29th Annual Hot Air Balloon Rally

29th Annual Hot Air Balloon RallyAugust 2010 : 

29th Annual Hot Air Balloon RallyAugust 2010 Pittsfield, NH

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Getting ready to inflate balloon with large fan

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This process attracts many photographers.

Problem: : 

Problem: Just before coming to the Pittsfield rally, our pilot had a minor mishap with the balloon. While landing, the balloon came down right next to a fence. The problem was a nail in the fence that tore a large rip in the balloon. The balloon was fixed but needed to be looked before a flight. This was done Friday evening. In doing so, it was noted that the skirt (yellow bottom) was attached upside down. So, our next prcedure was to untie and retie the ropes that hold the skirt on the balloon. Notice it required laying down in the balloon and retying each rope. ;-)

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Lots and lots of knots …

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A view inside the balloon. Big isn’t it?

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See the repair? Nope, not me, good job!

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Friday night was much too windy to fly, so all we did was check the balloon after the repair. Since we were the only balloon that was inflated at all, we attracted lots of people. They asked questions and took lots of pictures. The balloon was packed up to be ready for the Saturday morining flight. The weather promised to be great.

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Red sky in the morning! Maybe bad for sailors but looked great for flying. (Carnival rides all locked up)

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The sun came up and was shining brightly on the trees at Drake Field. Launch was on!

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Morning brought more photographers.

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Launch starts with the big fan. Then the propane burner heats it up.

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Everyone else is inflating too. Going to be a great launch today.

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Balloon is inflated and upright, time to get people in the basket. Looking good!

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Up, up and away!

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Here go several of the 16-18 balloons

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And a couple more are ready.

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OK, we are ready to “chase” the balloon

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With such good weather, it was planned to find a good spot to land, near a road where we could change passengers. After a good flight, our pilot found a small space to land. Some get out quick and then others get in quick. Then off again.

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Landing in a small space and changing passengers

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A nice quiet morning allowed the balloons to stay close and hover over the town. Great views of Pittsfield.

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You can’t see them but our 2 grandkids got to go up in the second batch of riders. (9 and 5 years old) They loved it!

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Last landing for the morning. Couldn’t see the “Keep Out” sign from the air.

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Basket is being “walked” to a better place to lay the balloon down on the ground.

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People just walking by, stop to help. Many hands make light work.

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Squeezing the air out.

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Even the littlest help hold the balloon up

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Next, putting the folded balloon in the bag

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“I’ll hold it open for you”

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OK, kids. Get on top and push the rest of the air out of the balloon and bag.

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and a quick NAP Back on the field for breakfast

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Fixing a broken temperature gauge wire. Pilots need to be jack-of-all-trades.

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View from Saturday evening’s landing

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Chase vehicle and trailer in field and everyone helping to get the balloon away.

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Getting ready for the last flight, Sunday morning

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Beautiful busy morning. Everyone is going up

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Another successful launch.

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Sunday morning was so still that you could hover over the field. Our experienced pilot, knowing the air currents, was able to change levels and go in different directions By doing so, he was able to return to the field and land in almost the spot he left So, again we were able to change passengers.

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So, on Sunday morning, the Irish Rover returned to Drake Field on the first leg of the morning flight. Didn’t have to “chase” far this time!

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Up again. And now off to find a nice dry place to land for the last flight.

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Nice quiet morning allowed some of the balloons to get close to the Suncook River next to the field

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Calm reflections

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School yard fit the bill of a nice dry landing

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Others thought it was a good place to land too

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A regular gathering!

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Walking the balloon over to the dry asphalt driveway.

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Advantage to landing close to others is that other crews come to help. Even our pilot (yellow coat) got into the fun

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The weekend came to an end with a Champagne Breakfast. For several reasons (new pilot, new license, or what ever strikes them) people are doused with Champagne. Most just drink it. See you next year for the 30th Annual Rally.