I mentioned in a previous post that I had some hot air balloon photos. The year was MMV, Labor Day weekend. That means the Colorado Springs Balloon Classic is underway . . . or preparing to get underway.
By the way, as usual, click for larger view, or go to SmugMug (HERE) for the Gallery of all the photos in “original” resolution.
Obviously, based on the up-turned faces, some balloons are farther along the inflation cycle than others.
There are 115 photographs spanning two days in the gallery, but I won’t show them all here. But, you know . . . I’ll give it a valiant try.
The annual event attracts a lot of people. Probably why, after that first year, we’ve never returned. However, this year (if we are here) we plan to attend the festivities.
This despite the people . . . that’s right, I’ll be mingling with real, honest-to-goodness live persons. I’m already stressing out.
The early morning hours are a constant bustle of activity with balloons in various stages of inflation, people milling around, and the loud sound of the flames providing the fuel for the vertical ascent.
A balloon or two is being launched almost every few minutes.
This next photo tries to accomplish something. One, showing the incongruous contrast of a hot air balloon and a child’s balloon, and two, introduces Pikes Peak into the activity, almost like a signature of sorts; this is Colorado Springs.
I did try a few artistic shots . . .
At one point, I was just trying to capture as many balloons as I could up in the air.
I thought this next one was striking . . .
. . . and this next one just a bit odd . . .
I mentioned this was at Memorial Park (or thought I mentioned it), home of Prospect Lake. Some of the balloons would rise up, clear a tree or two, and then descend to “kiss” the water before rising again.
Only a few timed it right so as to barely disturb the water . . . most missed.
The above was the last sequence I shot that first morning. Melisa had to run some errands and dropped me off at racquetball . . . where a few hours later I experienced debilitating pain from my meniscus flipping or folding and tearing. It would wait three years to be “fixed” at the same time as I had my rotator cuff repaired. (Note: new readers can see the worst and most unflattering photo ever taken of me HERE (and that’s saying something) . . . don’t look unless you have a strong stomach and don’t like your eyes.)
The next day, still hobbling, I opted for doing some balloon chasing around Colorado Springs and trying to get decent photos of the balloons against nice backdrops.
Pikes Peak is an obvious one, but so is Cheyenne Mountain.
And the Will Rogers Memorial Shrine of the Sun . . .
Like I said, 115 photos in the SmugMug Gallery.That’s it. This post has ended . . . except for the stuff below.
That’s it. This post has ended . . . except for the stuff below.
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. . . my FP ward . . . chieken shit.
It’s a thrill to see one balloon in the sky so I can’t imagine seeing dozens. And they’re all photogenic.
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Yup. Just doing this post has me planning to (if I am still here) go to this year’s show.
In 2014 there were 90 balloons. http://www.hotairballoon.com/Colorado-Balloon-Classic/
Then again . . . http://www.krdo.com/news/balloon-classic-to-leave-colorado-springs/27507228
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Have never seen a festival like this…yet. The pics are incredible. M :-)
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There is an even larger on in Albuquerque. I’m guessing that if you check, there may be some near you. They happen all over the US.
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Wonderful photos. I’m looking forward to our annual balloon festival at the end of July. We don’t have nearly as many balloons though.
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I can’t remember how many there were, but I would say close to one hundred (although I could be remembering wrong).
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What a beautiful post!
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Thank, Sandra. You might have seen these before, I’m not sure. I can’t remember when I became an Antisocial Bastard.
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What would happen if the balloons touched the water? Would there be a big splash? (Just curious – have never seen photos of balloons above water before)
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It’s just the bottom of the gondola that barely skims the water, then rising again. I’m not sure, but I think it is a mark of the skill of the pilot to control the balloon. I think it’s called dipping.
I have seen some go down too far before they quickly rise again. I imagine the people get a little wet.
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Fun!
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I’ve been fortunate to have been at similar festivals in New Mexico! I never tire of seeing the sky filled with balloons!
Beautiful pics, Emilio!
I’ve always wanted to ride in one, but have yet to do that!
HUGS!!! :-)
PS…I am eating right now…so I will avoid the link…I don’t want to see any cuts or slices or bruises or painful photos whilst I eat. I will check it out later.
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We’ve been meaning to get down there for that one, but something always comes up.
I like the idea of riding one, but I am an engineer, and all I can think of is of various failure modes. Mind you, with the supply from Washington, we’re not likely to ever run out of hot air, but still . . .
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Ha! True! :-P Being a bear of little brain, like Winnie the Pooh…I don’t know enough to think about failure modes. :-)
Hope you and Melisa are having a GREAT whee-kend! :-)
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Thanks, we are. Hope the same for yours.
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The pictures are amazing!!
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Thank you; it helps when the lighting and weather cooperate.
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Many of your posts have photos that need to be seen in SmugMug, and this one is a MUST! What a glorious, colorful treat. I really can’t imagine what it would be like to see these in person.
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There are similar balloon launches around the country. You should do a search for any near you.
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