Albuquerque 2012 Official Visitors Guide & Vacation Planner - (Page 22)

adventures » by Erinn Morgan Albuquerque has some of the best weather in the world for ballooning, all year long. Combine that with stunning scenery and it’s easy to see why the city is the “Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World.” YEAR-ROUND BALLOONING UP, UP AND AWAY Admiring the city and the vaulting Sandia Mountains from a peacefully floating balloon is an experience that's uniquely Albuquerque. And absolutely unforgettable. You launch early in the morning when the air is perfectly still. The only sound is hot air slowly filling a behemoth balloon. Soon, you join the pilot in the basket and take off. Rising slowly and ever so gently, the air currents carry you effortlessly into the sky. Ballooning is an everyday event in Albuquerque. The city boasts more resident balloonists than any other state, and they’re some of the most accomplished. Three of its residents – Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson and Larry Newman – were the first to cross the Atlantic by helium balloon (1978). Anderson and Abruzzo, along with Ron Clark and Rocky Aoki, were the first to cross the Pacific by helium balloon (1981), a voyage that marked the longest distance ever flown in a balloon: 5,768 miles. Preparing to launch pre-dawn. Special shape balloons are abundant during the festival. BALLOON FESTIVAL ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA® OCTOBER 6-14, 2012 As more than 500 balloons rise into the blue sky over Albuquerque, it’s clear why this is said to be the world’s most photographed event. The world's largest, most prestigious annual hot air ballooning festival draws over 800,000 attendees and balloonists from around the world. Festivities include mass ascensions from Balloon Fiesta Park, accuracy contests and even illuminated “balloon glows” at night. The event is a feast for the senses and a thrill for all ages. But you don’t have to attend the Fiesta to experience ballooning – rides are available year ’round. FIND A BALLOON OPERATOR To plan your adventure, turn to page 34. Take a breathtaking balloon ride! Balloon Facts 22 EYE CANDY Whimsical “special shape” balloons come in all forms, from chile peppers and piñatas to flying fish. (Kim Ashley, Raymond Watt) nd ) HOW TO STEER Pilots control the direction by adjusting the altitude to reach wind currents going in a desired direction. Balloons travel with the wind, so the sensation is serene, like floating. | THE OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE & VACATION PLANNER

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Albuquerque 2012 Official Visitors Guide & Vacation Planner

Albuquerque 2012 Official Visitors Guide & Vacation Planner
Table of Contents
Special Feature: Albuquerque: The Intersection of Adventure & Culture
Cuisine
Shopping
Ballooning
Neighborhoods
Area Map & Visitor Info
Events
Things To Do
Arts, Galleries & Theatres
Balloon Rides & Air Adventures
Casinos & Nightlife
Golf, Sports & Outdoors
Museums, Cultural & Historic Centers
Sightseeing, Tours & Train Rides
Spas & Salons
Wine, Breweries & Culinary
Zoos, Nature Centers & Family Fun
Golf Courses
Shopping
Dining
Visitor & Relocation Services
Transportation
Places to Stay
Campgrounds & RV Parks

Albuquerque 2012 Official Visitors Guide & Vacation Planner

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