We got up at 5:00 on Saturday morning to a warm (73 degree) darkness. Coffee and muffins in hand, wearing short sleeved shirts rather than our usual boots, coats, hats and gloves, we took the back roads to the Balloon Festival, anticipating a warm liftoff. Unfortunately, the winds started whipping and the balloons were grounded both for that morning launch, and that evening’s launch as well.
So, we got up Sunday morning to a cool (53 degree) darkness. Coffee and leftover muffins in hand, wearing double sweatshirts, sweatpants, and caps, we took the back roads once again, hoping for a better liftoff. We were not disappointed! They didn’t travel far, so our usual chasing was quite a short adventure to neighboring fields, but what a beautiful sight nonetheless.
And lastly, this shot…I swear I didn’t realize the trees were changing until I took this photo. It must have happened quite spontaneously earlier that morning. I’m sure it isn’t because I have been extremely self-absorbed and unobservant. *ahem* Anyway, now all I see is color! It is a glorious foliage show this year already. My trigger finger’s itchy.
To see the full (21 photo) set on Flickr, click here.
A Half Hour a Day 
That must have been one pretty amazing spectacle to watch, and you captured some great shots too… Love the way the burner illuminates the balloons in the 2nd / 3rd shots…
I have gone nearly every year since I was little, and it’s magical every time. 🙂
These are so much fun to look at! The balloon peeking over the fall color just tickled me. The Big Show is well underway there. We’re a week or so behind you over here, but there are signs of my favorite season.
It is a gorgeous show already!!,
What a gorgeous sight! In addition to all the beautiful color, and great foliage shot, I love the balloon profile in silhouette. So pretty!
That was one of my favorites too…gotta love happy accidents! 🙂
Wow! You guys get lots more balloons than we do here in the Spring. Worth the effort to get up early. While patience is a good photographer’s trait. Persistence is another good one.
Keep that trigger finger ready. Never know what blog might be asking for it later. 😉
About 90 each year Scott…it’s quite a thing to see. 🙂
Brings out the kid in all of us!
these are gorgeous!! the colors are amazing!