2024 RIverton Rendezvouz

August 10, 2024 by Elliot Nahm in Balloons

I attended the Riverton Rendezvous on July 19th through the 21st. Andy, the balloon meister had been entreating me to go for the past four years. This year I figured that I should give it a try.

The rally went off well. They got to fly two of three days, and I got to meet more balloon people. What about the pictures? Well, unexpectedly, I became an impromptu crew chief. That position required me to be more hands on with the balloon and I didn’t get many chances to make photos. Now, this wasn’t a bad thing; ballooning is fun. However, I don’t have much to show afterward.

Will I go again next year? Maybe. Just like me going to Driggs, ID for the Teton Valley Balloon Rally, going to Riverton, WY, is a long drive. About 12.5 hours from Albuquerque. Doing these long drives for two events in one month was… tiring. I don’t know if I can do it again. I will have to give this more thought.

Anyway, check out the eight pictures I got.

2023 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

October 15, 2023 by Elliot Nahm in Balloons

This past week was the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Nine days of hot air ballooning with over 500 balloons participating. I must open with that this year’s Fiesta went very well especially compared to last year. Just two mass ascensions and one balloon glow weren’t possible due to high winds. So, most of the event was able to proceed rather smoothly.

2023 White Sands Balloon Invitational

September 19, 2023 by Elliot Nahm in Balloons

This past weekend, Alamogordo hosted the 2023 White Sands Balloon Invitational. I participated on the Saturday and Sunday of the event. Unlike previous years, the event took place in White Sands National Park on Saturday rather than Sunday. This is the main appeal of the event, but it comes with many challenges for flying.

2022 Teton Valley Balloon Rally

July 05, 2022 by Elliot Nahm in Balloons

The Teton Valley Balloon Rally (TVBR) was held this past Fourth of July holiday weekend - wait, hold up, two blog posts within seven day? What happened to the real Elliot? I’m still alive, or, at least I think I am. The fourteen hour drive one-way to and from really does a number on the body.

2021 Red Rock Balloon Rally

January 14, 2022 by Elliot Nahm in Balloons

Hello, friends, I finally edited the photos that I made during the 2021 Red Rock Balloon Rally. I met many friends that I hadn’t seen in a long while, and I met another for the first time (we only conversed on Instagram). I really enjoy this balloon festival, and it’s my favorite thus far. The location is beautiful, and the community around the event puts together a great tailgate party.

2021 Teton Valley Balloon Rally

July 05, 2021 by Elliot Nahm in Balloons

So this past 4th of July weekend, I made a little road trip to Driggs, Idaho for their 40th Teton Valley Balloon Rally. Situated in the Teton Valley with a clear view of Grand Teton itself, this was an event that I knew I couldn’t miss! Oh, and when I say “little road trip”, I mean that it was a absolute pain in the butt to drive each way. Seriously, sitting down for around 15 hours each way doesn’t feel good. It was worth it though!

The White Sands Balloon Invitational

September 22, 2018 by Elliot Nahm in Balloons

Last weekend I made the drive down to Alamogordo, New Mexico to participate in the White Sands Balloon Invitational (WSBI). In so far as I know, this is the only balloon festival that I’ve encountered that takes place within National Park grounds. I’ve visited White Sands Nat’l Monument once earlier this year, and I was thoroughly impressed by it. So… balloons + white sand dunes should be a winning combination. Well, it sure would be but, I just didn’t get the chance to photograph what I wanted. More on that later.