Balloon chasing .....

... you've got to do it!

I found this to be exhilarating! Fascinating! Motivation! Mesmerizing!  I'm guessing that you get the picture!

 First off, if you are catching an early morning take off, this journey begins in the cool of the morning with trucks and trailers of crews and balloons pulling onto the field.  At this point, the energy and excitement is a "low rumble".  Dansville, NY has come alive!

After a bit of time, sun coming up, coffee cursing through veins, the excitement has definitely taken on a different pitch.  Crews have moved into position to remove baskets from trailers, balloons are being unrolled and burners begin their intermittent firing!

The excitement grows to a roar .... as that first balloon takes off!!  Then the next!  And, the next!

It's beautiful ....

It's spectacular ....

 ... you want to run after them!

You want to look everywhere.  You want to cheer each balloon going up .....it's an incredible sight!

The colors and shapes .... more excitement!

 They sky fills with these gentle giants!

Although being in the air, gliding along in the quietness must be a real adrenaline rush, their is also a rush watching and chasing these balloons.

My clicking finger was exhausted by the end.  My memory card was full, my brain was on overload ... but was I ever happy!

 

 

 Then there is the actual chase!  Several of us were the chase crew.  With no idea where the currents will take the balloon,  a two way radio is used to talk with the folks in the basket as even they try to determine when and where they will come down.

Then, a field is spotted and the balloon comes down with much cheering and celebration.  Whew! That was very cool!

Hope you enjoyed the journey!