We had a fantatstic time at the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. We were part of hundreds and hundreds of RV's parked by the field for the event. Lots of friendly people - we met up with a Canadina ballon team.
"Uptuit" is piloted by Hal Cooper from Coburg, Ontario.
Hal Cooper
We were invited to help them and be part of their crew for a couple of days - why not!
Peter got to help with the balloon and Val took pictures
The balloon needs to be inflated with he hep of a notor driven fan before usinng the propane burners
The bottom of the balloon needs to be held open while it fillls
Just ninety seconds before take-off, Val and I were asked if we wanted to ride along - no brainer!UP UP AND AWAY!
What a great experience - in the end we accomplished the "Albuquerque Box". It's the Holy Grail of Ballooning. Take off, head south, rise and head north, descend and head south again, landing back at the field. Most pilots never do it and this was Hal's first sucess after 12 years.
Aloft over the Fiesta Field
Just part of the RV parking area
Uptuit as we head south
Darth Vader as a balloon
This is one of the largest balloons - and hardest to fly
It was hard to leave the Fiesta and head back north to Santa Fe - we'll update soon
View Balloon Fiesta Field in a larger map
looks like you're having a great time :)
ReplyDeleteHi and Happy Thanksgiving from us all here in Victoria!