Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

[taoshum]

Looks awesome.

My wife and I have talked about going to this one year but haven't been able to make it yet.  Talked to some friends a couple of weeks ago at the FMCA 4-Wheelers Black Hills Gathering that were going and they told us how much fun it was so I guess we'll have to make more of an effort to get there.

Mike

I'd predict that you'll enjoy it... even with the crowds.

[bill dane]

Was in Colorado Springs yesterday and went to a Mexican eatery and one was giving the choice of Red Chile or Hatch Green Chile.  Will be going through  Hatch tomorrow and may stop and shop.

[Kevin Means]

Well that was fun. Had one day of light rain for an hour or so, half a day of cloudy skies, and the rest of the weather was nice. There was only one morning they couldn’t launch due to winds, but that ain’t bad.

We’re spending a couple of days in KOFA before heading home. We’re literally the only RV anywhere in sight. Gorgeous weather here! Debra.... sorry we could’t hook up. The mass of humanity in the launch area, and the distance between us made it difficult. By the way, are you gonna tell everyone about your new GPS, or am I? 

Kev

[Heli_av8tor]

You’re killing me. Wish there was one more MH in KOFA.
I’ve had to run the furnace the last two nights and will again tonight to protect from freezing.
Theresa says we are done until we leave for KOFA in January. Guess I better winterize. 

[Kevin Means]

Tom, if it makes you and Theresa feel any better, it’s only supposed to get up to about 79 here today, but the mild breeze will make it feel more like 75. (Brrrrr...) No wonder no one else is out here! This hardcore boondocking ain’t for everyone.

Kev

[Heli_av8tor]

Ya, Ya, Ya.. I'm feeling better already. (or, is that bitter already)

Enjoy KOFA

[Debra17]

Well that was fun. Had one day of light rain for an hour or so, half a day of cloudy skies, and the rest of the weather was nice. There was only one morning they couldn’t launch due to winds, but that ain’t bad.

We’re spending a couple of days in KOFA before heading home. We’re literally the only RV anywhere in sight. Gorgeous weather here! Debra.... sorry we could’t hook up. The mass of humanity in the launch area, and the distance between us made it difficult. By the way, are you gonna tell everyone about your new GPS, or am I? 

Kev

Be my guest Kevin, haha!  Actually I don’t have the GPS. It was still working and was returned to the balloon pilot. I’m scheduled with an installer in Tucson to have my solar panel replaced the first week of November.

[Kevin Means]

Oh man....now everyone will be able to figure it out before I have a chance to embellish the story. Anyway... Debra got upgraded to a fancy/smancy site overlooking the takeoff area. One morning, when all the balloons were taking off, someone dropped a GPS out of their gondola. Of all the places it could have landed, fate directed to one of Debra’s solar panels, shattering it.

Maybe that was a good thing. If it had hit your roof, who knows, it might have punched a hole in it. Glad you’re getting the panel replaced soon.

Kev

[Debra17]

Yes I’m glad it hit the panel rather than the roof. Who knows how much damage it would have done to the roof. Also I’m glad I was home when it happened. Since the panels were still charging I wouldn’t have noticed anything wrong. It’s just been a few weeks since I cleaned and inspected the roof and panels. So it may have been a good while before I went up there.

I wouldn’t really call where I was parked fancy!  The only plus is it’s proximity to the launch field. Although Friday it was waterfront property for awhile LOL!

[Heli_av8tor]

I thought you meant "waterfront property" figuratively until I saw the pictures! Sure did a number on the panel. Looks like an upgrade opportunity.

Were you inside when it hit?

[Debra17]

I was inside and it was extremely loud. I went outside and saw the balloon right over me. Then went up and checked the roof.