Was a good week to be in Angel Fire, this was the week for their Balloon Fest. Hard to fathom but this tiny town managed to get about thirty hot air balloons to town, lined them up up and down the airport taxiway at at about 7:30 AM (official launch time was 7AM) they began to launch. Every year except this year the visitors have been able to mix and mingle around the balloons but we were kept at a safe distance this year because of the Covid issue and the New Mexico governor being extra cautious.
The highlight was on day two of the three day event when George broke the Covid guidelines, bounded across the yellow “Police – Do Not Cross” tape, and signed on with a balloon to crew. Which in balloon speak means you work your butt off for about half an hour for the thrill of a good sweat. But in George’s case he was rewarded with a ride in the balloon when it lifted off and floated down the valley, his first balloon ride.
In Angel Fire the duration of a balloon flight entirely depends on the wind. If the wind is cooperating and is blowing east/west the balloon can travel a mile or so before it has to land because of the forest. But if the winds are north/south you’ll have a very short flight of less than half a mile before the trees become a factor. Wouldn’t think landing in trees would make for a pleasant flight.
Along with the Balloon Fest a Farmer’s Market was in town where everything under the sun is sold except farmer things. There were thirty of forty booths and I think two were selling fruits and vegetables. The rest had jewelery, pottery, health potions, eternal life balms and on and on. Priss and Judy purchased bags of what looked like rabbit food of some type and Priss also bought a pottery pitcher that caught her eye.
Our stay was in the Angel Fire RV Resort which was probably the nicest “resort” we’ve been to. Our sites were very long and wide and the facilities were top of the line. Totally unlike the “resort” we had stayed at in Durango. And it was also less expensive than Durango.
Mornings brought hot waffles delivered to your door to start your day and they were great (except Priss couldn’t have them because of that gluten thing). If you were inclined the resort had several activities planned every day, a very large gathering / activity building with complimentary grills, library, fire pit, hot tub and swimming pool. The park has 100 sites and all were taken.
Took a short “day” trip to Eagle’s Nest up the road from Angel Fire where Judy and Norm located places they had stayed years ago and a few favorite haunts from the by gone days.
Was nice to relax and enjoy the cooler weather, meet new people (except Priss already knew them), play cards, enjoy the balloons and do more of nothing.
Will be hitting the road again and going to lower elevations which means warmer temps to not look forward to. Enjoyed Angel Fire, it had grown by leaps and bounds since the last time we had visited.
Later.
-Tom