It was six years ago today that I crossed off a major bucket list item – the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. I had so much fun! As I was on a media pass, I was able to do and see things other attendees didn’t, got to meet a fellow blogger (hi Tim) took flight in a pink elephant balloon, met so many of the pilots and more.
I also ended up losing my voice and getting a respiratory infection because I didn’t plan well for the temperatures out there but such is the learning curve.
It is something I highly recommend doing if you ever get the chance; attending the fiesta, riding in a pink elephant is another story entirely. Let’s take a walk down memory lane with some photos from the fiesta.
Teri 📷
This is Nelly-B and I am in that basket along with pilot Peter Van Overwalle from Belgium and Albuquerque crew chief, Paige Stubbs. Nelly has been redesigned since I took this ride.
Elephant nose view of the other balloons taking off. Nelly was still ascending at this point!
Gordo the Monkey piloted by Kimberly Magee
Night glow with Lindy piloted by Scott Wooge who happens to be Kimberly’s father.
Airbelle the cow
Well, it is October! Didn’t get his name though
Images by T.Dashfield Photography 
Good old times. I think Creamland has retired the cow balloon. They’ve been flying a regular balloon with a guernsey pattern for the past couple years.
Too bad. Are the other balloons I posted still there?
I have not seen Lindy or the scarecrow this year. But it’s been raining. No fly day today.
I just found out the cow balloon is still around, but it’s in Canada right now. Many commercially owned balloons are destroyed when the companies no longer wants to support them. That’s what happened to the Wells Fargo Stagecoach balloon.
That’s on my bucket list too! Not sure when I’ll be able to cross it off. What terrific photos!
Thanks and I hope you make it one day!
Mary and I loved it when we were there, even if her balloon ride had to be cancelled because of too high winds.
One day the winds blew some of the balloons onto the patio of a viewing area. That was interesting to see!
I can imagine!
OMG. That is impressive… All those balloons, and you’re in one of them… 👏🏻
Most exhilarating ride I’ve ever had 🙂
You bet…