Balloon Fiasco

[hvacker]

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta got underway this morning.
I didn't get a head count but usually it's around 700 balloons all going up
at once for the next 10 days.
No point in telling people to keep their eyes on the road as no one does
these days anyway.

 

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[Mzjavert]

Love it!

 

[Jason in Enid]

why is it a fiasco? That means something is a complete failure.

 

[Peyton Manning]

he meant fiesta

 

[hvacker]

he meant fiesta

No, I meant FIASCO. While all the balloons are fun and people that go there have a lot of fun, it is a fiasco in ways like traffic for those going to work, the rubber necking, the city gains 20% more people. Overall I like it, I just stay home. The picture was taken on my road so I get a good show w/o going. I know it's supposed to be better now but 5 years ago it took me 2 hours to get out of the parking lot.
Tonight is one of the fire works nights and the balloon glow. At the glow the balloons are inflated but kept tethered so they just glow. Cool.

 

[rickb2202]

yep... you have to be careful here during fiesta lotta folks having a good time

 

[Duckshot]

Not just having a good time but having a good time and spending money.

You got a free show Hvacker, and an opportunity to gain some of that money spent by tourists if you so desire. I can see how the traffic might be frustrating getting around though. I'll bet it wouldn't be as frustrating if you could think up a way to capitalize on the event.

 

[dts52]

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta got underway this morning.
I didn't get a head count but usually it's around 700 balloons all going up
at once for the next 10 days.
No point in telling people to keep their eyes on the road as no one does
these days anyway.


View attachment 1501836

Wow, what a dilemma for drivers... Do I look at the balloons or at my cell phone?
HH
dts

 

[fyrffytr1]

I got so distracted just looking at your picture on my cell phone that I dropped it in my coffee which splashed out in my lap burning my private area. I had to turn around and go home to change which made me late for work. So, I don't know whether to sue Verizon for selling me a slippery phone or MacDonalds for the hot coffee? Maybe both!

 

[Rawhide]

Did not know you lived that close. Maybe I have seen you out there.....lol. Yes used to Balloon myself, met my wife that way. Got married in a hot air balloon. So cool beans if your out there, stay safe. Oh, ABQ is a bad place to drive on a normal day he he.

 

[bradyboy]

I was part of the balloon festival outside Aspen
I was part of the launch crew
If you ever have a chance to go up - do it
I drifted over the rockys - have pics
Awesome experience
and for you that complained, you knew, well in advance so you can change your route or schedule
Its a well advanced scheduled event
Brady

 

[Escape]

I went up once up state NY. A great experience. A silent ride.

 

[Honest Samuel]

I like to take a ride in a balloon.

 

[hvacker]

The event has changed a bunch from a muddy field to the park today along with events.
Some of the pilots are really good. The Rio Grande is about one mile from the balloon park. On a good day wind wise some will try to do a splash & dash. They will follow the river and slowly lower the gondola to the point where it touches the water then raises. Thing is, everything done in a balloon has a time delay so the pilot has to start assent before hand or the gondola will become a boat.
In some years a set of car keys will be put on a high pole and who ever can pilot a balloon close enough to grab them gets the new car. Someone always does.

 

[hvacker]

The Lady Bug balloon looks like it's on my roof.
The vapor trail was just after they began to be seen again in the sky post 911.

 

[Chiltepin]

What no flying pig balloons? They used to have the balloon
festivals here but they ran all those people out of town. They
must have ended up in New Mexico :P

Now we have a Space Balloon company! and that's not a joke.

 

[hvacker]

Did not know you lived that close. Maybe I have seen you out there.....lol. Yes used to Balloon myself, met my wife that way. Got married in a hot air balloon. So cool beans if your out there, stay safe. Oh, ABQ is a bad place to drive on a normal day he he.

Getting married in a balloon is way cool. I do remember a couple on the news getting balloon married.
This is my 30th year in the same spot which is a tad odd for me based on past performance.

When the balloons launch it is sometimes able to see which way they will head. About 25% of the time they
head for Corrales where I live. They will drop down all around my house.
The pilots used to pour champagne on new first time passengers but I'm not sure that's done anymore.
DUI in a balloon?

 

[hvacker]

Not just having a good time but having a good time and spending money.

You got a free show Hvacker, and an opportunity to gain some of that money spent by tourists if you so desire. I can see how the traffic might be frustrating getting around though. I'll bet it wouldn't be as frustrating if you could think up a way to capitalize on the event.

I think the balloonists invented the breakfast burrito. I can remember balloonists munching on them before they were served
at other places. Now they are on McDonald's all the time. Thanks balloonists.

 

[scruggs]

What a scene!

 

[AlienLifeForm]

Growing up in the south valley this was a common sight of my childhood. They would float over close enough for me to wave and them wave back, the dogs were not too crazy about the fire breathing beasts though.