Posts Tagged ‘ Albuquerque ’


6527 Desert Spirit Road NW Albuquerque

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
August 23rd, 2014

2 or 3 Bedrooms; 2 Baths; 1401 SF; 2 Car Garage

Gorgeous Paul Allen energy efficient home built to Gold standard. With granite kitchen counters, modern black appliances, stacked stone accents, a tankless water heater, extra insulation and more, this home is hard to beat! The back yard has an extended patio and beautiful landscaping. The den/office could easily be converted to a third bedroom. There’s already a closet. All this home needs is a new owner! See more at: http://www.markandsheilateam.idxco.com/idx/5376/details.php?listingID=821198&idxID=081

Cycling the Bosque del Norte Trail

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
August 7th, 2013

The Alameda Open Space parking lot is a great starting point to use the Paseo del Bosque Trail is one of Albuquerque’s premier bike, rollerblade, equestrian and walking trails. The trail is wide, well paved and provides views of the Rio Grande River, local wildlife, and the back of adjoining homes, some of which have horses, camels and llamas. We have been riding there for years, and recently shared the experience with our Granddaughter, Kaya. However, this ride was cut short . Due to recent heavy rains, there was mud at the ends of the underpass tunnel at Paseo del Norte. As I was coming out of the tunnel, I hit a pile of mud, which caused me to lose control. I landed on the retaining wall just outside.

The HD Hero camera mounted on the handlebars captured the whole thing, and was undamaged. I, however, was not so lucky. I did not break any bones, but my right arm and leg got pretty ripped up. I hit my head on a brick, but the helmet saved me from a head injury. I was able to ride back out, which was better than walking over a mile to the car. I’m sure that we’ll be back riding the bosque trail soon… I’ll just be a little more careful at the tunnels.

6515 Desert Spirit NW Albuquerque

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
December 17th, 2012

5 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, 3108 Sq Feet, 3 Car Garage

Former Tiffany model home with all the bells and whistles! 2×6 Framing, Pella Windows and Doors, GE Monogram Stainless Steel Appliances, Beautiful Slate Tile, Vigas and Latillas, Custom Cabinetry, Granite Counters and Window Sills throughtout! The back yard is fully landscaped with an Extended Patio and Outdoor Fireplace. The garage is finished with an epoxied floor. The utility room is equiped for 2 pairs washers and dryers. This home is truly a showplace and a warm haven for your family.

6316 Crabtree Court NW in Albuquerque NM

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
June 7th, 2012

3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 1596 Square Ft

This one of a kind townhome is tucked away in a cul de sac near the Petroglyph Monument. With stainless steel appliances, granite tile counters, custom maple cabinetry, unusual architechtural features and hand carved vigas inside and out, you won’t find anything like it elsewhere! The spacious 3 car garage can be a great workshop, complete with radiant heat and its own half bath. The home is energy efficient, with heating and cooling costs well below average. Come take a look!

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 .

9 Arco Court NW – Albuquerque NM

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
August 23rd, 2011


3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Approximately 1,558 Sq Ft

La Luz is a townhome community unlike the others. Designed by famed architect Antoine Predock, the buildings and grounds ebb and flow. This unit has an unobstructed view of the bosque plus city lights from the courtyard. Access the bosque trails at your front door. The brick floor in the living room is easy care. Recently installed laminate flooring covers most of the 2nd level (just a short set of stairs). The pool, tennis courts and other facilities probably have the best views in the city!

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).

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: 4504 Samara Road NW, Albuquerque, NM. Fully Remodeled Home on the West Side

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
November 11th, 2010

3 Bedrooms, Office, 3 Baths, Approximately 1850 Sq Ft, 2 Car Garage
A full remodel has already been completed! Included were New Stainless Steel Appliances, New Countertops, Sinks and Plumbing Fixtures, Brushed Nickel Light Fixtures, New Carpet and Tile, New Decorator Stair Banister and more! You will enjoy the Private Office adjoining the master bedroom. The back yard is set up for entertaining, with a Huge Covered Deck. Easy care landscaping front and back. Great west side location near Paseo del Norte, for an easy commute to work or play.


Video: 510 Cordova NW in Albuquerque – 1 Story, North Valley Townhome

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
September 11th, 2010


2 BR  2 BA    Approx 1072 Sq Ft    2 Car Garage

Super Pueblo-Style 2 BR townhome near UNM, Downtown, Old Town, the North Valley and Freeways. Beautifully decorated, with Wood Laminate Flooring in the living room and dining room. Easy-care, walled front and back yards.

For more info and photos, go to MarkandSheilaTeam.com .

Video: Albuquerque / Rio Rancho Employers Participate in a “Boss Lift”.

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
August 16th, 2010

Almost 50% of our national military force is comprised of members of the National Guard and Reserve. Most of them also have jobs outside of the military.

Did you know that there is a federal law requiring that all employers, regardless of size, must do the following 6 things –

1. Allow employees to participate in Military Service;
2. Provide prompt reinstatement back into their former job following military service;
3. Continue accumulation of seniority, including pension plan benefits during service;
4. Reinstate health insurance on return;
5. Train or retrain job skills, including accomodation for the disabled;
6. Protect against discrimination based upon Guard or Reserve status.

To educate employers about USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act), a DOD agency called ESGR (Employer Support of Guard and Reserve – Don’t you just love all the military acronyms?), regularly invites employers to participate in a “Boss Lift”.

This past week myself and a couple dozen other employers from the Albuquerque / Rio Rancho NM area were invited to the New Mexico National Guard Headquarters and Training Center in Santa Fe. We received some hands-on experience, training, and exposure to a number of military training scenarios. We got up close and personal with a Blackhawk Helicopter; several Military Humvees with weapons in place; explored a FOB (Forward Operating Base) set up to acclimate outbound soldiers with their living environments in the field; experienced the inside of a Humvee Roll-Over Trainer; and a VCOT (Virtual Convoy Operations Trainer). The group probably split as to the most interesting activity of the day, between rappelling down a 50 ft vertical tower, and firing laser-equiped weapons on the Virtual Firing Range.

Frankly, I was extremely impressed with the quality and technology of the equipment the New Mexico facility utilizes to train our local citizen-soldiers. I had no idea that their “classrooms” had progressed to this degree….

Getting back to the reason for our visit on base: What I took away from the day is that we can all do our part and more, for our friends, family members and employees in the Reserve and National Guard. If you have an opening to fill, consider hiring a Reservist or a Guardsman if possible. If they get called to duty, make sure they know that their job is one less thing they’ll need to worry about when they get back from protecting all of us while deployed. I’d also like to thank Lt. Colonel Shuert, Major General Kenny Montoya, and Gary Kaiser from ESGR for their time and the hospitality they showed our group.