10-13, Off-Field Flights

Our 2nd morning of fiesta activities, brought us again to an off-field launch location (the same location as our launch the previous morning).   I can't go any further in my story until I talk about the location.  Pat and Michelle gave us an address to go to for these morning launchings.  It was literally a guy's house, and they were launching from his large backyard.  It was crazy to think this kind person was letting half a dozen vehicles accommodating three balloons with crews numbering close to 20 people come to his house before dawn to launch.  The story was retold about how several years before, Leo had landed in his backyard (permission is always obtained prior to landing on personal property-- although mostly rushed and spontaneous as the balloon is descending).  Anyway, a friendship was formed and each year after that Leo and Danielle have launched from his property.  That story brings a smile to my face.  It's symbolic of the cooperation of the balloonists, the residents and the enthusiasts that make the whole fiesta such a huge success.  Everyone is so, so nice.  I told one of the ladies working the RV lot, while in conversation about this very topic, that during the balloon fiesta Albuquerque has to have the highest population of truly good and kind people in the world.  (I know you're skeptically analyzing that statement, but for the masses and craziness that goes along with the fiesta it's incredible the type of people it draws.  Really!)  Anyway, I digress.  So, where were we.... morning #2.  It was another beautiful morning.  This time I got to observe this new satellite launching experience from the ground as part of the crew.  The view never disappoints-- whether from above or below.  

Launching is all about timing, winds and continuous caution.

Getting the monarch ready for flight. 

I love the smile Danielle has in this photo.  She truly loves flying.

And there she goes.....

Getting the dragonfly ready......

Have a great flight, Leo!

This photo does nothing for the experience without the sound effects that accompanied the image.  It was almost ghostly and haunting to turn around, from the focus of the activity of preparing the balloons, to see this balloon gliding behind the curtain of trees.  All that could be heard was the sporadic "puh...puh..." noise of the burn keeping the balloon aloft.  It was haunting... and awesome!

Funny, right?!