start at 5:30 a.m. with a search for a good launch site to unpack
and inflate the balloon. We're in an area of industrial and office
parks near the large balloon field where Albuquerque's annual
International Balloon Fiesta takes place every October.
his wife, Tammy, invited several friends (6 in all) to crew on this
outing including first-timers Mike Wing and Mina Yamashita (mbear,
who is taking the pictures, and is therefore, not in them). A large fan
is used to fill the balloon with cool air. When the balloon is nearly
inflated, Ron turns on the gas jets and fills the balloon with hot air.
(basket) as the balloon rises. The flags on the back of
the truck tell the pilot and crew which way the wind is blowing
and helps them to anticipate where the balloon will touch down.
The truck will follow along city streets, highways, and dirt
tracks across open fields to be nearby for the landing.
a "splash and dash," just touching down on the surface
of the river, then rising back up to continue the flight
(sometimes a lot wetter than they bargained for)!
The flight has taken us west, across the Rio Grande and toward
the west mesa. The chase crew has been following closely and
is just below as we cross the river. In the balloon, we hear the
occasional sound of the gas jets. It is incredibly quiet and still.
We don't hear much traffic or city noise -- only the sounds of
barking dogs and a train whistle rising up from the valley.
of chamisal brush and the second flight prepares to take off.
Tammy and two others join the pilot. Mike and Mina join the
chase crew as the balloon heads westward into Rio Rancho.
of Albuquerque as a backdrop for the second flight.
We are lucky to get three flights in one morning's outing,
but conditions are ideal -- early start, cool and clear
weather, and good flights and landings.
Now the hard part . . . squashing the balloon back into its
canvas sack. When the truck is packed, Ron initiates the
first-timers into the ranks of balloonists with a brief ceremony
and a shower of champagne! We also get pins shaped like the
balloon, and t-shirts to commemorate the flight. After a
late-morning tailgate picnic, we head home.
Thanks to Ron and Tammy for a really big adventure!
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Write to Mbear at mbear@mbear.com