In the desert Southwest its frisky and warm.....
The big thing this week was watching the hurricane storm into the Florida area and hoping everyone stays safe. Things can be replaced.. Lives can not.
Here farther West its watch and wait and head out to lend assistance as soon as called in.
Most of the week is kind of a blur. I am thinking I am forgetting things but I might remember them later on and I will... if I do remember add them here.
This weekend was the AAAA meet on Fiesta field as a run up, and to get used to flying from the field. It kind of worked. We are reminded that the drainage wind that makes the Albuquerque Box appear can sometimes stay too high to fly.
Some did get off the ground but their landings were novel to say the least.
The old adage.. Its better to stay on the ground and wish you were in the air than be in the air wishing you were on the ground.
Due to that I play it very safe and stay on the ground more often than most... but I feel I didn't or cant hurt anyone doing that.. where as the other way there is a possibility.
The Mounted Rescue were on field , which I love as horses are so very emotive in a very subtle way and I love taking pictures of them. These horses were out to get used to the sound of the burners and the large shapes above their heads... They work the Fiesta and are excellent friends of balloonists.
Something like 600 shots.. lots of duplicates due to movement causing focus problems... Honed down to a few favorites Ill post below....
The gathering of the group... the horde!
Rainbow Ryders lofted two ride balloons early on. This one being overtaken by a pibal balloon.
He sees you and knows you are taking a picture...
Just ride into the western .. oh.. too early.. come back, come back!!
A herd of zebras and their handler.... Gotta watch em.. they get out there flinging thumbs all over and its pandemonium!
Undercover Zebra training... Don't go there.. or there.. are you watching what I'm saying.. pointing... anything... Bueller?
Team backup with the thumbs up. Clear above and around.. up is out!
Ive lost my keys.. somewhere ....
Spreading out the envelope just in case we can go hot...
You again? Okay.. we pose...
Come here often?
Hands resting on pommels.. the standard American saddle. Calm and in control. The horses color is sorrel.
Fisheye shots... Bob has Pitas Kiss standing but things were all wonkers.
Vivas with their big gores are not happy players with strong winds.
Oppsie... Torquing the uprights ( flexible ) around as the envelope gets spun around by the winds.
I am going to touch your camera with my nose... because I can.... Silly horse.
It was a good day for shooting.
We also have our Fiesta locations for launching. Banner number 52, Launch site L9.. which is a return to where we were about three years ago... all good.. and we are standing up at Emerson Elementary for Albuquerque Aloft to show the kids the balloons as they probably wont be able to get to the field for fiesta... some education for them... and fun.. and cards to hand out.
So we head into another week.. lots to do and the time just evaporates in your face as we go forward...
Happy Sunday afternoon to you all.
