viento encantado

dawn patrol

Had to opportunity to hook us up with the pilots and crew of the Viento Encantado balloon the last day of ABQ's Balloon Fiesta.

envelope training

rigging

Can't say enough about the hospitality everyone extended the kids and I.  If you have not yet experienced crewing a balloon, you'll find the entire community vibe second to none.

pilot's briefing

lot to learn

we have a go for launch

fun!

just as much for me

Many thanks to Russ, Clark, Aileen for having us out, showing the kids the ropes, literally, about the backstory launching and recovering a hot air balloon.   Quite something to witness the synergy between pilots, crew, balloon first hand.

deflate

good morning!

Coming to you live directly in today's mass ascension flight path.  

signs of fall

deja vu all over again, but it's a ritual we New Mexicans look forward to every Fall.

Signs of Fall

ABQ Balloon Fiesta 2009. Tip: we took advantage of the new Bike Valet service, worked out sweet enuf. We parked in vacant lot adjacent to north diversion channel bike path, just where it crosses under Paseo. Balloon fiesta park proved just about 10min bike ride away,

Dawn Patrol kept us entertained on the ride in, some more than others: the boy crashed his bike twice, eyeballing the balloons instead of concentrating on his riding, can't say I blame him, it was awe-inspiring allright!

Signs of Fall