Bulbous Flight Contraptions

The Great Reno Balloon Races were last weekend. Leaving our neighborhood for a run last week, Ethel and I spied a balloon rig and struck up a conversation with the owners, Orval and Bo. They told us that we could help them out Saturday or Sunday if we came out, so we obliged and got to learn just what it takes to get a balloon in the air.


First to light up at Dawn Patrol


The whole Dawn Patrol contingent


The basket, no balloon attached


Playing with fire, but not like Burning Man


The balloon on the ground


Neighbor balloon inflating


AT-6 fly-by


Eager crew


Orval tells me to stick the camera in here. Yes sir!


Another Orval-recommended shot


Rarely seen view: underneath the balloon, spreading the fabric out


Orval, minutes before launch


Last bit of motivation


And he's off


Neighbor balloon reaches critical density


Looking up


Looking up, but with Ethel


I'll spare the cliche


Lots of 'em

Thanks to Orval and Bo for letting us help out!