Al Hansen
Well-known member
For decades the most photographed event in the United States has been the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. During the event, which begins on the 1st Saturday in October, when walking around the grounds, you can stand right next to an inflating balloon, talk with the crew, sometimes even being asked by the pilot to help if they need an extra hand. The zebras also known as the referees, clears the area needed to let the inflated balloon take off. On the opener this year the "mass ascension" starts out the event. This year, an unusual fog rolled over the grounds and cancelled the ascension.
So on Sunday, which ended up being perfect, the Mass Ascension was a wonderful success. One of the reasons Albuquerque is so unique for those who love to fly balloons is because of the box winds. When they inflate their balloons and take off there is a north wind pushing the balloons south. As the balloon approaches the city of Albuquerque, the pilot heats up the balloon and it rises just enough to catch a perfect south wind that pushes the balloon northward. They fly over the field that they took off from and head north for a while letting their passengers enjoy the sites. Finally the pilot makes the decision to head back and find a landing zone. On Sunday, with everything being so perfect a day, some of the balloons landed on the field that they took off from. That is truly an amazing feat!
Al
Here are some pictures from past years when Bev and I have been there in person. It is a unique experience never to be forgotten.
View attachment _MG_1435.JPGView attachment _MG_1484.JPGView attachment _MG_1549.JPGView attachment _MG_1554.JPGView attachment _MG_1301.JPG
So on Sunday, which ended up being perfect, the Mass Ascension was a wonderful success. One of the reasons Albuquerque is so unique for those who love to fly balloons is because of the box winds. When they inflate their balloons and take off there is a north wind pushing the balloons south. As the balloon approaches the city of Albuquerque, the pilot heats up the balloon and it rises just enough to catch a perfect south wind that pushes the balloon northward. They fly over the field that they took off from and head north for a while letting their passengers enjoy the sites. Finally the pilot makes the decision to head back and find a landing zone. On Sunday, with everything being so perfect a day, some of the balloons landed on the field that they took off from. That is truly an amazing feat!
Al
Here are some pictures from past years when Bev and I have been there in person. It is a unique experience never to be forgotten.
View attachment _MG_1435.JPGView attachment _MG_1484.JPGView attachment _MG_1549.JPGView attachment _MG_1554.JPGView attachment _MG_1301.JPG
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