Our First Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!
Andrea enjoying our patio at the balloon fiesta, but first we share the story of getting there!
2 Part Series
In our first year of applying, we hit the jackpot. Getting selected in the lottery for a spot at the coveted Airstream Rally at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. The lottery is for Airstream owners from around the world and offers a VIP experience like no other. More on that next week.
First off though, we wanted to share our story of getting to Albuquerque because just like life, it isn’t always about the destination.
Part 1. Getting To ABQ
As Airstreamers who love boondocking and getting off the road most traveled, our “Queen” can be a bit dirty at times. As we made our way south to Albuquerque for our first ever Airstream rally, we really wanted to the King and Queen to be nice and shiny. However, every time we found a car wash that had bays big enough to accommodate us, it was either raining outside, (what’s the point of washing it in the rain?) or it was not an ideal time in our travel path (right before boondocking on dirt roads outside Monte Vista, CO for 2 nights).
The view from inside the Queen of the Old Spanish Trail BLM land outside Monte Vista, CO. You can see how we get dirty.
We kept looking for that perfect opportunity as our journey continued south from Wyoming to New Mexico.
As we got near, Taos, NM our route sent us on a road that would normally have been great, however, when we turned onto it, we were greeted by road signs saying, “open to local traffic only”.
Being unfamiliar with the area, we were left with a lot of questions and few answers. Was our stop for the night, Black Mesa Winery, on this side of the closure or the other? Should we continue down that road hoping whatever work was being done was wide and high enough for us to travel through?
Thankfully, there was a fairly level dirt lot nearby, and not much traffic. We were able to block the road for just a few moments while we backed in and out of the lot twice to complete our u-turn on this narrow road.
As we got back on the main highway, what could have been a disaster instead became a moment of celebration as we navigated the unforeseen challenge and showed off our backing skills as a team. (I drive, Andrea spots and we communicate via two-way radios). This brief detour and learning moment only added 10 miles added to our trip before we could rest for the night.
Then, while navigating the little bit of “rush hour” traffic in Espanola, NM, I saw it!
I saw the message the universe was sending us and why our main route was closed. There it was in all its glory!
A large neon sign, four bays, vacuums by the mile, it was as if the universe agreed the Queen needed a bath. I looked at Andrea and told her I thought we had time to get the vehicles washed and still arrive at the winery in time for happy hour. (We do enjoy happy hour after long days of traveling! 😊)
It was decided a quick left turn into the car wash, the bay of our choosing and shiny we would emerge.
As I started heading towards the bay of my dreams, I was excited to get to work. Then, I heard it.
It was Andrea’s voice as she said with excitement, “wait aren’t we nine feet tall?” I slammed on the brakes, took a deep breath, and look at the bright yellow caution bars hanging about 10 feet in front of me. The warning was clear “eight-foot clearance”. She was right we were too tall for this! Without her warning and in my excitement, I would have totally de-air conditioned our beloved Queen.
Then it hit us, just like Paulo Coelho talks about in his book “The Alchemist”. You need to watch for the omens and messages of what life and the universe is sending your way.
As we caught our breath, made another u-turn, we realized the message we had been sent. Go park and get off the road for the night. The King and Queen are beautiful enough as they are for this rally!
Great life advice and just what we did!
Our first sunset at the balloon fiest, just as we are!