Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Hi All,
I'm setting down some long range plans for attending the balloon gig in
Albuquerque in 2005. Date are, I think, September 30 through October 9. I
hope to fly over, weather permitting, and spend a few days gawking at the
event.

Questions:
With only four days to spare at the event, which four is best?
What is the parking situation at the event?
Is there on-site RV parking?
Is renting an RV and parking nearby an option?
Extra-curricular things to do, places to go, things to see?

Your opinions are valued.....

I've never flown in, so I can't help you there. It is not at all unusual for
wind or cloud cover to cancel activities, making it impossible to name good
days vs bad. Maybe an activity that you really want to see just won't
happen. OTOH, weather permitting, it is a fabulous show. The balloonatics
want to fly every possible chance, so if there is an opening they will be up
there.

Plan on being at the site about 0400-0430, freezing to death, watching the
"dawn patrol" go up to check out the weather for the rest of the folks, and
plan on being there after sunset for the "glows."

There is on-site RV parking...check with Good Sam or one of the RV magazines
for details. It will be dry camping, and it will be tight. Slideouts have
become popular since I was last there, and as I recall there wasn't too much
room between rigs. Dunno bout renting an RV.

The gondola ride to Sandia Peak is well worth doing, as is visiting Old Town
Albuquerque. You won't lack for things to do.

Bob Gardner

"Casey Wilson" wrote in message
news:a2tgd.12$cA4.8@trnddc01...
Hi All,
I'm setting down some long range plans for attending the balloon gig
in Albuquerque in 2005. Date are, I think, September 30 through October 9.
I hope to fly over, weather permitting, and spend a few days gawking at
the event.

Questions:
With only four days to spare at the event, which four is best?
What is the parking situation at the event?
Is there on-site RV parking?
Is renting an RV and parking nearby an option?
Extra-curricular things to do, places to go, things to see?

Your opinions are valued.....

Casey Wilson wrote:

Hi All,
I'm setting down some long range plans for attending the balloon gig
in
Albuquerque in 2005. Date are, I think, September 30 through October 9. I
hope to fly over, weather permitting, and spend a few days gawking at the
event.

Questions:
With only four days to spare at the event, which four is best?

There are mass ascension days such as the special shape mass ascension, and
you wouldn't want to miss the launching of the gas balloons for the gas
balloon race -- it's in the evening. Bring earplugs if you plan to be there
during inflation.

What is the parking situation at the event?

There is onsite parking as well as bus service from park & ride lots.
Traffic to the site is very heavy, but they do a decent job of managing it.

Is there on-site RV parking?

Yes, including a premium lot for the big spenders right on the edge of the
field.

Is renting an RV and parking nearby an option?

Don't know. There are a couple of motels right next to the field.

Extra-curricular things to do, places to go, things to see?

A day trip to Santa Fe or Taos might be fun. There are excellent
restaurants, galleries etc. It's a good idea to be flexible since the
weather might cancel all flying for the day.

You might volunteer to crew.

Your opinions are valued.....

Have fun.

Cheers,

Jim

Casey Wilson wrote:
Hi All,
I'm setting down some long range plans for attending the balloon gig in
Albuquerque in 2005. Date are, I think, September 30 through October 9. I
hope to fly over, weather permitting, and spend a few days gawking at the
event.

Questions:
With only four days to spare at the event, which four is best?
What is the parking situation at the event?
Is there on-site RV parking?
Is renting an RV and parking nearby an option?
Extra-curricular things to do, places to go, things to see?

Your opinions are valued.....


I believe the festival is sponsored by Kodak. They usually have a web
site with lots of info including a schedule of events. BTW, I believe
it is always the first weekend in October. Good things to see are any
of the mass ascentions and a night glow.

One of the finest southwestern meal I ever had was in the hotel in the
center of Santa Fe, only an hour away.

If you can locate some of the balloonists in your area, hang around and
help out as needed. Eventually you will find yourself in the basket.
Maybe you can crew for the owner in Albuquerque.

Ballooning is lots of fun. It's like sex: much better to do than watch!

"Casey Wilson" wrote in message news:a2tgd.12$cA4.8@trnddc01...
Hi All,
I'm setting down some long range plans for attending the balloon gig in
Albuquerque in 2005. Date are, I think, September 30 through October 9. I
hope to fly over, weather permitting, and spend a few days gawking at the
event.

I've never flown in during the balloon thing but I've heard the hotels
book 12 months out. I usually land at ABQ because cars are more
available than at Double Eagle. Although the prices are high at the
ABQ FBO they have an excellent price on O2. I recomend an O2 fill
there.
-Robert