Fiesta day 3

Fiesta started on Saturday 3rd October on a very mild morning. Up early, 03:30 and down to Fiesta field by 05:00 on a very pleasant, if dark, morning. Breakfast was scrambled eggs with chilli and was edible, just.

Just before sunrise the dawn patrol took off and flew in the dark to show everyone just what the wind direction was.

Dawn Patrol before launch.

Dawn patrol in flight.

After sunrise it was time to set up the balloon. This entails a whole lot of people laying out the balloon and the pilot inflating the envolope with cold air before turning on the burners. Once the balloon is upright then the crew need to lean on the basket to hold it down until the launch director, or Zebra as they are known, gives the go ahead to launch.

Chase crew holding down the basket.

Saturday morning is the first mass ascension where all the balloons fly from the Fiesta Field in waves. We were in the first wave but in no way the first as depending on the wind direction the balloons take off in order. Being in the middle of the field we are never first so get to see lots of balloons in flight before it is our turn.

Early fliers on day 1

Once the balloon is in flight the chase crew does what it there for and gives chase to the balloon so they are there to help with the landing. Sometimes on these days it is difficult to spot your balloon as there are hundreds of multi-coloured balloons in the sky. Doesn't help if the pilot goes for a dip in the Rio Grande.

Boating with a balloon.

On mass assencion day there are still hundreds of balloons in the air when our flight is over.

Still taking off from Fiesta field, view from out landing site.

After landing the crew then packs up the balloon and breaks out the beers, then back to the field for propane and off for a hearty breakfast.

After a great first day the weather changed and Sunday was a complete washout as it rained all night and was still lashing down at 04:30 when it was time to leave for the field. Gave us an extended stay in bed.

Monday was drier, well not raining although the field was like a swamp in places. The problem today was with the winds. They were strong, over 10mph, and in the wrong direction as they would have taken the balloons off over the military airfield south of town. Also down by the airfield they were gusting upto 23mph. Not safe conditions. So after getting up at 03:30, having green chilli stew at 05:00 we were in the Mule Barn Cafe by 08:30 for breakfast. Tomorrow is supposed to be much better with 5mph winds predicted for the rest of the week. Lets hope the weather men get it right.