4CU 004 : 2011 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!

[BAB BMRZ]

Hey Ken:

We look forward to returning, for our third year, as well. The check is on it's way.

Tnx Lyle & Margie

[aftermath]

We just sent the check. We will be driving the 1400 miles down from Spokane, WA to attend the festival. I have been looking at this for a number of years now and really want to see it.

Our plan is to head down I-15 through Salt Lake and then take in the Grand Canyon. Any advice about the north entrance versus the south entrance. Right now we are thinking south.

Thanks,

Dick

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by aftermath

We...Our plan is to head down I-15 through Salt Lake and then take in the Grand Canyon. Any advice about the north entrance versus the south entrance. Right now we are thinking south...

Either way, it's a great trip. Unless you have a burning desire to see Vegas (which is a fascination all unto itself), get off I-15 as soon as you can, time permitting. You can, of course, go all the way south and then get off at Hurricane and avoid Zion by way of Colorado City. Not that Zion is a bad place, but if you have an awning, you're 1-1/2" too wide to go through the tunnel without an escort. This will cost you extra and you can only do it during the day shift.

If you exit I-15 early, Utah 28 just south of Nephi to join US 89/I-70 is a good ride, then exit I-70 at Sevier to continue on 89. Yes, it's two lane, but the road's OK if you have the time (trust me, it won't cost you an hour total to get off the hustle-bustle Interstate). No matter which way you go, you'll eventually pass through Fredonia, AZ. East of there it's mostly BLM land until you get to the National Forest--boondock camping opportunities abound. When you get to the Colorado River on Alt 89, there is a Lake Powell Rec Area RV campground about a mile north of the highway if you head up towards Lee's Ferry.

It will be a shame if you don't have time to take a side trip up to Page and see Antelope Canyon. It is the most accessible and highly photographed slot canyon.



If you elect to go to the South Rim, there is a 7 mile stretch of the east entrance highway that runs through National Forest. You will see many small side roads along this section into the juniper where you can boondock. Ater the South Rim, you can continue the loop through Williams and back to Flafstaff, but I recommend that you exit back through the east entrance and take the time to drive through Wupatki and Sunset Crater. If you like Easy Rider, watch it again and you will recognize some of the roads around Sunset Crater as you drive through.



Heading east from Flagstaff, don't miss the Petrified Forest. Get off at Holbrook and drive east to enter it from the south. This will be your min-time route to see it all. You might also consider Walnut Canyon, just east of Flagstaff. The ruins are impressive and you can take a quick walk along the trail in a couple hours.

If you're a newbie to NE Arizona, just remember that the Indian Nations are sovereign. You can drive through on the highways and visit the towns, but if you want to stop to camp or hike, you need to ask permission.

As far as boondocking goes, once you leave the National Forest east of Flagstaff, there is very little public land along I-40. There are blocks of state land, but it's mostly those one mile square parcels that are checkerboarded with private land (an artifact of the old railraod giveaways in the 1800s) and they are darn hard to identify.

Zep

[Klatawa]

Yipee!
We are going to go too!
The check is in the mail and we are looking forward to meeting everyone there!
Dave & Debbie

[spenfolder]

Originally Posted by aftermath

Our plan is to head down I-15 through Salt Lake and then take in the Grand Canyon. Any advice about the north entrance versus the south entrance. Right now we are thinking south.

The North Rim is my favorite spot on the Grand Canyon. And probably the easiest to access if you are heading down from SLC. There is a campground in the park right at the rim, and there is nice Forest Service campground just outside the north gate.

Stan

[aftermath]

Zep, thanks for the great ideas. No, Vegas is not on our itinerary. We spent a few days there last year and I think I have filled my lifetime quota. Right now we are thinking about Bryce and not Zion but I think we might take in some of your suggestions.

Stan, having never been, I am open to either north or south entrances. The north might make more sense if we come in from SLC. Thanks for the camping ideas.

Dick

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by aftermath

... I am open to either north or south entrances. The north might make more sense if we come in from SLC. Thanks for the camping ideas...

If you can get an RV spot, I think you'll enjoy the North Rim more than the crowds at the South Rim. It's a great view and a lot prettier surroundings.

Zep

[eubank]

Oh, there are crowds at the south rim, no doubt about it. However, the vast majority of them are people who come, stay an hour, and leave. A hundred paces away from the crowd, and you're by yourself.

But I do enjoy stopping by the main digs after a longer hike. Nothing like eating ice cream and watching the condors!


Lynn

[Ken J]

The 15th is this week! Later (I'll wait for those who mailed around the 15th) in the week I'll get with the balloon folks and let them know our numbers at this point and that will confirm all of us who have signed up at that point - at that point, I will see if I can get another block of spaces - so no worry about room at this point

Ken J

[eubank]

Ken, I just put our registration and check into the mail. The mule that rides from Angel Fire to Albuquerque can usually be outpaced by a donkey, but it should arrive there relatively soon.

One question: We begin on the 30th. Does that refer to entry into the Fiesta grounds? If so, should I call up Vicki and make a reservation at E.T. for a day or two beforehand?

We usually wind up with some Airstreams here just before the rally. We'll figure something out. Maybe we'll do a "last-one-out-closes-the-gate" maneuver.

Yesterday I was looking at the new Escapees rag and noticed that they're arriving on the 4th for their Fiesta rally. I guess that'll be a big move'm out / move'm in day.


Lynn

[azflycaster]

Ken will be sending out more information the time to the event gets closer.

Arrival date is the 30th and that morning we should be gathered most likely at Camping World on I-40 west of Albuquerque. From there we break into smaller groups to caravan into the Fiesta grounds. Vicki's place (Enchanted Trails) would be the perfect location to spent a night or two before the rally since it is right next to Camping World and it is a great place to stay.

We are there for the first 4 days of the Fiesta, other groups come later and stay for the end of the Fiesta. That is why we have to be out of the area on our last morning. There is always another group taking our place.

[eubank]

Ok, good deal!

Lynn

Originally Posted by azflycaster

Ken will be sending out more information the time to the event gets closer.

Arrival date is the 30th and that morning we should be gathered most likely at Camping World on I-40 west of Albuquerque. From there we break into smaller groups to caravan into the Fiesta grounds. Vicki's place (Enchanted Trails) would be the perfect location to spent a night or two before the rally since it is right next to Camping World and it is a great place to stay.

We are there for the first 4 days of the Fiesta, other groups come later and stay for the end of the Fiesta. That is why we have to be out of the area on our last morning. There is always another group taking our place.

[Ken J]

Richard is correct as alway - the only thing I would add is Vickie has a block reserved for us - but like everything Balloon Fiesta, she needs to know asap - she told me the Sisters on the Fly have reserved a bunch of spots also - so we will all be getting to know each other well as we all fit into Enchanted Trails. I'll check with her next weekend as well and see how we are doing with reservations.

Yeee Hawww!!! This is a going to be another great time!

Ken

[eubank]

Ken, I just tried Vicki's website (www.enchantedtrails.com). The links are not showing in an IE8 browser, but they do show in Firefox. I've written her about it.

Lynn

[Ken J]

Wow - thats way higher web skills than I have.....

Ken J.

[eubank]

Yeah, I only reported it because most folks use IE, and if her links are not functioning, then she can't be contacted via the website. (She doesn't have contact info on her main page.)

Lynn

[Castaway]

Originally Posted by Ken J

Richard is correct as alway - the only thing I would add is Vickie has a block reserved for us - but like everything Balloon Fiesta, she needs to know asap - she told me the Sisters on the Fly have reserved a bunch of spots also - so we will all be getting to know each other well as we all fit into Enchanted Trails. I'll check with her next weekend as well and see how we are doing with reservations.

Yeee Hawww!!! This is a going to be another great time!

Ken

Ken

When should we make reservations for Enchanted Trails? Do we do this through you or them?

Also when we will be getting confirmation of registration for the Ballon Fiesta?




Gary

[eubank]

Just in case Vicki's site won't work, here's info for you:

Phone: (800) 326-6317
Fax: (505) 831-1000
Info E-mail: customerservice@enchantedtrails.com
Reservations E-mail: reservations@enchantedtrails.com
Web: Home


Lynn

[Steelegood]

Howdy Ken:

I've been wrestling w/ this rally for some time. We had already verbally committed to another rally, but for some reason I can't get this one out of my mind, and I still haven't heard from my employer re: vacation request for additional time off for this Albuquerque Rally (the other rally was much shorter, and very close). HOWEVER, I'm throwing caution to the wind and signing up!! . We couldn't decide what to do for our 25th. anniversary, so this is how we will be celebrating! (albeit a little late).

Considering today is 3/13, Post #36 said he paid via electronic check, how do I do that? (We really want to be there!) However if I don't get (see) a response from you before tomorrow - end of day, then I will send it snail mail, REGARDLESS, count us in, BAR NONE!

Additionally, as stated before, since we are coming from quite a distance....(traveling across I40 if anyone want's to join us?), we might as well take advantage of the full experience, I questioned about staying for the full event (past your rally) and you stated you could help us arrange a longer stay. Could you send us info (PM me if necessary?) on what we need to do to make that happen? Also, we may be bringing along one of our older children (almost 23). I haven't seen any info about a third person charge.

Hope this isn't a problem , and thanks for all your help.

Regards, Terry.

[Ken J]

Gary - we only plan balloon fiesta - so if you want to come the night before, you will need to make arrangements - we do have a block of sites reserved at Enchanted Trails so call them directly - I'll be sending confirmations via e-mail sometime after this week -

Terry - I don't think you will regret this decision - just send snail mail and you are fine - we have folks coming from all over the US and have had folks from Canada - so hopefully someone will chime in here and let you know they are coming your way - yes you can stay longer, but they will move you from our spot because they have other groups coming in - which is fine because they are all good spots - I'll need to put you in touch with the fiesta folks and have you make those reservations directly. We have had others stay longer over the years - so not a problem. Just remember this is dry camping, so plan on using the pump out folks for water and dumping - again not a problem - may need a generator or solar... You can bring as many folks as will fit in your trailer or car or ground around your trailer and car - there is no extra charge for us, you will get two passes that you can share or you can always buy more at the gate when you get there. Let me know if there is anything we can do to make this happen for you.

This must be the year for anniversaries - its the 40th for balloon fiesta and we have a number of folks coming this year to celebrate anniversaries! Pretty cool!

Ken J.