Father-daughter duo bond over ballooning at Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta
By Corey Howard
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ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KOAT) — At the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Mark Yocom and his daughter, Rowan Yocom, are strengthening their bond as she trains to become one of the youngest hot air balloon pilots.
“This entire week is nothing but balloons. Even at home, it’s nothing but balloons. We even dress like balloons at home,” Mark Yocom said.
Mark, an Albuquerque native, started taking Rowan to the Balloon Fiesta nearly ten years ago, and at just 6-years-old, she became one of the youngest crew members at the event. Now, at 13, Rowan is officially a pilot in training, having completed her first flight a few months ago.
“Officially, the day that I can get my pilot’s license is when I turned 16,” Rowan said.
With her father by her side, Rowan experienced the thrill of her first flight, including a splash and dash maneuver, where the balloon touches the water.
“With a lot of help from dad, I got splash and dash, which is where we come down and touch the water with a lot of help. I did that on my first flight, and I was amazed. I was so happy,” Rowan said.
The father-daughter duo has traveled across the country to various ballooning events, further strengthening their bond.
“It’s amazing. I love being able to do this. I love being able to work the balloon and figure out how to work it. Learn the curve of burning and I just love being able to learn all this stuff, especially when I’m with my dad,” Rowan said.
“Oh goodness, you’re going make me start tearing up on you,” Mark said.
Rowan hopes to get her pilot’s license in three years and continue her father’s legacy.
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