We thought having a Hot Air Balloon Bucket List book, especially for Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque would be a no brainer. A friend began to write it and tears later, the forces of evil prevented her from doing it. There is a lot more to the story but who cares?

So I said, I have been on a balloon crew for 20+ years, and I know a lot of pilots, so why not? I began to write it. The book features ballooning not just in Albuquerque but all over the world. NOTE: With the recent accident in Texas, you have to understand the hot air balloon is a sport and can be dangerous. It is a beautiful sport but it can kill you.

The Bucket List book was a HUGE success for Balloon Fiesta in 2015. I had seven book signings in nine days. The best was the Gondola Club. Who can find fault with lobster and overlooking the Balloon Field? I took a lot of pictures. The book was also carried in local Costco’s. It was fun to talk with newbies. They still think you can steer a balloon.

Already, I have signings for Balloon Fiesta for this year. I hope to get another signing at the Gondola Club!

The reason I like ballooning so much is the friendship from our pilots, Frank Bacon and Bill Douglas. But the crew is pretty special too: Shannon, Josh, Ana, Dianna, Tim, Kalynn, Twyla, Barbara, Cindy, Paul, and all the others including the kids. We even have the Baltimore girls flying in to Albuquerque each year. Each year we lend the crew our trailer to keep the balloon free from the elements. Truly a family affair.

— Barbe Awalt