Yesterday morning we got up at 5 am to go to the launch field and view the dawn patrol, morning glow and mass ascension up close and personal. It was still very dark and quite chilly when we left, but we were able to take the free shuttle and dressed appropriately.
Each morning of the fiesta, several balloons lift off at 6 am to test the weather conditions. I overheard someone saying it is an honor to be chosen for this event, and only very experienced pilots are picked. There were 11 balloons in the dawn patrol yesterday. They inflated and then did a morning glow.
Then they took off. Each of them had a rope light hanging from the bottom of the basket. Once they give the okay, a green flag is raised at the launch field and all of the other balloons start inflating for the mass ascension.
After the dawn patrol, the next balloon up each morning displays an American flag while the National Anthem is played.
We were fortunate again to pick a great spot to watch the hundreds of balloons inflate and take off. I'm not sure if there is any order to it. It seemed everyone just started inflating and ascending. We did see a few near misses and bumping off of each other.
I did a panoramic shot. If you click on it, you can enlarge it. Look closely on the ground on the left and right, and you can see the balloon envelopes laying on the ground getting ready to be inflated. In the background, others are in the process, and some have just launched.
Darth Vader is chasing Yoda!!
I saw quite a few different balloons than the day before. With this many, it's easy to miss them. Also, I think each day is different depending on which crews are available.
A quilted balloon; how cool is that!!
On Saturday morning we saw Airabelle the cow fly over our campsite. Yesterday the crew had her all laid out on the ground and started inflating her. Then she started losing air and collapsed. Instead, they blew up a regular balloon with cow spots on it. I asked one of the crew members what happened. He explained because the cow is so huge, they can't fly her with winds over 11 mph because she acts like a huge sail and makes landing dangerous. You can see the cow balloon laid out on the ground under the round balloon they are inflating.
The fiesta grounds have a few other entertainment options. There is an artisan tent with some beautiful arts and crafts to purchase. There is also a large chainsaw woodcarving area with demonstrations and items for sale. The first guy is making a hiking bear. I think the second guy is working on an owl.
We took the bus back to the campsite and were home by 9:30. The rest of the day was spent watching football and sorting and downloading pictures. Another outstanding day watching balloons!!
Don’t wish upon a star – Reach for one!
