Balloon Fiesta: Wake Up Call

Mornings came early at the RV park during the balloon fiesta. Most mornings we were awakened by either the helicopters, or the buses... or both. Our RV was parked next to the perimeter road and shuttle buses began running from the camping area to the launch field at 4:30 AM. They came by every 10 to 15 minutes. Around the same time we'd become aware of (hard not to) the helicopters that were circling overhead. Three competing news stations had their traffic crews up before dawn to get pictures of the traffic and whatever was happening on the launch field. The plus side to this is that we could watch the action on the field from our TV, and know when balloons were launching.

The "Dawn Patrol" was first to launch each morning. The patrol consists of a dozen balloons that launch around 5:30 AM to test the winds. Looking out the RV window we could see the first balloons rising from the launch field.

With just a step out the door we could greet the dawn and the Dawn Patrol, with coffee, cameras and dogs in hand. Yes, it was quite a juggling routine and provided comic relief to other early risers in RV land!

Notice how the balloon glows when the burner is fired.

One morning we managed to sleep in, only to be awakened by the sound of a hot air balloon burner right over our heads. What an unforgettable sound and an unforgettable experience!

Oh What a Beautiful Morning

When you wake up to this...

It's hard not to hum Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic:

Oh what a beautiful morning,
Oh what a beautiful day,
I've got a wonderful feeling,
Everything's going my way.

Top that off with eager faces...

And Pippin...

Who's lips he is lickin'
In anticipation....

I feel so.... necessary!

PS:  I did not abuse starve a particular horse, nor the cat, in making this photo shoot. Pippin, however, would probably have some cockamamy story about how he had to do without his food (for 2 minutes) while I enjoyed the beauty of nature!

I'd like to welcome two new friends. Having friends makes for a beautiful morning as well!

BragonDorn writes two blogs. He claims he is a "fancy pants businessman from Ohio".  I love his Squirrels Tail blog, which is a tale about a squirrel - it has really cute illustrations. Bragondorn lists a schedule for his other blog, which says a lot for what he writes about. Visit that schedule here. 

I have to admit when I received comments from  "The Observer", who has begun to follow my blog,  my thoughts immediately went to Orwell and 'Big Brother'.  But... The Observer commented that he wanted the Border Leicester sheep, whose picture I posted on yesterday's post. Anyone that would want such a neat looking sheep isn't 'Big Brother', just a very observant guy who recognizes cute things!

So... welcome! I'm glad you came along on my journey!