***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

[abner]

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

It can be, but the Fiesta has people out on the field dressed in Zebra outfits that are the only people allowed to give the ok to launch. They make it safe. There are also many many safety officers on the field to make sure things go well.

[Doctor Raoul]

Someone at Albuquerque said we were just in this for the money.

If you're talking small bills, lesser in quantity that your larger expesnes, they're technically correct. But STILL unquestionably stupid.

[InShanghai]

I grew up in Albuquerque and I haven't seen the Ballon Fiesta in years. I remember watching it when I was five, there were only a few ballons then, and it's such a great memory. My mother would wake us kids up when it was still dark outside. We would buy doughnuts and go to the fairgrounds, where ballons used to be launched, to watch. The ballons being filled in the morning is exiting. The roar of the burners and the glow of the ballons will always be a treasured memory. One day I will take my kids to see a ballon fiesta, and I hope they have the same experience as I.

My favorite ballon was the Jolly Roger. One year it landed in a field near our house, and all the kids in the neighborhood ran over to ask for a ride. Unfortunately, the pilot told us that was the end their trip.

Thanks for posting this and bringing such wonderful memories back. I'll certainly keep an eye out for America One and Patriot!

[Syncro]

Wow what fantastic pictures!

I could only look at 1,243 of them, will have to look at the rest later.

Wish I could have driven out, but got bogged down in work (ever been audited lol) and personal issues.

This picture is cool:

This Barry D. guy sure is a serious sort...LOL

Perfect attire for swimming, didja find a pool Barry?

:>)

If you can ever come a little closer to the Coast out here, ship the stuff and I'll haul you and it around in the Limonomonol Phenomozine...

[Syncro]

Great Pics Dio!

I like pics on a thread, hope you don't mind me posting this one large like.

Neat balloons.

That sea creature is ...ummm...wierd...lol

[Syncro]

Grate picture inside the shuttle:

[Dan Walsh]

The balloons are awesome. The pictures just don't do them justice.

We drove three hours to see them in Michigan and it was a blast.

We had Plans to see the fest on Saturday and do other stuff Sunday, but our kids insisted on returning and crewing on the balloons again!

[Stultis]

Ping!

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

My sister lived in Albuquerque for 8 years and loved the Fiesta! I love Albuquerque! Your balloons are amazing...

[abner]

Captain Jon

[NRA2BFree]

Awesome indeed! We will be in touch!

Fantastic! I look forward to meeting you. :)

[AGreatPer]

Beautiful pictures.

Just did a calculation. Wow, you spent over $1,300.00 on gas alone.

[abner]

Wow. Thanks for making me feel better... LOL!

[NRA2BFree]

My mother would wake us kids up when it was still dark outside. We would buy doughnuts and go to the fairgrounds, where ballons used to be launched, to watch.

That was a long time ago. :) There*s no doubt that doughnuts and coffee are still the favorite of all who get up at 4:30 or 5:00 to head to the balloon field. :)

[dixie sass]

Just got back to the computer. Thanks for pinging me! Got to go look at your site first. BRB.

[Tamzee]

Your balloons looked absolutely gorgeous in those shots, I had a great time looking at all the terrific images you posted! Yours are by far the very nicest :-)

Thanks for sharing the event with everyone and letting us live vicariously through your adventures there LOL

Congrats on your wonderful work and thank you for inspiring patriotism everywhere you go :-)

[Taxman]

Sorry to hear that you got hurt on your first hot air balloon flight and glad to hear that you still crew.

Lot of fun, isn't it?

Are the heuvos rancheros at the Gallup airport restaurant still the best in the West?

[Taxman]

LOL!

My theory, developed after more than several balloon festivals, is that hot air ballooning is a 24/7 cocktail party interrupted FRom time to time with balloon flights!

Sure is a lot of fun!

[Taxman]

"Wicked Awesome," perhaps?

[Taxman]

Thass right.

The way to make a small fortune in any form of aviation endeavor is to start with a large one!