Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta WORLD'S LARGEST HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL Bus Life Adventures -S05E07

[@defconmain2219]

I grew up in Albuquerque, haven't been back in a while, thanks for taking me home for a bit

[@gloriacerrillo228]

I'm a lifetime resident of Albuquerque...I loved this video... It gave me goosebumps and tearful in so much pride...I wish the weather would cooperate more...Thank you for visiting..

[@jonathanowyoung1400]

Agreed! With goosebumps and tears in my eyes.

[@Rehabit8]

I'm so glad to hear we did the fiesta justice! Thanks for watching

[@anthonyabeyta7655]

I thought it was very cringey

[@robertvaughn7796]

Maybe if the fiesta moves to the 2nd half of October then the weather would cooperate more. Every darn year the weather screws up the ascension.

[@tombohley3265]

Beautiful shots of a beautiful event! I am so glad that you got to be a part of it. I moved to New Mexico over 25 years ago. Every autumn, the balloons flying high in the sky remind me of the magic of living here. Thank you for doing such a good job in presenting a little bit of that magic!

[@ptbrandonb1]

As a crew member for the Balloon Fiesta for 8 years now. This is an incredible video about the Fiesta. Wasn't the greatest weather year but was one for the books. Thank you for sharing.

[@Rehabit8]

you are welcome! It's great to hear you enjoyed it

[@TorianasaurusRex]

I’m a local and I’ve never been. But I have always loved watching the balloons around town. 😊

[@amandawyatt6957]

As a New Mexico native, it’s refreshing to see Balloon Fiesta through our visitors’ eyes. When you’ve encountered the event as frequently as we do as residents, it’s easy to take it for granted. I caught myself getting choked up watching you experience mass ascension for the first time with all of the magic and wonder that comes with it. Thank you for visiting our city, and thank you for capturing our pride and joy in such an honest and beautiful way.

[@matruthn.m.bassin]

All this is possible because of Sid Cutter. Long Live Sid Cutter the Creator inventor of Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@jacjac2010]

I have lived in Albuquerque ALL of my life. I am about to be 36 and I loved your video! It is so nice to see what coming here is like for other people!

[@Djmabq]

I'm a home grown Albuquerquean who's family was highly involved in the very first Fiestas back in the 70s. I've been up many, MANY times experiencing both smooth and hard landings! I just wanted to tell you guys that I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation! It brought me tears and enjoyment with huge sense of pride! Thank you and a job well done! SUBSCRIBED!!!

[@alexusbenzin]

New Mexico born and raised here! I moved 3 years ago to SC but this video really captures the beauty of this festival and how much it has truly grown over my life time. I miss home!

[@victorc1421]

I moved to ABQ in '91, I remember almost getting into several car accidents looking at the balloons. I am still here. Not only that, but I still think it's wondrous that we have this beautiful spectacle in our state. Great video! Very professional. Thank you.

[@ilhamfirmanda0336]

wow what an amazing hot air balloon show, I dream that one day I can see the hot air balloon festival there. greetings from Indonesia

[@cyandrums]

Weird seeing people outside of NM come out for this event. Feel a little privileged to have this event come around ABQ every year, since my childhood lol 😅

[@shawnleonard698]

Just wanted to stop by and say this is such a great video! I am one of the Zebras here at Fiesta. This video has some great points that most pass over. Especially the one where you need to plan several days to attend. This is a weather based sport and we cannot control what happens with the weather. Thank you again for sharing your adventure and I hope you have safe travels wherever they may take you! Thank you for visiting!

[@Rehabit8]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@donboyer1609]

Hello , I am the pilot of the Itsy Bitsy balloon you featured in this video. That for the great coverage. I wish you had introduced yourselves. I would have let you get involved in the set up. Great video of the event and hope you had a good trip in spite of our unusual bad weather.

[@Rehabit8]

oh hey! Glad you found our video. We didn't want to interrupt your process and get in the way. But it was all very impressive to watch. We had an amazing time! Glad you enjoyed our video :)

[@johnnyjackpots505]

Thank you for such a great video of our 50 years of Ballon Fiesta, please come back and visit, all are welcome!!!

[@quakbang]

🥺 as someone from New Mexico I'm so grateful to be able to be so close to the balloon fiesta whenever it comes absolutely loved the drone show 💜💜

[@tomlarison6932]

We live in the mountains just east of ABQ and have been to the festival many times. We have seen many documentaries covering the festivals. This is one of best coverages we have ever seen. Great job Mela and Don!

[@Rehabit8]

Ahhhh! Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed it

[@lindatann3955]

My husband and I were at the Balloon Fiesta for the first time and I agree, it is quite something. You have to be there…words can’t explain the excitement and joy of seeing hundreds of balloons launching and dotting the sky. Loved every minute of our first mass balloon ascension. ❤

[@1StrangeAdventure]

You got our rig at 13:43 😊 The Black & maroon Momentum. Have fun!

[@Rehabit8]

Awesome! Hope you guys had a great time

[@isaiasmmorales3588]

Oh Thanks verdad much to show us this special experiences in Aerostatic Balloom in ABQ World Capitol of this many Countries Fiestas. This is a Wanderful Magic and Enchatment on our South Land USA. Our strong gratitud to make possible this adventure to outside People, blessing to America in United States. New México State one of history siete. WELCOME ALWAYS TO BALLOOM PARK.

[@Rehabit8]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Sarah-xp1og]

Thank you so much for this great video! I was born/raised in Albuquerque and the Balloon Fiesta has a special place in my heart

[@rachaelberget5374]

Goodness you brought back some nostalgia with that comment. Born and raised in abq myself. I’m 29. My grandmother had a family home walking distance from park and this time of year with the balloons had always brought up happy times for me. So traditional for New Mexicans.

[@paulhorn1351]

Glad you enjoyed and decided to change plans. 50 years of yearly balloons!

[@InvaderKush]

I miss when they had a smaller one at the white sands, as a kid they used to have a glow across the street from the house I grew up in. Now I live an hour away in las cruces and sometimes I you will wake up to what sounds like a dragon, but it’s just a hot air balloon. Haha. Some of the special shaped ones I’ve never seen, some are classics from my childhood.

[@laruedouglas1064]

Good Morning Don and Mela. Keep on having a wonderful time.

[@coryann55]

You guys did a FANTASTIC job! I'm so glad you got to enjoy our little slice of heaven ❤️

[@alexrybin1778]

Был на фестивале воздушных шаров в 2021 в Белогорске (Крым). Красота! Понимаю ваши восторги!

[@Rehabit8]

Потрясающие!

[@whome6410]

Welcome to our home! ♥️💛

[@vtailv35]

I to am from ABQ , but now live 1500 miles away, I also attended the first Sid Cutter was a friend , one of the best BF's I went to was when the Double Eagle made its flight and I was able to fly with Larry Newman at the fiesta , this video makes me happy as I haven't been able to attend in over a decade, ABQ fiesta is great place to spend couple weeks, and the people you get to meet you'll never forget, Great job on the vid , and I love your Motor Home!!!

[@leewomack3498]

I used to live in Albuquerque and watching this has filled me with so much pride and I'm crying at the same time. I miss Albuquerque and should have never left, but I'll be going back for a visit in Aug or Sept. ....... Can't wait!! 😊

[@daniellehidalgo3228]

You did a lovely job of showcasing our city's Balloon Fiesta, thank you! I hope you got to meet our Steve Stucker (KOB 4 weather man) He's a fixture at balloon fiesta! We love him! God bless you in all of your travels 🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈

[@nottrex9530]

As someone who lives in ABQ I love how you showed the magnificence that is the balloon fiesta. I've been going to the balloon fiesta every year sense I was a kid and I love it more and more each year.

[@5bellaful]

thank you for coming to our city hope you enjoyed the balloon fiesta

[@cfidellmt]

Such a well done video! As a native New Mexican and someone who has seen all 50 Fiestas so far, this event never gets old for me. I love seeing Fiesta through the eyes of first-time visitors and you did a great job showing the world this special thrill in our own backyard!

[@kendallbell7087]

Born and raised in Albuquerque New Mexico. I found your video very informative. Safe travels

[@trydl88621]

I love hot air balloons. I have seen several shows. Road in one one time. It was amazing. Hope you have a great time.

[@kimberlyshalaby1134]

This was so beautiful! I've never seen anything like it. I can see where you'd think you were in a fairy tale. Beautiful!

[@Luvgurl6]

I live in Santa Fe, NM and haven't been to the balloon fiestas morning celebration for years. This is such beautiful footage that you captured! I am so grateful for this video as the weekend I wanted to go it rained and I decided to skip the drive. This was amazing to watch, like many have already commented it brought tears to my eyes and made me so happy to see my State shown in such a light. Thank you!

[@chipdr911]

The Biggest Event Albuquerque has to offer each year. Worth the time and $$ to make it here and see it. You captured this beautifully

[@John_505]

I work right across the street from the balloon fiesta, so beautiful in the mornings

[@barrywiddowson7987]

Just spent 4 days at the balloon festival. I was there with two private railroad cars, parked at the station. We took our passengers to the festival by bus. Also took them to the Combres and Toltec narrow gauge railroad for a day trip. Left there and went to Kansas City and St Louis Finally Chiago. Wish I could have seen you.

[@brucewestphal1267]

Hi, just want to say God bless the two of you to be young enough to live your dreams and the ability to just go and see this great land in all 4 corners and everything in-between. I am jealous. Just be safe and injoy your travels Bruce

[@Rehabit8]

Thanks so much Bruce

[@DocPixie]

So love this video with all the colour and excitement. You both make us feel as though we are there with you and experiencing it all. Thank you for sharing.

[@mentalneil]

WOW what an amazing experience

[@Rehabit8]

🙌

[@robertkresse3684]

I have a sister that lives nearby in Santa Fe, when her husband was alive they would send me pictures of this event it is most definitely on my bucket list

[@Rehabit8]

You should do it! Such fun

[@brysonrodden5112]

7:42 We can somewhat steer with the winds. It's not just one direction all the way up, there are little variations at different levels that we can use to move certain directions. Usually we just take off and fly until we find a suitable landing spot, we very rarely land back in the field. Competition pilots do this a lot. They take off from all different directions but many of them converge on the target in the middle of the field. It's fun to watch them climb and descend rapidly to catch those winds. 8:15 it's actually fairly calm and relaxing up there. I love the feeling right when you are taking off right when you are buoyant enough to takeoff. You don't feel any wind up there because you are moving with it and it is very quiet except for the sound of the burner or other balloons. 10:27 that usually happens because there isn't enough heat in it yet or the balloons hasn't stabilized yet. That one is a racer(football shape, better for climbing and descending faster and better) they are known for being a little unstable on the ground like that. And normally on the ground someone is holding the "crown line" that is connected to the top of the balloon to stabilize it 24:31 THAT. Some people only come for a day or two and get mad or disappointed. You need to go for as long as possible because sometimes the weather sucks and it is not safe to fly. Mother nature hated us this year We go every year we can. 8:03 the black and yellow balloon on the right is my dad's balloon. I am currently a student pilot and so is my brother. My first fiesta was 21 years ago when I was 4 weeks old. I have been around these my entire life

[@davidfacktor648]

Spectacular video. I was there last year and I’m here this year as well. Staying in the North lot for the second time. Glad you came and enjoyed it.

[@melissaphillips4446]

Hey Mela & Don. It's Melissa from the Tres Piedras Ranger station. I've been following your videos ever since Mela gave me your card.You two are amazing! I love that y'all are getting to enjoy firsthand all of the magical adventures that New Mexico has to offer. You both are so full of joy and wideyed wonderment and it shines through in your videos. I am so happy for you both and blessed that you came into my Ranger station. Many blessings curious travelers.

[@Rehabit8]

Hi Melissa! Thank you so much for your kind words and helpful tips for camping in Tres Piedras area! Mela and I both walked away wishing we could hang out with you and hear more about your Nee Mexico adventures after moving from Austin! We hope to be up that way again and we’ll be sure to stop in with hopes to see you again

[@robertvaughn7796]

I am Albuquerque born and raised. I still love going to and watching the Baloon Fiesta. Now I work for Sandia Casino with is right by the Balloon Field. I have worked security on the Sandia Pueblo property to keep Spectators off Sandia Pueblo property. I can see the balloons air up amd lift off from some of our spots

[@kdkrim]

I don't know if was such a huge event. Thanks for sharing.

[@jeffkest7834]

It actually used to be bigger. Back in the early 2000's there would bee over 1,000 balloons. It was sponsored by Kodak and was called the most photographed event in the world. But Albuquerque has expanded, building on the empty lots that balloons used to land in. So they had to cut the number of balloons down to around 600 or so.

[@andrewdalzell99]

Hello from down under 🇦🇺💫

[@henrygabaldon6746]

I love the video you two have put together! So happy to hear that you enjoyed your time in ABQ and the balloon fiesta! hopefully you got to see and do other things our wonderful city has to offer!! Quick story about my life in ballooning. I have lived on this spinning rock for 54 years and in ABQ for all of them. Growing up here and seeing them daily makes you want to get involved, so that's what i did when i was 21 yrs old. You start off in a chase crew to "earn" your first ride. Once you take that ride, the balloon bug has bitten you! I took my first ride a few months after crewing. My second ride in a balloon was about 3 months later. IN MY OWN BALLOON! I found a used balloon for sale and the owner was a commercial pilot/instructor. Took me 4 months of flying, lots of studying and testing to get my private pilot certificate. Long story short, here I am 33 years later a commercial/instructor pilot flying balloons and airplanes but still am in love with it just like I was on my very first flight. I have participated as a pilot in fiesta for 27yrs. Such an amazing experience every year. Hope the two of you get to take a ride in a balloon soon! heck if you make it back to ABQ next year message me and ill take you up! FYI the balloon i fly is Buckeye, its in the Balloon fiesta program Balloonist prayer: The winds have welcomed you with softness, the sun has blessed you with its warm hands, you have flown so high and so well that God has joined you in your laughter and set you gently down on mother earth. Amen.

[@jeffkest7834]

OK, I gotta ask.... If you've lived in ABQ your whole life, why is your balloon named Buckeye?

[@williamsaling9648]

I get to enjoy this site from my bedroom window once a year and look forward to it.

[@SargesCustoms]

Moving to Albuquerque for work and eventual retirement north of the city. Missed this year's fiesta by a few weeks, but looking forward to many years ahead. This was great coverage. Thanks for this one! Happy trails!

[@Rehabit8]

Awesome! you are welcome

[@williamhedrick5950]

What a great episode! You totally found one of the great American festivals. For the record, the Balloon Fiesta will go on until this Sunday, October 9. You must get a breakfast burrito and a green chile cheeseburger from Blake's Lotaburger, the New Mexico's favorite unofficial fast food go-to.

[@Rehabit8]

Thanks William! Yes it does, but our time in Albuquerque is over. Didn’t try Lotaburger but I did see they had a stand there and were very popular

[@williamhedrick5950]

@@Rehabit8 I enjoy following you. I"m about 2/3 done with my 45' Van Hool tiny home. See you on the road!

[@hazelg.5157]

WOW! I've lived here in NM my whole life and your video brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. It brought back wonderful memories of when my kiddos were little and we'd treck out to the field wagon in tow filled with little ones, burritos and hot cocoa... Your perspective and videography skills are Amazing! Thank you for creating a beautiful video covering one of my hometowns most spectacular yearly events. It is definitely hit of miss on take offs as weather permits. It's also hard to describe the grandeur and breathtaking moments as you become surrounded by the masses of colorful balloons. There's nothing else like it. You captured the event so so completely. I will be sharing this video with family and friends who aren't able to experience the Beauty in person. Safe travels and God Bless.

[@Rehabit8]

Thank you! Thanks for sharing

[@racing10]

I go every year, I've been going since I was 5, and no matter how old I get this event is always amazing to me

[@Rehabit8]

awesome....yeah I can see that!

[@jenniferleighmiron8135]

Your images were really a wonder, the balloons were incredibly beautiful. I love watching the magazine CBS Sunday Morning and your story strongly reminded me of that. Great job guys! I would love to see more content like this.

[@AFITgrad86]

Welcome to buy home town and the Golden Anniversary of our signature event. Enjoy the festival and some of the great food and entertainment available.

[@deborahashaw6044]

Awesome Fun!!! Safe Travels & Enjoy ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jadeevans5078]

I’ve work balloon fiesta every for 6 years now at VIP and love this event. it’s like seeing it again for first time every year. Fun fact they made the 50 year balloon last year during the balloon fiesta.

[@jimspitnale6916]

Awesome video, very well done. My wife and I moved out to ABQ from Toledo Ohio three years ago and live about 4 miles from Balloon Fiesta park. We love this time of year and the beautiful event that the Fiesta is. Hope you had a wonderful time here in Albuquerque!

[@Rehabit8]

We sure did!

[@elizabethhartman3924]

I love this video. I didn't get to go this year. But I did get to see them in the sky. It's the most magical feeling & sight you'll ever experience in your life🤗❤️💝

[@paulvarner5616]

Really an EXCELLENT video. EXCELLENT. We were there this year, all week, thru the brilliant sunshine of the first day to the rainy/almost-rainy days of the week. This is truly a unique event, for sure. Your presentation reflected the child-like wonder that comes over a person who attends. Many thanks !!

[@shawnaherrera9424]

My husband was from New Mexico and if you ever get a chance you really need to experience going up in a balloon it’s like nothing you’ve ever done before so awesome

[@AnthonyBurrito1313]

Great job guys, Thanks for coming to Albuquerque . Hope to see you next year

[@briandavis9975]

Very cool

[@j.c.4120]

It’s fun to watch them land in the back yard, while having coffee on the patio. Love the balloons in NM❤

[@JamesMtzXIV]

or flying 30 yards over your house. It's good times.

[@sararayaprol7763]

Love this video! It is very well made! I was there for the first two days of Fiesta this year! What an absolute AMAZING experience!

[@MrzMojoRizin]

Nothing like it! I miss home and the Fiesta.

[@patriciavercuiel2503]

We have a similar festival in High River Alberta Canada September every year....I actually crewed for them in 2022 as part of the blow up and chase crew...sooo much fun seeing and learning the process to get a balloon in the air and then picking them up after they land, where ever they land. I will mark this date in my calendar for 2023 and go experience this!

[@davidcandelaria4411]

Glad you were able to experience this. I am a native and saw the very first one and 50 years later I am still in awe! Taking pictures are great but its pale in comparison to being there on the field. BTW, I created and started the Bike Valet service many years ago.

[@quakbang]

🥺💜 my late dad saw the first one as well everytime the balloon fiesta came he would always mention being at the first one he was only 10

[@davidcandelaria4411]

@@quakbang I was 12

[@Drewskee505]

Amazing video guys... As someone who's lived in ABQ my entire life, you guys killed it!!

[@faithrenewed3443]

What a great event!!! As a child growing up in Boise Idaho my father would take me and my younger brothers to the park and we'd watch the crews set up and launch hot air balloons. Boise still has a large community of families that take flight in them nearly every weekend in the summer. By the way..... terrific editing!!!!! 👍

[@momplusfive]

My daughter gets the tickets to go up as gifts for Christmas, she says its a wonderful ride and unbelievable beauty. I hope you had fun!

[@wayneallen1048]

We are from Texas and were fortunate enough to attend the Ballon Fiesta last year for the first time. We have a Super C and dry camped all week in the North Parking lot. There is nothing like this experience! That said, for all the videos we have seen on this event, you guys did about the best job we have seen in capturing the experience. Thank you for sharing this and your bus build. We have followed y’all since the beginning and have so much respect and appreciation for what you have accomplished. We are not full time, but we did retire last June. Hope to see you out there! Thanks again, Wayne and Peggy

[@Rehabit8]

Oh that’s so great to hear! Best compliment to get from someone who has been there

[@ericfinch8887]

Hey you two! Great Video on the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, I really enjoyed it. This year was my 27th year doing balloon crew during the Fiesta, and it's been wonderful learning about balloons and meeting so many people. From you video, on many of the days I was within 100 ft of you with other balloons. If you decide to come back next year, please look me up and I'll show you so much more about the Fiesta and maybe you could even ride along with us to go catch the balloon. We had a lot of rain this year, but it was still wonderful!

[@taxbill3]

What a wonderful video, great filming and editing !

[@donnawarmouth9329]

Wow that was so beautiful to watch. I bet it was amazing in person!!!

[@themaudelife]

You are such great story tellers! I loved seeing the glow in the early morning - they reminded me of fireflies the way they blinked as they floated through the air. So lovely! Thanks for sharing such a fun adventure.

[@Rehabit8]

Oh they do totally! I didn’t think of that

[@magnoliathebus]

Oh my gosh, how magical that must have been.

[@Rehabit8]

🤩

[@flip88flop]

WOW! 9:38 one of our balloons!! :)

[@patrickloring6914]

I am so happy for you both. I have enjoyed the build yet it is so much fun watching you both having fun!

[@javiervigil2511]

breakfast burrito tip, always ask for Christmas👍

[@HendysunSun]

very nice video,, thank you for share you video,,,

[@lj5585]

Thanks for the excellent video. Safe to say, we all hope the drone show becomes an annual tradition. FYI the producers of the show were on AGT this year.

[@Rehabit8]

Thank you

[@sharonsmith9478]

I would love you see it but i know i will never get to so thank you for taking me there i loved it you guys love you both

[@okimball1]

This is beautiful, high art, just nailed it. City has had a rough time so nice to see the good side! Great job thanks for this

[@drinternatg6391]

Brilliant episode. These drones at the start are really som. There are sone really clever people in this world.

[@mikedistel5860]

Thank you for sharing so much for showing so much of this festival. I loved watching it!!

[@Rehabit8]

You are welcome! Glad you enjoyed it

[@rubyvolt]

My first fiesta, I was 7. We went yesterday as we go every year. Nice to see new people find this wonder. A very beautifully done video. Thank you.

[@Rehabit8]

Thanks Robert! Glad you enjoyed it

[@JCZinsac]

A great video. My wife and I and several friends were there, this year and recognized so much of what you included in your video......thanks a bunch for taking us along, again!

[@Rehabit8]

our pleasure!

[@annettewilliams3832]

I love the Balloon Fiesta. Born and raised and still living in Albuquerque. So beautiful!! 🎈🎈

[@georgewinters3191]

Loved this video , the whole story was just great. The music was superb , 😊 I was waiting for ‘up up and away in my beautiful 🎈 ’ thank you for again inviting me in to share in your joy, it made my heart sing too

[@Rehabit8]

Glad you liked it George

[@patriel1]

Great video, the only thing you missed was going up! It's a whole other experience.

[@newmexican]

Really well done video of the Albuquerque Internal Balloon Fiesta.

[@Rehabit8]

Thank you

[@darleneharris2796]

Hello Mel's and Don thank you for taking us along on your travels ,a very long time ago when I lived in Texas I saw the hot air gallons what a beautiful sight ,

[@Rehabit8]

You are very welcome! Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnstuart8511]

Thank you for taking us along: The Balloons sure look stunning and so colorful (Specially when they light up). Regards

[@Rehabit8]

You are welcome!

[@hedvaplotkin5330]

Thank you for filming and sharing :) So exiting and interesting. You guys are the best ❤❤

[@Rehabit8]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@hedvaplotkin5330]

@@Rehabit8 🙂🙂💖

[@panhandletrains]

All that hard work is paying off - great video 👍

[@Rehabit8]

It sure is! Thank you

[@wandacraig8286]

Seeing the balloons and the Sandia mountains and West Mesa made me home sick. Also seeing that it was the 50th made me feel old, as I told you last time I was there for the first one. That was a great video you two! Thanks so much. And I'm not much for big crowds or early mornings either.

[@Rehabit8]

Glad you enjoyed it Wanda!