Fiesta!

Since we were going to be in New Mexico during Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, I signed us up for a couple of camping waitlists. A week before the festival, while still in Carlsbad, we called Kirtland AFB to check on their first come, first serve campground. They had one slot open. Even though they have an overflow area, we decided it probably wasn't worth the risk. We had seen the balloon fiesta in 2013. So, if it didn't work out, it didn't work out. 

We were making plans to head towards Alamogordo and Holloman AFB when we got the phone call from Newmar Kountry Klub (NKK). They had a cancellation. Would we be interested in taking that slot? The NKK had dry camping onsite at the fiesta field. Wow! We wouldn't have to fight the nightmarish traffic to view the morning launches. We could actually sit in our coach in our pj's, sipping coffee, if we so chose. After a gulp at the price, we agreed.  

Ironically enough, we cleared the onsite campground waitlist handled directly by the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta a couple of days later. We declined that spot. 

The day before the fiesta officially started, we attended a balloon inflation at a local school. Linda, our sister-in-law, kept us informed and led the way. Balloonists inflate the balloons on the school grounds so locals have an opportunity to see the balloons. The school we attended had Airabelle, the Creamland Dairy balloon, and one other. 

All I can say is that if you ever have the opportunity to attend the balloon fiesta, do so. Plan to stay several days since you never know if the weather will allow the balloons to launch. If you can stay onsite, even better. Otherwise, I hear the park and ride is a great alternative to driving. There were stories of people sitting in three hours of traffic only to be told that onsite parking was full.

The sight of so many balloons is incredible. They are so colorful. You can hear the propane burns as they go overhead. You can watch them compete in competitions. You can collect trading cards and maybe even a few pins if you're lucky. Oh, just go!

Airabelle (note the size)

Dawn Patrol

Gobs of people

All burn

Bucket list - check

When pigs fly

The Seedquel

Launch grounds

Yoda looks a little nonplussed

Airabelle over Newmars

Landing near you

Harold as ballast - Zebras as launch directors

Menace in the sky

All glow!

Go with the "Flo" (middle balloon green/black)

Fill 'er up

More than 600 balloons registered for the event

Trading cards

Where Are We Going Next?