Chasing the blue dot to find adventure…
We woke up to windy weather, but it wasn't until we were on the field that we realized there was no likelihood of balloons going up. Once we got on the field, it was apparent that the Dawn Patrol was going nowhere (or had already tried, but didn't get far), because there were only two … Continue reading New Mexico: Balloon Fiesta, Day 6
Today was the opportunity of a lifetime. A fellow photographer from the Phoenix area, Ken Sklute, allowed me to shadow the process of getting the hot air balloon ready to go up in the mass ascension, chasing the balloon, and dismantling the balloon after landing in a field. Getting ready to inflate Inflating the envelope … Continue reading New Mexico: Balloon Fiesta, Day 5
Day 4 started a little slow, as we were a little jet lagged from being at the America's Challenge race launch. Though we missed the Dawn Patrol, there were still plenty of photo opportunities with the mass ascensions and the balloon returns. Mass Ascension After most of the balloons had launched, I headed for the … Continue reading New Mexico: Balloon Fiesta, Day 4
Today is one of the three days with only morning events (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday), so there was a Dawn Patrol and a Mass Ascension. I also was able to capture some of the hot air balloons coming back over the RV lot as they came in to land at the launch field. Dawn Patrol … Continue reading New Mexico: Balloon Fiesta, Day 3
Today was a good day - perfect weather, a mass ascension, and amazing balloons! Dawn Patrol This morning, we got a defined Dawn Patrol. Mass Ascension Skydivers Evening Glow
Initially, the morning started off with some clouds, so the pilot briefing didn't take place until 6 a.m. - throwing the entire schedule into disarray. I kept up to date with the Balloon Fiesta app, and they sent out alerts when there were updates. The morning was kind of a mishmash of a Dawn Patrol, … Continue reading New Mexico: Balloon Fiesta, Day 1
Last night, we attended the media welcome reception in the Media Center tent. Pretty cool (rather, spicy hot) New Mexican food and some great conversation. After we ate and drank our fill, we headed out to get some sunset photos at the launch field. Plus, I got a bonus photo on the way back to … Continue reading New Mexico: Balloon Fiesta is here!
Because of today's weather (gray, cloudy, rainy) in Albuquerque, I thought it might be helpful to explain how weather impacts the event sessions at the Balloon Fiesta. Weather is a major factor with any hot air balloon event. The primary concern is safety when making decisions concerning cancellation or postponement. These are the reasons an … Continue reading New Mexico: Weather at the Balloon Fiesta
There are 14 sessions at the 2019 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. One session is all morning activities or all evening activities. There are 9 morning sessions and 5 evening sessions. The park opens at 4:30 am for morning sessions, and again at 3:00 pm for evening sessions. On double session days, the park is open … Continue reading New Mexico: Balloon Fiesta admission and parking
