November 5-6, 2011 – Cold, Wind, and Balloons

Saturday, November 5

We headed to the launch field early this morning and got there just in time for the pilot’s meeting.  Since we had rain during the night and the winds were picking up, no launch this morning.  But some neat shots of the mountains as the sun rose:

 

So Pam and I headed to the craft fairs around town.  Lots of neat stuff.  Around 10 AM, we picked up the guys and started to walk to town to meet Mike and T at the Wesley Powell Museum.   As luck would have it, Mike and T stopped and picked us up and away we went to the museum – free admission today since the Balloons did not launch.  It was a nice museum that had lots of information/history on the Colorado River, Glen Canyon, and Page.

Afterwards we checked out the vendors, had lunch and headed back.. The winds have picked up dramatically and we are rocking and rolling in the MH.  Plus it is getting very cold – Brrr.

The winds continued into the night so we just hung out, watched football, had a nightcap at the Elks, got caught up with the blog and emails (if you have not heard from me and should, please send me another email..had some problems downloading.)

Sunday, November 6, 2011

We woke to a beautiful morning – brisk, clear, no breeze – so off to the launch field we went.   And it is a go – we are flying – Yea.   Next stop was a different launch site because of the way the winds were blowing.   And our launch site was the parking lot of Page Lumber.    So as were were unpacking everything, Mike asked who else would like to go on a flight (he was taking the sponsor) and I said “Andy”.  So my Andy had an incredible day! – :-))).

Mike and T’s Balloon House:

Getting the burner hooked up:

 

The boys getting ready to go:   

And they are off:

And playing among the rocks:

 

Coming in for a landing:

A nice soft landing on the grass on the golf course.  The envelope is down and wrapped and we are getting ready to put it away:

Rearranging before putting more things away:

Just hanging out:

More photos of today (thanks Pam for the extra shots):

OR

https://picasaweb.google.com/gardenhavens/110611BalloonRegatta?authuser=0&feat=directlink

And a Video from Andy’s ride:

A great picture of the Dam and Lake Powell from the air:

What a WONDERFUL morning.  Thanks Mike and T!

After we packed up and got the Tracker, we all went to the tailgating party – good food!   And then back home.  Nap time – :-)).

The rest of the day we just hung out.  We will be here until Tuesday morning due to a cold front (with snow) coming in.  Our plans are to head to Pahrump, Nevada for a few days and then south to warmer weather – :-)).

Stay tuned and enjoy today.