I opted to stay in town this Labor Day long weekend for a couple reasons. Mostly because I am going to be out of town next weekend and the weekend after. And partially because I wanted to drag myself out of bed half-functioning at O-Dark-Thirty to join the masses at Ann Morrison Park to witness the Spirit of Boise. It was well worth it. Although not too many words follow, there is plenty of hot air. (On a borrowed camera, still, and obviously need to learn what setting to use at dawn; with the trees casting large shadows as the blinding sun rises.)
The official ceremonies kicked off with The City of Boise Police Pipes and Drums, playing music, followed of course by the beloved Star Spangled Banner, and an appropriately timed fly over by two jets from Gowen Field. (Side note: I love military jets! I love to watch them fly. Some people complain of the noise, but as Kerree explains it, "That is the sound of your freedom.")
The balloon pilots were then given the okay to start. (This weekend, Ann Morrison Park is considered an official flight field by the FAA.)
And then there was lift off...
That rocket is headed straight for the moon!!
The event included a pilot challenge where the balloon pilots had to knock over specific port-a-potties with just the balloon basket for a 40 foot leeway on their final landing mark. Look out, coming through.
This was the first year of this challenge and no one knew what to expect. The winds weren't strong enough to allow the baskets to do the work alone. All in good fun, the Coca-Cola balloon was the first to knock one over with the help of tethered hands.
One thing that never fails to unite the residents of this town, is the devoted love of Boise State - GO BRONCOS!!! Go Orange, Go Big Blue - FIGHT-FIGHT BSU! The town is being painted orange and blue as the college football season starts and BSU's much hyped game against VA Tech is rapidly approaching. As such, there was an uproar of cheer when this balloon lifted off!
I love hot air balloons. I went up in one about five or six years ago. My sister Kerree and I rode in one, and her husband Bob and daughter Olivia rode in another. (Brandon is afraid of heights.) It was absolutely awesome. Seeing the Spirit of Boise makes me want to go again.
Hello Boise River, a little too close for comfort?
Ah, they safely escaped the river's wrath.
What a gorgeous way to spend my morning. xo
1 comment:
Very nice photos. I esp liked the ones with the planes. Thanks!
(PS: I've noticed the "visual verification" aka captcha image does not load properly the first time I try to post a comment, but if I type something random and click "publish comment" a new captcha appears which then allows me to successfully submit. This might be preventing others from commenting. Using IE8 on XP)
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