We’re up!

Far be it from us to pretend to be experts on what makes a successful balloon launch.  But as we said in our first post in this series, Best advice for Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta, with just a plain ol’ general admission ticket (prices here) you can stand on the launch field and watch crews fire up the big ones right before your very own eyes.

Crew power!!!

We never observed the process from start to finish.  Since it was our first experience at Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, we had a hard time focusing: “Look here.  No, here.  Wait, there goes another one.  OMG!  They’ve almost got that orange one up.”  And so, we flitted — running even — to watch another and then another and another.

A crowded launch field as spectators move in to watch balloons lift off at the Special Shapes Rodeo.

Basically, though, launches go a little like this.  You spread out the balloon on top of a tarp on top of the field. Then you (and your best friends, family, and whoever else you can conscript) tilt the basket on its side while holding the strings attached to the balloon.

Initially, you get the balloon straightened out and hold the strings attached to the balloon.

You send up flames to heat the air and inflate the balloon — holding on, tugging, straightening.

Then you (well, some folks at least) check for tears, infirmities, places of stress, etc.

Checking the interior — one more time!

Add air. Hold on tight.

And then you get ready for the big upturn as the hot air balloon rises, positioning the basket upright, while the crew hangs on.

When the riders climb in, they give a signal that it’s time to launch.

Waving to the crowd and crew at Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta.

And the crowd yells.  You, however, just stand there in awe of the magic of lift-off in the early morning air!

The crowd cheers on the Wells Fargo balloon as it nears lift-off!

Because basically that’s what we love to see — the up, up, and away part — as balloons float through the New Mexico skies to who knows where.  And you can’t take pictures fast enough!

Into the sky — at Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta

For more information:

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: balloonfiesta.com

Guest Guide 2015