Fear on the horizon...
The closest I got to a balloon in flight today.
This SLEP is a big thing. Cranes, lifts, cherry pickers had to be scheduled and we had a problem getting an FAA obstruction doc processed. Far too many little things we didn't know that needed to be edited but the FAA walked us through it and in the end, RAN the paperwork around and got it to us with a day to spare. Thanks, FAA!!!
I don't want to do this whole blog on this process so let me add a few shots here and then get onto other things... I was working so the office gets first dibs on any and all shots I took.
I expect to spend this week editing the six video cameras I had running for the event and making a nice video up for the NWS. I and another tech were there in case things went off the rails in any way and support the teams doing the evolution.
A 200 plus ton crane, many many straps and connectors and starting at 0500 ( I was there at 0430 ) in the bleeping freezing cold. I errored in my clothing and should have double layered.
Setting the connectors and guy ropes for the dome lift.
Straps ( 5 ) over the top and connected to the bottom of the dome by bolted metal plates. The crane cable looked too thin.. the straps too small and the plates seriously tiny for this 8000-pound lift. Smooth it went.
Lifting the old pedestal off. I wondered about the strap position but they had a great idea here for a dual secure so who am I to whine. One of the reasons to pull the full pedestal off is there is a huge gear just below the arm things ( bull gear ) and it gets worn out and probably is. Its easier to refurbish in a facility than on site. I am happy about it.
The old pedestal ( weighing in at 22000-pounds in its travel cradle ( 14000-pounds ) and ready to head back to Florida, I believe, for refurb and back out to another site. All that brown stuff is either moth and bug crap or human waste in dry particles that float in from the waste reclamation plant that the radar site is in the middle of. No way to clean it off at all. Every time you go to the radar you have to wash a lot of yourself off after... it gets everywhere.
Side connector of the elevation assembly. Pretty and clean.
New pedestal lowered to the platform. The guys up there were getting bored with scraping the old seal off or sweeping up...and it was as cold up there. Sections of the disassembled dish are off to the left.
The dome comes back up and drops into place. Nicely done.
Tony on the hill with his video camera trying to stay warm.
A view of the waster Reclamation Centers main buildings. They take human waste and process it with other things like sawdust and stuff and then roll it into the ground. Good people doing a very nasty job but it's a good process.... just wished we didn't have to smell it and wear it.
Off shots while waiting for things to happen... Double Eagle Airport Tower from the West. Hi There!!!
A bus on its way to collect some homeless folk that are sheltered and fed nearby. Good Job Albuquerque and volunteers!
I see balloons!!! I see World Balloons!!! Hi Murray!! Hi Guys!!!
Rainbow Ryders isn't far behind and they have two new envelopes I hear... nice!!
There was a NOTAM put out for our crane and still, every Tom, Dick, and Harry had to come to buzz us.
They weren't that close... but the fixed wings were flying directly overhead low.
Yay fun. I was exhausted and very cold and very hungry by the time everything was bolted down and packed up.
Of the two 360 cameras and four GoPro cameras and the Sony DSLR...everything came out fine. 1750ish shots from today. A lot but I didn't want to miss any part of the work. Lots to process tomorrow and through the week.
Other things not related to ballooning or work are below.
Cool item.. setting up dark mode for messenger on the phone...
I don't much care for Lifehacker as they have major biases but this was good...
https://lifehacker.com/how-to-enable-facebook-messengers-secret-dark-mode-on-a-1833014003
If you are in London and need a good guide, look this nut up. Seriously fun watching him....and this was interesting...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft4dCs3JCwI
Also, I was and have been interested in Machu Picchu for ages but with the daunting hike to get there spanning four days I didn't think it was reasonable... only to find out there is a damn drain that goes right to it. Still some climbing but hay... Trains!
Here is the link for that...
https://www.viator.com/tours/Cusco/2-Day-Tour-Sacred-Valley-and-Machu-Picchu-by-Train/d937-19345P9
Granted now that I have watched a bunch of stuff on youtube about it I think it's been overdone and might be a bit boring since it been photographed and videoed to death... Maybe just to go sit in the early morning and watch the mist roll about and enjoy the serenity and calm of the place before all the tourist's swarm. A thought for the future.
I wonder what the next week will have in it... I know I have to get in the air this weekend.
I also found via youtube a new setting for the Sony RX10V4 that allows for a smaller focus zone and it works nicely. Now if I could get the shake in my arms to go away.
During the writing of this blog, I listened to Tangerine Dreams Cruise to Destiny and The Epison Journey. Both good listening to music.
Happy Sunday... here comes Monday!
