It is no surprise that ballooning is a big deal in New Mexico, and a father and son duo were able to fly for the first time, side-by-side in their own balloons, this last week at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Art and Johnny Hodges are ballooning addicts, KOB 4 reports.
“It's extremely exciting and extremely emotional as well. I can’t put it into words how exciting it is to be flying next to my dad. He’s my idol, someone I’ve looked up to, it's... I just don’t know what else to say,” Johnny Hodge told the station.
Art’s balloon was Duma the Cheetah, while Johnny flew Splash the Penguin. Both balloons are owned by Exclusive Ballooning, a UK-based company.
Johnny has been flying since age 14 and his father, Art, has been a balloon pilot since 1982.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has been taking place every year since 1972, when it only had 13 balloons. It has now grown exponentially, with hundreds of balloons and thousands of pilots taking part in the event every year. The fiesta runs for nine days in October, during which time pilots and standers-by together can enjoy the incredible sight of balloons filling the skies.