Anyways, let's move beyond my weird ramblings. We got to go hot air ballooning with my parents a few weekends ago. Every year for Snowdown, my parents sponsor a balloon pilot for the rally. So, every year we get up before the crack of dawn to drag our children all over the Animas valley to chase a hot air balloon. Crazy, you say? Why yes, yes we are! But it is so much fun, we're addicted!
Here's the view of the north valley from the balloon.
Myself and our wonderful pilot, Martin. Martin, who is German, comes every year with his wife Carol. They have become great family friends. We were explaining to the girls what ballooning is, and what happens. We told the girls that Mr. Martin is the boss of the balloon. Madison replied, "I'm not the boss. Mr. Martin is the boss." We've been milking the "Mr. Martin is the boss" ever since...
Martin's balloon, Hopscotch, from the ground. Hopscotch is the blue & white checked balloon. Yes, it is the best balloon there!
Some of the other balloons inflating & preparing to meet the train. We all inflate the envelopes, lift off, then try to touch down in a field right next to the train tracks in perfect timing with the arrival of the special Snowdown Balloon Rally Train. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It all depends on the winds and air temperatures.
Another one of the envelopes. They were one of the first to lift off this year.
My dad helping to prepare the basket for take off. My parents actually went to the Albuquerque Fiesta last year with Martin & Carol. They are officially addicted!
This photo is to give you ballooning novices an idea of just how big the envelope is. This is our friend Terry who came down for the weekend. You have to hold the bottom of the envelope open so that the pilot can direct the propane gas into the envelope to inflate it.
Another view of the basket and envelope when they're inflating.
The Bleger Women, all bundled up and ready for adventure.
My mom with Terry & Terry's daughter's friend Crystal who came along for the ride. We had to threaten Katrina to get her to pose with them for this photo.
So, if you're ever up at the crack of dawn on the Saturday or Sunday of Snowdown, come join us. Pilots & Chase Crew are a different bunch of people, but some of the nicest I've ever met. And, who knows, you may just get to go up.
P.S. - I have to give a huge thanks to Nick & Kristen Carico. They watched us inflate the envelope, then we ended up landing on the road just outside their condo complex. We yelled at them to come give us a hand, and they came & helped guide the balloon to the road. They also helped deflate & pack up the envelope & basket. They were a huge help!
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