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As of 7/22/2011 this HOP is full, but you may call 888-757-2582 to get on the waiting list. Thank you.

Balloon Fiesta HOP 2011

October 4-9, 2011

Albuquerque, NM

Hosts: Jim and Lisa Koca #86367

Assistant Hosts: Bryan and Jane Rose #15115

I’m sure we all remember the song, “Up, Up, and Away in My Beautiful Balloon.” Well, why not go to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, and who knows, maybe you could be going up in a beautiful balloon, or at the very least you will get to see the most spectacular balloons to ever grace the sky. Hundreds of balloonists, representing one-third of the world’s countries, will launch their magnificent flying machines to float gently over the beautiful New Mexico landscape. The Fiesta includes such events as evening fireworks, mass ascensions, balloon glows, the Special Shapes Rodeo, and the America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race. If you want to know how great this HOP is, just ask anyone that has been there.

Tour

Santa Fe is the second oldest city in the United States.  It offers a unique mix of history, architecture, culture, cuisine, outdoor activities, and shopping.  It is also the oldest capital city in the USA and New Mexico’s third-largest city.  It was originally settled by Spaniards before 1607, and its original name, “La Villa Real de Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis,” is Spanish for “the Royal City of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi.”  Imagine saying that when asked where you’re from!!!  At 7,000 feet above sea level, the city spans nearly 35 square miles in a valley near the Rio Grande at the southern base of the Rocky Mountains.  It’s nestled between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east and the Jemez Mountains to the west.  Santa Fe has surprisingly severe temperature extremes rather than dry desert climate year-round. 

Tour guides will be with you from the time you leave until you get to Santa Fe.  Once you get to Santa Fe, you’ll split into smaller groups for an in-depth tour of Santa Fe.

We look forward to another wonderful year and a full event with Escapees having a super time.

For anyone interested in a balloon ride, you would need to contact Rainbow Ryders, Inc., ph# 505-823-1111 or 800-725-2477, and also on the Internet at www.rainbowryders.com.   

Tentative Schedule, Subject to change

Prices

Your registration includes five nights boondock camping, five catered breakfasts, five hot catered dinners, balloon lecture, tour guides for Santa Fe tour, transportation via motor coach to Santa Fe, gratuities for included meals, tour guides, and bus drivers to Santa Fe, free buses to the balloon launch field, one water fill and one tank dump, one entrance ticket per person to the balloon launch field, HOP hosts, and souvenir pins.

How to Register

To register, please call 888-757-2582 or 936-327-8873 or e-mail hopinfo@escapees.com.

Cancellation Insurance

Cancellation insurance is available through Peterson Travel Services, CM #32.  If you or a family member has a pre-existing condition, it must be purchased within 21 days of your initial payment.  You can get more information about this insurance by calling John or Dorothy Peterson, SKP #81699, of Peterson Travel Services, at 800-737-6435, or e-mail them at dorothy@petersoncruises.com.

Physical Needs for HOP

Escapees Inc. will attempt to provide reasonable accommodations for disabled attendees when it is within our control to do so.  We request that you advise us of any special needs as early as possible so we can make arrangements, if possible.  Many of the HOP events include considerable walking and may not be comfortable for all attendees.

Short-term Evacuation Insurance

Short-term evacuation insurance is now available from SkyMed. For more information on this, you can call 337-263-3030 or e-mail Dick and Marilyn Rogers (SKP #61011) at rogers@skymed.com.

HOP Cancellation Policy