Community Chat

[Kachina624]

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@Carmie wrote:

That is too bad.  What a horrible accident that could have been avoided.

I am scared to death of heights and would never ride in a balloon.  But, I would love to see the balloon festival from the ground.  That has been on my travel list for many years.

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@Carmie    Pack your bags; it starts bight and early October 2nd.  It's broadcast live by at least 2 local TV stations, which you can stream on your computer.  KOB-TV AND KOAT-TV.  THEY'LL start televising about 6am MDT. It'll be on every morning through the 10th.  Although it's just down the road a bit, I lie in bed and watch it. 

Thank God, it's back! 

[proudlyfromNJ]

When my sister lived in Colorado she would help fold up the deflated balloons and pack them or whatever was done and she would get free balloon rides. 

[Carmie]

@Kachina624   I will see if I can watch online. I, of course would love to see it in person. Since COVID, we put travel on hold.

I have been all over the world and the US, but never to NM.  I really want to visit in person.

How lucky you are to be able to see the balloons from your bed.  I am jealous.

[Kachina624]

@Carmie    Every year several hundred people show up in their RVs, get to park across the street from the Fiesta grounds and work a couple of weeks as volunteers.  By all accounts, they have a blast.  The balloons take off right over their heads. 

[HonestLife]

@Kachina624 maybe you should Google it? 

[lynnie61]

I’m going to try to watch online.  

In the 90’s I was “surprised” with a balloon ride on vacation in Colorado.  I did go up, it was peaceful and absolutely beautiful, but my gosh, I was glad to have my feet back on the ground.  The pilot toasted us with champagne when we were back on the ground, which then scared me even more.

@Kachina624   I bet it is beautiful in person.

[riley1]

That was such a tragedy. And, I would bet this isn't the first time he has done this. Yes, anyone piloting a craft whether plane or balloon, should be tested.

[SunValley]

What a terrible revelation. Impaired people are a menace.

[Lipstickdiva]

I saw this on GMA this morning.  How horrible.

I never knew and still dont know, what the testing requirements are for a commercial pilot.  But I know mechanics have reported finding weed in the cockpot. 

Think about all the truck drivers on the road too, some of whom are impaired.  You can't test everyone everyday.     

[chickenbutt]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

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@chickenbutt wrote:

Wow, how awful!     I had not heard about this but it's so tragic and the part that always angers me is when it could have been avoided, in lieu of the unacceptable behavior of this guy who caused the deaths of two innocent people who probably had no idea he was wasted.  

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@chickenbutt    Four innocent people, two couples.  Five deaths total.  Plus his family is horrified and humiliated

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Oh geez, I'm so sorry for misstating that.  I clearly didn't pay attention to the entirety of the story.  Thank You for correcting me.