***America One and Patriot Debut at Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (ABNER'S BALLOONS!!!)***

US FLAG BALLOON ^ | 10/15/03 | Diotima

[diotima]

The Albuquerque International Ballon Fiesta was held October 4-12, 2003. The star attractions of the event, in my humble opinion, were the America One and Patriot special shape balloons, owned by freeperess Abner and her husband (and America One pilot) Victim of Circumstance.

Bob J and I flew to Albuquerque on Wednesday to attend the festival.

On Thursday morning we gleefully woke up at 3:30am (that is 2:30am Los Angeles time) to attend the mass assension of the special shape balloons. We drove to the field with abner, VOC, and their very dedicated crew (including FR's own Taxman, Crew Chief of Patriot.) Unfortunately, the wind was not working in our favor and the balloons did not fly. It takes at least an hour to prepare the balloons for inflation. The crew was amazing! Later that night, we returned for The Glow, which is where the balloons are lit up on the ground. It was an amazing site. I believe there was about 80 special shape balloons at the event.

The next morning, same time, we woke up and headed down to the field for the special shape assension. I wanted to fly in the balloon if the weather permitted. (Aside: I don't know why I wanted to fly in the balloon as I hate flying in planes...go figure.) As luck would have it, there was no wind and we got ready to roll! I flew in America One with Victim of Circumstance at the healm. We were up in the air for over an hour and a half! (What was going through my head: WOW this is amazing! I hope my hair doesn't catch on fire.)

The balloon landed softly off the field and people came out their houses to see the balloon and take pictures. The chase crew arrived with in a minute of our landing and packed up the balloon. Later that night we returned to the field for the evening glow.

We had such a fabulous time and I had a terrific experience. When the balloon season starts up again next year, I urge people to go and see abner and VOC's balloon as it showcases at events around the country. Looking at pictures does not do the balloons justice!!!

Many, many pictures can be found at
www.usflagballoon.com and
Dio's Pictures

[NRA2BFree]

Oh man, your maiden flight wasn't much fun was it? I'm sorry that you won't at least try one more time for a fun flight. After all, when you crew you don't always see hard landings do you? If you do then by all means stay the heck out!

No, not much fun at all. I didn't want to go because I don't like to fly and I was holding fast to staying on the ground. When my friend gave in and hopped into the basket I could have choked him. lol I felt like an idiot standing there alone so I just hopped into the basket and away we went. :)

I might go again one day. I was talked into it once when I didn't want to go, so I could probably be talked into it again. :) I know everyone has so much fun, and it really was quite a rush. Until we hit. lol :) Once we were up in the air, I wasn't afraid. Floating was really an awesome feeling. :)

[abner]

I heard there were about 5 hard landings in Albuquerque this year too. I'm glad you were not one of them and that you had a good flight. :)

Yes, two special shapes were among them. Oggy the dinosaur was destroyed and Sunny Boy had a mishap but was flying the next day.

The wind picked up horribly that day. We also had a tear in the flag, but we were able to have it repaired that day.

[Sunshine Sister]

Flying is awesome indeed. We do manage to have lots of fun. The crew has as much fun as the people who fly. It's a rush either way!

[NRA2BFree]

Yes, two special shapes were among them. Oggy the dinosaur was destroyed and Sunny Boy had a mishap but was flying the next day.

The wind picked up horribly that day. We also had a tear in the flag, but we were able to have it repaired that day.

Oh man, that's too bad. I really love the special shapes. They're my favorites. :)

It had been raining in NM for a couple of days before the festival started and the storms were bringing a lot of wind. Over the years there have been a few people killed in Albuquerque ballooning accidents. I believe they were wind related accidents. I'm glad you guys didn't get hurt and got the Flag fixed. :)

[abner]

Yes, the flag was fixed by a company called AirCo. They were very nice people.

I hate to see any injuries at all related to the sport. They usually get blown way out of proportion by the media.

[abner]

All of my pages are up now. For the index go to : Index page and click on the pages for all of the photos. I took over 2000 pics this last weekend, and these are a fraction of the best. Now I'm going to start looking at about 13 hours of video!

[NRA2BFree]

Flying is awesome indeed. We do manage to have lots of fun. The crew has as much fun as the people who fly. It's a rush either way!

We've had lots of fun at the "tent" parties with the balloonists and crews. lol What a bunch of neat people they are. :)

[abner]

I won't, but Diotima was kind enough to put one up...

[Sunshine Sister]

When we are having fun we are a great group to be around. Crazy really. Balloonists are a special breed.

[NRA2BFree]

I hate to see any injuries at all related to the sport. They usually get blown way out of proportion by the media.

Yes, the media thrives on hype. When there are that many balloons flying over a period of years, injuries are going to happen. One year a balloon caught on fire and burned up in the air. The news media caught it on tape and they showed the people falling from the balloon for several days on each news program. It was really sad. I think the media was wrong to do it because it was horrifying to watch.

[NRA2BFree]

When we are having fun we are a great group to be around. Crazy really. Balloonists are a special breed.

Indeed they are! :) If you come to Albuquerque next year, you'll have to let me know. Maybe we can get a chance to meet. That would be awesome! :)

[abner]

Oops, I forgot to ping the Chief.

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

If you make it back here next year and need additional members for your chase crew, I'd LOVE to help out!

If they finalize the details of a holiday balloon fiesta in December, are you planning of flying then as well?

[abner]

We would love to fly in December but I think it will take us until after that to recover from last week!

We would be happy to have you for crew next year though if we come out again!

[Sunshine Sister]

Awesome indeed! We will be in touch!

[GEC]

Beautiful abner!

As far as a witty tag line goes, how about "I'm not just full of hot air!"

[Palladin]

Cool pictures!

What a great, all-American event!

[Angelwood]

Beautiful pictures -- all those balloons look awesome!

[Hildy]

This is amazing..isn't it dangerous to have so many balloons in the air so close to one another?????

[abner]

Thanks. Awesome really doesn't capture it though. I can't think of the right words. You really have to see it...