the Enchantment Chronicles

Potshots, Powerlines, and Mountain Peaks: The Perils Albuquerque's Ballonist Pioneers Faced

Season 1 Episode 5
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00:00 | 27:57


Gunfights from Hydrogen-filled ballons? Well, not quite, but it was a near miss. (Well, nine or ten near misses.) In this episode, Johnny and Drew blow some hot  air and puff up New Mexico's ballooning history, from coal-gas flights to shots fired to the first pass over the mountains, and all the way to today's 51st anniversary of the International Balloon Fiesta.


We'll hear about Roy Stamm  and Joseph Blondin as they attempt a daring flight over the Manzano Mountains, battling turbulent winds and narrowly escaping getting shot at and ultimately a crash in cactus patch. We'll also celebrate the triumphs of Ed Yost, the father of modern-day hot air ballooning, and Sid Cutter -- the father of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Whether you're a history aficionado or a ballooning enthusiast, buckle up for this journey through Albuquerque's vibrant ballooning history!

For Further Reading:
https://eastmountainhistory.org/balloonfight/
https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/gondola-double-eagle-2/nasm_A19790532000
https://www.sos.nm.gov/about-new-mexico/state-aircraft/
https://infogram.com/koat-balloon-fiesta-history-timeline-1h7z2l8qqo7gx6o

And an update: Apparently balloonists aren't safe from potshots even today. Two gas balloon pilots were fired on and crashed in Texas after launching from the 2023 Balloon Fiesta. https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/gordon-bennett-ballon-race-pilot-says-he-was-avoiding-gunfire-before-crash/


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