The Credit Union Association of New Mexico had a unique visitor "drop by" during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta when a hot air balloon landed in its parking lot.
Luckily for the balloonists, Mary Beth King, the communications coordinator at the CUANM, has extensive balloon experience-both aloft and as a crew member. King helped the husband and wife team from Louisville, Ky., hold down and secure the balloon until the crew's van arrived.
"Pilots appreciate people who know what they are doing, especially if their crews are not available," said King.
During the first two weekends of October each year (and the week in between), the largest balloon festival in the country comes to this Southwest city. King said some 700 to 750 balloons lift off from Albuquerque Balloon Park each day.
"There is what is called a mass ascension in the morning," she said. "During the week, there are competitions."
One of those contests involves placing a large target on the ground. Balloonists are given bean bag markers and try to maneuver their craft to drop the marker on the target.
At this year's Festival, a target was placed about a half-block from the CUANM's office, which is about one mile south from the Balloon Park. King said she saw hundreds of balloons out her window, and walked outside to watch for a while.
When she returned to her office, she continued to glance at the window periodically to monitor the flight of the various balloons. At one point, she noticed one was heading directly towards the building at a low altitude.
"I went outside, and the balloonist asked if they could land in our parking lot," King recalled. "I helped hold down the gondola, and the pilot's wife yanked the crown line, which is attached to the top of the balloon [to deflate it]. Then, we put the balloon in its bag.
"When the crew arrived in their van, I grabbed a CUANM tote bag and gave it to the couple. They said they would use it for their walkie-talkies from now on," she added.
King said she caught balloon fever shortly after she, her husband and their daughter moved to Albuquerque from northern New Mexico. A neighbor was a balloonist, and began inviting the family along.
Albuquerque is one of the more popular places in America to fly hot air balloons due to its wind patterns. Winds blow different directions at different altitudes, and the city is surrounded by mountains, creating a phenomenon known as "The Box." King said on perfect days, conditions allow pilots to take off, fly around, and return to the same spot.
Regardless of the wind direction, King said balloons have a hold on her.
"No matter how many balloons I see, they always catch my eye. They are so beautiful. They capture me for a moment and I have to watch."
