you have a Canon Camera you can get it cleaned and checked out for free at the Canon Tent. This would be about a $70 service. You are allowed two pieces of camera equipment a day.
Speaking of photography make sure you have an extra media card or two as you will take a lot of pictures. I asked at the Canon Tent if they sold media cards and they said no one at Fiesta was selling them, so be prepared.
Random Tip #6 - Bring lawn chairs as you can take them into the launch area and they are nice for the campgrounds.
So till next year,
The winds have welcomed you with softness. The sun has blessed you with its warm hands. We have flown so high and so well that God has joined you in laughter and set you gently back into the loving arms of mother Earth.
I will be posting many more photos on https://soggymoosephoto.smugmug.com/ after we get home and I get caught up.
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