Up Up and Away!!

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Well, it started out as a normal day as we headed to the balloon field to watch the morning launch.  It was cool—about 48 degrees, but the wind was not moving very fast.  The dawn patrol took off and seemed to hang and hover above the field as they checked out the flying conditions. 

We watched the first wave take off, including one guy in a chair instead of a basket!  How crazy is that?  I wonder how he lands!  We saw lots of balloons that we missed yesterday.  There are so many shapes and sizes.  I don’t know how there are so many balloons, and it doesn’t seem like there are two alike.

Then, out of the blue, I was asked if I wanted to ride in the balloon!! What????  My knees went a little numb, but I didn’t hesitate to say YES!   I felt butterflies coming on—(kinda like I felt when I was ready to get into the two-seater for the ride around the Speedway).  But, how exciting to get a ride in a balloon at the Albuquerque balloon fest during the mass ascension--a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

This is the 37th Albuquerque event for the pilot Dave Bobel; his daughter Bridget went along, so I knew I was in good hands.  What a thrill to quietly lift off the ground, and sail up up and away!   Here is the ground crew waving goodbye! What a different perspective too, looking at things from above.  The enormity of the event is evident from the aerial view of people and the remaining balloons on the balloon field.  Simply amazing!  We flew right over the RV parking area and I was able to see our RV.  I think Spot was watching through the window, but I couldn’t see him!  The views were magnificent.  Balloons were everywhere, and it made quite a sight with downtown Albuquerque in the background.

The  Chase Crew are the people that follow the balloon. They drive the truck and trailer and try to be at the landing spot to help the balloonist when he lands.  It’s quite a challenge for the chase crew to keep the balloon in sight, while trying to figure out how to maneuver through the streets to get to the same place the balloon is coming in from above.  The crew stays in contact via radio.  Unfortunately one chase crew had their hands full when this balloon flying directly below us hit power lines when it was trying to land.  We saw it leaning as the pilot was trying to get away from the wires, but the balloon hit the lines and there was a loud boom. They were close to the ground, and the basket landed, and the chase crew was running quickly toward them, but the balloon was wrapped over the power lines—very scary.  Hope everyone is ok.  We saw one other balloon that had hit power lines on our way back to the field (driving, not flying this time).  When we arrived back at the RV park, the power was out due to these accidents.  It was a few hours before they got it restored. 

One balloon landed right in the street below us—you can see his chase vehicle waiting for him!  

We landed in a big clear field, right next to Smokey Bear! 

It was a gentle, clean landing, and a wonderful maiden voyage experience. Thank you so much to Mina and Dave Bobel and “That-A-Way” balloon for an unforgettable experience—Up, Up and Away!

We returned to the campground for a nice brunch, complete with mimosas—appropriately celebrating a successful flight!

And we closed out the night with a “Twinkle Glow” and fireworks.  Up, up and away…it’s been a wonderful day!