Chasers and Racers!

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

It was another glorious day!  The Dawn Patrol launched today, and there was a huge group of balloons that launched before daylight to test the wind conditions.  When they all lit their burners at the same time, it was like a sky full of sky lanterns..a beautiful sight!  It was the chilliest it has been…about 45 degrees, but almost perfect weather for flying.  The Albuquerque box (where there is a low current and a high current) was so obvious as the balloons travelled in a box-like motion after they took off…so impressive to see.  There were fewer hands to help our favorite balloonist today, so Jim and I actually got to be part of the crew!   Jim helped with the basket assembly, and we both helped as they laid out and inflated the balloon.  We also got to be part of the chase crew, which follows the balloon after they take off.  The winds took the balloon in a different direction than it has the other days, and we raced down the side streets to try to get to their location before they landed.  It’s a real skill to watch the balloon and anticipate its movement, and then find the roads that lead to the landing site.  Dan, our driver did a great job, and we were there as they made their landing on a vacant lot in a subdivision.   How exciting to be a chaser!   Then, we got to tailgate with the crew after returning to the balloon field, complete with Dan’s specialty drink…an Albuquerque Sunrise..yummy! 

In the afternoon, we visited the Unser Racing Museum, an impressive display of history, cars, and trophies from the Unser family.  There were two buildings full of exhibits, interactive displays, and memorabilia, documenting an impressive history of racing success in the Unser family.   It was so well done—one of the best racing museums we’ve been to.  There was even part of the wall and catch fence from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that was given to the Unsers when the wall was replaced with the safer barrier.  What a great use of a piece of racing history!  

But, probably the most impressive part of the visit, was meeting Al Unser, Sr. who was just walking around the museum talking to people.  What a genuine, friendly man, who loves what he’s doing, and was so appreciative of people being there.  We were able to “talk Indy” with him, give him plenty of accolades about his great museum, and also were lucky enough to get him to pose for a photo!

We ended the evening with a farewell dinner from the staff, one night early because there is an evening balloon glow tomorrow, our last night here.  We were entertained by some fun guys performing southwest music, and treated to a tasty dinner and good dessert.  As with every trip, we’ve met some great people, and have exchanged contact information with plans to get together again.  What a good feeling to have friends from all over the country!