Friday, August 3, 2012

Up, Up, and Away - Great Texas Balloon Race

Last weekend we attended the Great Texas Balloon Race. Get ready for a photo heavy post! We have been to the balloon glow at night before, but never to the morning competition. See that white pole in the first picture? Its a 20 foot tall PVC pipe that the balloon pilots are trying to put a ring on. The balloons came across the airport grounds, dropped nearly to the ground trying to hit their target, then took off into the morning sunrise.

Did I mention all this happened at 6:30 AM? We had to get up at 4:30 to be there on time. But oh, it was worth it! It was such a pretty morning.







A total of nine balloons put their ring on the target over the course of a weeks competition. I think one or two out of this group hit a pay check. They also dropped a flag, hoping to get close to the mark.
The Great Texas Balloon Race is held each July and is considered a great event and this year they even held the National competition.

The balloons were suppose to fly three miles away from the airport and then return to the target location, but the winds did not cooperate and noone made it back.

So what do you think? Have you ever road in a hot air balloon? I did once as a kid when our local community gas station held a grand opening ceremony - we got to go up and right back down.

Stay tuned for a few more pics of the special shape balloons that were on display.
Photobucket

2 comments:

  1. Hot diggity, you got some great photos there! I especially love the ones with dramatic lighting!!! What fun. Yep, things like that are worth the sacrifice of a little sleep.

    I've never gone up in one but I'd like to try sometime!

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  2. Wonderful photo's, Janice. You just keep getting better all the time. How fun that must have been. I've never ridden in one, and I'll just keep my feet on the ground. :)

    Hope you and Farmall Man are enjoying the weekend.

    xoxo

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