Dave and Edie: Hot Air Balloons

I've thought it would be wonderfully exciting to see the Hot Air Balloons in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I just don't see New Mexico in October happening for us anytime soon. I've been bummed about that. Then I saw an article that mentioned the Hot Air Balloon Races in Reno, NV. That is totally doable for us. Combine this with the motorcycle, throw in a few friends, and now we're talking fun! I love when a plan comes together.

Off we go around 12:07 (we were late for AIS, babysitting duties with the little dudes).....

We rode up to Reno on one of my most favorite roads, Highway 108, the Sonora Pass. If you have never driven on this road, you simply must make arrangements to do this.....soon....sometime when the pass is open beginning June through October, or thereabouts.

We met up with the third couple who drove, see, we're a large tent, allowing non-riders to hang with us. Having a chase car is actually indulgent, I love it.

This is the 31st year of the Hot Air Balloon Races in Reno and they have it down. The event is held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We went on Friday for the Mass Ascension. Friday was laid back, not too many people, we were able to walk up close to the balloons and talk to the people.

The Mass Ascension started at 6:45 am....and everyone knows how I feel about the early am....NOT a fan. The walk from the hotel was around 1 1/2 miles, uphill, so we left around 6 am, to make sure we didn't miss a thing. The hotel had free shuttles, but we laugh at shuttles. We were walking. Uphill. Now this whole thing was my idea so I'm feeling a bit responsible and hoping the gang enjoys the event. I know this isn't as large as New Mexico, but it sounded pretty big. As we walk up, we're not seeing any balloons. This is what we see.....

I'm thinking....uh oh.........

I needn't have worried though. This is the first day and they're getting things going...not always on time....no worries. Our friends were having fun too.

There were plenty of balloons to keep us all happy. The announcer had the best sound system and we learned about the balloons, how they work, how they fly, etc. We especially enjoyed the Star Wars theme.

The balloon teams are very large...because there is plenty to do to get the thing in the air and then packed away when finished. The team spreads out a huge tarp, lays the balloon out on the tarp, fills the balloon with cool air using a fan, then several people hold the opening of the balloon while they fire it up and heat the air. Someone is standing in the basket while all this takes place. Someone else is holding on a line to straighten the balloon as it fills up. When it's ready to lift, they tilt the basket up and they lift off. When finished the whole crew gets to stuff everything back in to a bag. This is a very simplistic explanation, but I wanted you to understand some of the photos to follow.