Anyone like balloons?

[Stealthdriver]

Its balloon fiesta time here in Albuquerque and I always love looking at the sky during this time. Unfortunately I'm not going to be able to go this year due to work and other obligations. Has anyone here been before? Its really a lot of fun

[Austin@STM]

Do they ever crash into each other, i wouldnt trust that many people around me while i was that high up.

It is fun to watch though, there are a few smaller events like this around our area.

[Roybatty]

I have actually been to that many moons ago when I lived in Amarillo, TX. We were there very early to help out the ballooners launching. Awesome specticle on a cool clear autumn morning. If you get a chance to go, Do It!

[DrkZide]

I used to go every year when I lived there. Not sure if I'm going to head down this year or not. When is it over?

[Stealthdriver]

It ends Sunday. I've been the last three years but have to miss this year

[Lithium]

The only bad thing about the fiesta is the horrible traffic!!! My office is right next to the balloon grounds, FML.

[DrkZide]

The only bad thing about the fiesta is the horrible traffic!!! My office is right next to the balloon grounds, FML.

Citibank?

I actually still have their parking sticker on my car for when I was IT there. I still use it for free parking and just walk down the street.

[93STLTH]

Ok, I understand how balloons go up and down, but once you're up, you're at the mercy of the wind, right? I mean, you have no control over where you're going or where you're gonna land?

[DrkZide]

Ok, I understand how balloons go up and down, but once you're up, you're at the mercy of the wind, right? I mean, you have no control over where you're going or where you're gonna land?

Sort of. Wind travels different directions at different altitudes at different speeds. The higher you go the fast you can move across a horizontal plane. The wind can travel in one direction at a certain altitude and a different direction at another altitude. It's not really piloting but more like guessing. They're obviously pretty good at it though since they can make it travel in a general direction. Alot of the guys at the AIBF like to go up to the Rio Grande and dip into the river and take back off