Archive for the ‘ Things to Do ’ Category


Trinity Site Tour was a Blast!

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
October 24th, 2012

Twice a year the Trinity Site, the place where the first atomic bomb was detonated, opens its gates to the public. Although other videos we have seen made it appear to be rather boring, we were pleasantly surprised and intrigued! This location is a magnificent representation of iconic and revolutionary history in the United States. The Manhattan project was created in June of 1942 with the ultimate goal of creating an atomic bomb. Led by Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, a group of scientists and engineers designed and built this device in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Their device was tested at the Trinity Site, located about 30 minutes from Socorro, NM which is now part of the White Sands Missile Range. The monument offers a great educational experience with information on both the historical context and the technical and scientific aspects of the testing. Not to mention that you can pick up some quirky merchandise in the process. This area has radiation levels higher than the typical background exposure that we all experience, but safety is always a primary concern. The brief exposure that one will receive in one hour at the site is approximately equal to 1/4th the dose received in a coast to coast commercial flight. While the atomic bomb may not be on your list of favorite things, the Trinity Site is a worthwhile trip that we would highly recommend to anybody who has the opportunity.

VIDEO: PARK IN THE PARK

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
June 21st, 2012

Taste of Rio Rancho New Mexico Restaurants

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
May 15th, 2012

Over 20 local restaurants and cafes dished out thousands of samples of their product at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Enchantment Helicopters

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
May 15th, 2012

 

Enchantment Helicopters in Albuquerque is the only helicopter flight academy in New Mexico. Located at Double Eagle II Airport on the West Side of Albuquerque, because of the high local altitude, they are able to offer training in flight conditions that few pilots experience. Their program can take a student all the way to a career as a Certified Flight Instructor. The school’s training craft of choice are Robinson R-22 (2 passenger) and R-44 (4 passenger) helicopters.

One afternoon we took a discovery ride over Rio Rancho, New Mexico. We circled the Civic Center, the new Presbyterian Rust Medical Center and a number of subdivisions bordering Unser Blvd. The flight was smooth and fun!

In addition to flight training, Enchantment can provide a great aerial photography platform. If you’ve ever considered a career flying helicopters, but don’t want to go the military training route, give them a call.

Video: Sandia Peak Tramway

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
December 1st, 2011


The Sandia Peak Tramway, or “Tram” is the third longest aerial tramway in the world. Each cable car can carry up to 50 passengers, or 10,000 lbs of cargo up the 2.7 miles to the top. From the 10,378 high summit there is a spectacular view of the Rio Grande Valley.

The Tram has carried nearly 9 million passengers in its 43 years of existence. On the way up, visitors can enjoy the ridged rock faces, deep canyons and high cliffs, old rugged oaks, pine trees, and aspen. Commonly seen wildlife in the area includes mule deer, black bears, raccoons, bobcats, squirrels, downhill skiers and snowboarders.

The idea for such a marvelous attraction was proposed by Robert Nordhaus after a trip to Europe. There he saw structures similar to the Tram he would eventually build, and the idea was born. After much difficulty in construction, including bringing up the two towers via helicopter, the Tram took it’s first carload of 50 passengers on May 7, 1966. On average, the Sandia Peak Tramway takes 10,500 trips up and down Sandia Peak every year.

Breathtaking sights are not the only thing the Tram trip provides. The peak and canyons are within the Cibola National Forest, containing 26 miles of trails for mountain bikers or hikers. Skiing is also available on the back side of the peak from December to mid March. If a visitor is hungry, the High Finance Resturant doors are always open for anyone who desires to “dine two miles high.” The Tram guides highly recommend having a meal in the evening and coming down the mountain after dark, to enjoy the city lights from a whole different perspective.

Video: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Doesn’t Disappoint

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
October 18th, 2011

The 40th Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta kicked off with a weekend of perfect weather. The midweek weather suffered from unusual rain and wind setbacks, but by the final weekend the weather cleared up and Albuquerque’s signature event was back on track. It had been several years since we had visited the fiesta, and we had family in town, so it was time to go again. The event did not disappoint.

The mass ascension was incredible. From anywhere on the field, you couldn’t take a bad photo. The color, the shapes and the massive number of balloons in the sky at once was unprecedented. The day we were there, the wind was so calm that the hundreds of balloons that launched hung around for a long time over the field, making for a spectacular traffic jam of balloons.

The Night Magic evening balloon glow provided a surprisingly different spectacle. Dozens of balloons inflated and stayed anchored to the ground, firing their burners at intervals. The result was a flickering show of light and color.  The glow was followed by a dazzling fireworks show.

If you’ve never been to the Balloon Fiesta, we hope our video motivates you to attend next year in person. You won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!

VIDEO: RIO GRANDE COMMUNITY FARM ANNUAL “MAIZE MAZE”

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
October 4th, 2011

The 14th Annual Maize Maze is open 7 days a week now through the end of October at the Rio Grande Community Farm on Manzano, East of the river. The maze is cut into 7 acres of tall corn. This year’s design is a dinosaur. The activity supports the annual budget of the community farm. October 14th and 15th visitors are invited to explore the maze by moonlight. When the maze finishes, the fields will be knocked down to provide food for migrating birds. The video below is from the 2010 maze. For more information, visit http://www.riograndefarm.org .

Video: Bark in the Park Special Event in Rio Rancho

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
September 18th, 2011

The 13th annual Bark in the Park special event, sponsored by Enchantment Pet Resort will be held at Olympus Park in Rio Rancho, NM on Saturday, September 24th from 10 am until 2 pm. The video is from the 12th annual Bark in the Park. If you and your family are “doggie” people, you will love the demonstrations, contests, educational booths and pet related vendors, – in fact everything about it! You can adopt a new pet, or even read to therapy dogs. For more information, call 505 891-4100.

Pork and Brew State BBQ Championship in Rio Rancho, NM

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
July 11th, 2011

The 8th Annual Pork and Brew BBQ State Championship was held over the Fourth of July weekend at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, NM. What was once a relatively small event has grown to be a three day celebration of fun, music and barbeque! There were dozens of competitors vying for top prize in Chicken, Ribs, Pork and Brisket BBQ.  You could buy samples from most vendors, and if you found one you really liked, you could buy a meal-sized portion to enjoy. For the kids and teens, the carnival rides beckoned. The music from the bandstand filled the whole area and dancing while you enjoyed a cold beer or lemonade was optional. The band performing in the video is “Wrestlin with Jimmy”.

Pork and Brew

Winners by Category

Overall
1st: Grand Champ: Mad Dawqz BBQ
2nd: Reserve Champ: Mad Max BBQ

Chicken
1st: Mad Max BBQ
2nd: Sweet Peppers
3rd: Thesmokering.com

Ribs:
1st: Sweet Peppers
2nd: Mad Dawqz BBQ
3rd: Mad Max BBQ

Pork:
1st: Oh Kay Cees
2nd: Sweet Peppers
3rd: Taste Bud’s BBQ

Brisket:
1st: Mad Dawqz BBQ
2nd: Thesmokering.com
3rd: Oh Kay Cees

14 Screen Premier Cinemas Theater Opens in Rio Rancho, NM

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
July 7th, 2011


Premier Cinemas recently opened a new 14 screen all digital theater in Rio Rancho, NM. The projection systems are completely electronic, without any film involved, and therefore are also without the dust, scratches and other defects that come with it. Rio Rancho had been without a movie theater for about 20 years. Premier Cinemas CEO Gary Moore presided over the grand opening. In a first for the company, fans were invited to watch a movie or two for free on opening day. The theater boasts 4D presentations utilizing D-Box motion seating which moves in sync with action scenes in the movie. The city utilized gross receipts tax investment policy incentives to attract and secure the new facility, which is located near the corner of Unser Blvd. and Southern Blvd.

Quiet Waters Paddling – Highest Rated Day Trip on the Rio Grande!

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
June 3rd, 2011

I’ve been paddling a kayak around many of the New Mexico lakes surrounding the Albuquerque / Rio Rancho area for several years. I’ve also experienced white water rafting in the Taos Box area of the Rio Grande, but I have to say that the experience of a five hour float through the Class One waters of the river between Bernalillo and Albuquerque is a totally different experience. You are not fighting to stay afloat or to not get dumped into boiling waters. Compared to lake paddling, you don’t have to work nearly as hard to get somewhere. Instead, you are experiencing the sky, the flora and fauna along the banks, and the “flow” of the river with relative ease.

Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures is unique in that they not only provide the shuttle service from beginning to end, the boats (kayaks or canoes), paddles and safety equipment, they also provide a guide to get you down the river in style. (Self guided tours are also available for more experienced paddlers.)

Sunset Magazine recently described Quiet Waters Paddling as the #1 outdoor day trip in Albuquerque.  High praise, when compared to say, the Sandia Peak Tram, the Bio Park, and some of the available hot air balloon adventures. New Mexico Magazine called them their favorite trip available on the Rio Grande.

The tours are suitable for paddlers of all ages and skill levels. Temperatures and water flow conditions are suitable from spring through most of the fall. The company has sufficient equipment to handle large groups, making it a great activity for convention attendees, business organizations and others. You can visit Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures at 105 D Pleasant View Drive, Bernalillo, New Mexico. Call them at 505 771-1234 or toll free: 877 45-FLOAT (877-453-5628).

A weekend breakfast (or lunch) option – Geo’s Mobile Bistro.

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
May 29th, 2011

Sometimes you find good things where you least expect to… Most weekends at the Idalia Road Marketplace in Rio Rancho you will see a small, mint-green trailer on the South side of the grounds. This is Geo’s Mobile Bistro – a small business run by George and Jan Menza. Visit early in the morning and you might see a line of hungry patrons lined up waiting to order or pick up one of their freshly made breakfast burritos. I seem to be addicted to the one made with turkey sausage, 2 eggs, green chili and cheddar cheese. Note that I did not say shredded potatoes. You won’t find cheap filler in these burritos.

Visit the Idalia Road Marketplace.George and Jan’s menu extends well beyond breakfast burritos. They draw on their years of experience running Geo’s Restaurant on Southern Blvd. to decide what their customers might enjoy.  They sold the restaurant some time ago, and now with their fully equipped trailer they can provide food service almost anywhere in the state.

Consider a visit to the Idalia Road Marketplace to check out their great food. It’s open weekends through Oct. 30. Saturdays 9-2, Sundays 10-2. Located at 1320 Idalia Rd, just north of Northern Blvd. in Rio Rancho.

Video: The Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally – a more intimate version of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
February 5th, 2011

The Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally has been held every year since the mid 1970’s on Valentine’s Day weekend. The event is put on by the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (“Aerostat” is much cooler word for “balloon”.), and showcases over 100 local hot air balloon crews and their craft. For many years the event was held at the Rio Rancho Balloon Park near Northern and Unser Blvds. The video above was filmed at the 2010 event. This year the rally will be held at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, February 12 and 13.

Video: Albuquerque River of Lights Display Delights

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
January 1st, 2011

The producers of the annual Albuquerque River of Lights display at the Albuquerque Bio Park really outdid themselves this year. We visited the display a couple years ago, and it was good for about an hour’s walk through then, but this year, with a combination of a half dozen new light sculptures, excellent organization and presentation, we probably doubled the time we spent there.

The display consists of millions of lights in over 140 light displays and animated sculptures, often set to holiday music and sound effects. Proceeds of ticket sales benefit the Albuquerque Bio Park, which consists of the Zoo, Botanical Garden, Tingley Beach and the Aquarium.    

The weather cooperated on the evening we visited. It was cold, but there was no wind, which helped keep the focus on the displays, not on how cold we were.  If they pull off the same quality of presentation next year, we will be back again to enjoy it.

 

Video: Does it snow in New Mexico?

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
December 18th, 2010

People who do not live in New Mexico often have expectations of an environment replete with cacti, sand dunes, camels and extreme heat. The fact is, although there is a wide variety of terrain and conditions in the state, Rio Rancho is located at around a mile in altitude, and the weather is pretty moderate. We do get snow, usually a couple to three times a year, but it most often disappears within hours to a day or so.

The storm that we filmed just a week before Christmas left about 8 inches of the white stuff on the ground. Because schools do not always have plows and other snow removal equipment, this little bit shut down schools for the day. Since there was no school, local kids did what kids do in snow – made snowmen, forts, and threw snowballs at each other. The next day the sun was out, the roads were dry, and there was still snow in the shadows, but very little elsewhere.