4CU 004 : 2011 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!

[Airxtream]

It was four wondrous days in Albuquerque. Gray haired Airstreamers with grins like a childhood Christmas morning. The potluck was easily as good as the best Midwesterners Lutheran potluck we ever remember. There were lots of good interesting people bonded by balloons and silver. Everyone had a story to tell and left us wanting to hear more.


On the field of balloons, the predawn blasts of fire warmed the cool morning with flashes of light. Those seemingly chaotic bursts of fire filled us with excitement along with elements of possible danger.


What fun. Life is good.

Thanks to all that helped create this Airstream Balloon Fiesta. Thanks to the good people we met.

John and Kay

[SilverPal]

John & Kay....I have a feeling you'll be returning to the Fiesta!!

Thanks to everyone for posting some fab photos!

[SilverPal]

Punxsutawney Phil....that's it. But I do prefer Airstream Gypsy! And thanx for the beautiful weather!

[SilverPal]

Let's see if I can get a few pix posted....

[SilverPal]

And a few more....

- When the balloons nap, it's time for bean bag toss!
- Dale "Pee Wee" Schwamborn discussing travel days with Wally
- Happy 'Streamers

[airstreamhobo]

Well we arrived home at 3pm today(wednesday) after 2,200 miles since last tuesday. We had a great time at the Balloon Fiesta. A BIG THANK-YOU!! to the Ken J and his committee for a fine rally. The weather was perfect all week and the balloon show was Awesome. I did post a few pictures on my blog if anyone wishes to see them. It was hard to pick just a few, but I managed. Again Thanks to the Four Corners Unit for Hosting the Rally. AirstreamHobo

[Grand Master]

Mary & I had a great time at the Balloon Fiesta. We made new friends and renewed old ones. Ken and crew did a fantastic job.

I have sent a nice aerial view of the Rally to Ken. It was taken by a friend of mine who has the Rainbow's End balloon. Unfortunately, I am maxed out on attachments, so I can no longer post pictures.

Thanks to everyone for a great time!

[Gene]

I don't know if I met you Mike. I assumed a Grand Master would have flowing robes, an enormous aura and servants, but I never saw anyone like that. Must have been your days off.

Gene

[Airstream25]

Here is the Rainbow Ryders web site;
www.rainbowryders.com

They offer balloon rides year around in Albuquerque, Phoenix and Scottsdale. The rides cost $159.

Originally Posted by CrawfordGene

Rumors were a trip in a balloon was $375 to $450 per hour. One attendee, Bill (that's all I remember), helped out with tasks with one balloon hoping to get a ride, but found out that didn't work. Balloon rides at other festivals were said to cost a lot less. Whatever the truth in the rumors, those numbers certainly kept people from asking about it. Stories about injuries to people also dampened enthusiasm.

Some of the larger gondolas (the basket under the balloon) held about 8 people and those were apparently the ones that sold rides.

Personally, I prefer an enclosed fuselage, a minimum of two engines and a predetermined smooth landing place.

Gene

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by Grand Master

Mary & I had a great time at the Balloon Fiesta. We made new friends and renewed old ones. Ken and crew did a fantastic job.

I have sent a nice aerial view of the Rally to Ken. It was taken by a friend of mine who has the Rainbow's End balloon. Unfortunately, I am maxed out on attachments, so I can no longer post pictures.

Thanks to everyone for a great time!

Here is the picture!!!

[eubank]

Thank you for sharing that pic, Richard! Super cool!

Lynn

[Steelegood]

Hey Balloon Fiesta Attendees:

We had the misfortune of having to buy a new camera the night before the Fiesta, and unfortunately didn't have time to read the instructions manual. Is there anyone out there who would be kind enough to send us some video clips & glodeo clips of the fiesta? In and of itself, sending these would be greatly appreciated, being this was our first time there (and about 5K Miles later)...., well we would be greatly indebted to anyone kind enough to send them to us. We are already trying to figure out how to visit again, but at our age, work still prevails.

Thanks, Terry & Natalie

[wally_winter]

Anyone in the Albuquerque area interested in selling their Airstream? I am searching for one between 23-25', made anytime between 1992-2004. I live in Bernalillo and would love to hear about your airstream, floor plans and price. You can email wally_winter@yahoo.com

[loft47]

Boone wants to come out and play!