Bedford Balloon Fiesta Photo Excursion Itinerary 2019 Contact Alex Kent at alex@bedfords.com or 479-462-3109 with questions
The following is a tentative itinerary. Being flexible and adaptable to changing conditions is an essential skill for any traveler. Please be aware this schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the trip leader and staff. Review the FAQ prior to the trip. Additional info can be found at this Bedford Site. As with all travel, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. You can compare and purchase policies at Squaremouth or Travel Insurance.
Friday Oct 4 ~ Travel Day Yay! ~ Day 1 Please arrive at your pickup location 10-15 min early. Remember being early is on time and on time is late! 5:00am - Motor coach leaves Little Rock, AR (pick-up location TBA) **7:30am - Ft. Smith, AR guest pick up if necessary 10:45am - arrive in Oklahoma City to meet other guests and have an early lunch* (guests are responsible for their own meal) 11:45am-12:00pm - depart OKC from lunch* location Plenty of time to talk photography, travel, and have fun! Or sleep and rest of course! 5:30pm - arrive in Tucumcari, NM for dinner* 9:30pm approx. arrive at Hotel in Albuquerque, NM *Guests are responsible for purchasing their meals **Location and number of guests will help determine pick up spot or if even necessary.
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Saturday Oct 5 ~ Balloon Fiesta Opening Day! ~ Day 2 4:10am meet in hotel lobby - Be prepared - opening day means an early start is necessary! 4:15am depart the hotel for the Balloon Fiesta Park Once we get into the fiesta we’ll get coffee or tea and have a group class session to cover the basics and get everyone warmed up for the event. Yes, it’s early, but all worth it! 6:00am - Dawn Patrol Show 6:30am - Morning Glow and laser light show 6:45am Opening Ceremonies
7:00am - Mass Ascension (Breakfast* at your leisure and location) 10:15am - return to hotel for rest (meeting location TBA) 11:30am - depart hotel for lunch* Old Town Albuquerque. Location is personal choice. 2:00pm - meet back at bus and return to hotel for a quick rest. 3:45pm - meet in hotel lobby and depart the hotel for the Balloon Fiesta Park 5:00pm - - Team Fastrax Sky Divers Dinner provided at the Fiesta Optional group lesson on getting great fireworks shots. Bring your travel tripods! 6:00pm - Twilight Twinkle Glow and America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race Launch 7:30pm - Team Fastrax Sky Divers 8:00pm - AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show Return to Hotel after event for a good night’s rest
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Sunday Oct 6 ~ More Balloons and Fun! ~ Day 3 4:40am meet in hotel lobby - Be prepared - early start! 4:45am depart the hotel for the Balloon Fiesta Park Once we get into the fiesta we’ll get coffee or tea and have a group class session to cover the basics and get everyone warmed up for the event. 6:00am - Dawn Patrol Show 6:30am - Morning Glow 7:00am - Mass Ascension Breakfast provided at the Fiesta Instructional opportunities will be available 9:00 am - Fiesta of Wheels Car Show (north end of field) 11:00am - return to hotel for rest and lunch* optional open image critique at hotel - Time TBD 3:45pm - depart the hotel for the Balloon Fiesta Park Once we get into the fiesta we’ll have a group class to learn new info and cover potential obstacles anyone encountered that morning. 6:00pm - Balloon Glow Dinner provided at Fiesta 7:30pm - Team Fastrax Sky Divers 8:00pm - AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show and return to hotel afterward
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Monday Oct 7 ~ Santa Fe Day Trip! ~ Day 4 6:00am Breakfast* at or near the hotel 7:00am - Depart for Santa Fe day trip along the historic Turquoise Trail We will take our time and explore a few locations along the way TBD - Arrive Downtown Santa Fe for exploration, lunch*, shopping, and shooting 5:30 pm Farewell Dinner provided by Canon 7 pm - Return to hotel 9:00-10:00pm Image review and trip recap optional
Tuesday Oct 8 ~ Return Home! ~ Final Day *Breakfast* at or near the hotel 7:30am - depart Albuquerque — We’re headed home! 11:30am - Lunch in Amarillo, TX* 4:30pm - Drop off in OKC 10pm (approx) return to Little Rock, AR.
* these meals are the responsibility of each individual and not provided in the trip cost Contact Alex Kent, 479-462-3109 or alex@bedfords.com with questions
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We are honored and appreciate that Canon will be our sponsor this year the Bedford Balloon Excursion 2019. Their support will bring added value in various ways including gear loaners and top notch instruction. After signing up and making payment, you’ll receive a registration questionnaire via email. Please fill out promptly in order for us to best prepare for this trip. A few considerations: Self care is the best care. We will be between 5,000 ft - 7,200ft elevation during our travels so staying hydrated and well nourished is important. Especially for those of us that live at or near sea level. Dress in layers. The temperatures could range anywhere from the 30s to 70s in a single day, so bring warm layers that you can shed throughout the day is key to being comfortable. Remember that Alex, Don, the Bedford crew, and Canon team are here to make this trip fun and educational. Don’t be shy if you have a question. We are all passionate about ensuring everyone is set up for success to get great photos!
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