Last year I went to this rally and didn't even make a page for it since we blew out both days and I didn't even break out the camera. This year we had two beautiful flying days. The winds were almost dead calm both days. I sat on the ground on Saturday for lack of crew. Jon Wise, and my granddaughter Michelle came out but I chose to try again on Sunday. Sunday my son Dusty was off of work so we flew. Except for last hop I had two in the basket each time with one chase driver. Our last landing was a little more fast as I only had Jon and I in the basket and the balloon wanted to keep going. There was a little rise at the edge of the road that held us until Dusty and Michelle could catch up.
The Jingle Bell Non Rally is a AAAA Club Fly in/out in December. No fees, no sponsors, no fuel, and no nothing but fun. I use this rally to visit my son and his family in Albuquerque. We had a great time and I hope to get more crew out next year like I had in 1999.
Some of the balloons at the rally. It took me about 30 minutes to go two tenths of a mile to the target. Of course I was off course by the time I got there.
I don't know why but I resisted taking crew pics.
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Last Updated December 28, 2000 by Jim Hoidahl
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