When I left the house this morning, I thought my drive to work would be ho hum as usual, but I was wrong. As I turned right off my street, I was greeted by three hot air balloons hovering in the sky. What a nice surprise. Instead of just keeping right on driving because I was already running a couple minutes behind schedule, I decided to pull over to take pictures. Why not document this surprise? I have been thinking about how I need to take more pictures and this was a great opportunity... even if I did do it hurriedly.
First I grabbed my phone to take the picture of all three balloons together. I did it through my windshield - I think that is why the sky is so blue. Then I realized that I had my "real" camera with me, so I took it out of its case and shot a few pictures of the individual balloons hovering over the trees. The balloons were traveling must faster than I expected, so I had to work quickly.
I am so glad I stopped to enjoy and to document the moment. My day feels brighter because of it. My friend Renee just told me that when she walked from her house to her car this morning she heard people talking and some rushing noises that she couldn't figure out... until she looked up. Turns out the Mayflower balloon was right above her house and she could hear them chatting and adding air to the balloon. This was probably just a few moments before they came into my view - we live just about a mile away from each other.
The balloons are in the St. Louis City skyline this weekend for The Great Forest Park Balloon Race. Tonight they kick it off with a balloon glow in the park. It is an amazing spectacle. I had totally forgot it was this weekend, glad I had the reminder this morning to keep an eye on the sky.
I'm in Albuquerque where they are getting ready for the International Balloon Fiesta. It's balloon wild around here, and I love it. The kids get so excited and I'm not sure the novelty will wear off. :)
Posted by: Holly | September 30, 2009 at 09:07 AM
HOw awesome is it that the pilots found you?! Love that!! Very cool.
Posted by: Kelli | September 21, 2009 at 05:39 PM
Certainly worth being late to work for!
Posted by: Susie | September 21, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Thank you for sharing your experience. I it was a great morning to fly and take photos! You did a wonderful job capturing the balloons!
Michael Blum, Beemster Balloon Pilot
Posted by: Michael Blum | September 19, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Reading and seeing how others capture and enjoy the magic of what we do makes flying hot air balloons that much more enjoyable for us as pilots. Thank you for sharing your morning!
Kevin Knapp, The Mayflower Balloon Pilot
Posted by: Kevin Knapp | September 19, 2009 at 08:11 AM
Very cool! I love the look of the sky in the first photo.
Posted by: Alli | September 18, 2009 at 04:52 PM
What a great surprise! And I'm glad you took the extra couple minutes to enjoy it. :)
Posted by: Mary | September 18, 2009 at 12:59 PM