Mason, Michigan (USA)
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Balloon Launch at St. James - 30 August 2011

 

Balloon Launch at St. James Church in Mason

A hot air balloon launch was originally scheduled as part of the St. James Community Festival & Camino of St. James 8K Run/5K Walk held at the St. James Catholic Church in Mason on August 13-14, 2011. It was delayed due to weather till today. A collection of hot air balloon enthusiasts gathered for a 7pm launch of their colorful air craft and provided a fantastic opportunity to observe the methods of filling the balloons with hot air and launching them. Watching them rise into the air and drift off into the distance was an exhilarating experience.

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Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
As I approached the church on foot (a nice little walk from home) I took a couple shots of the church, then I caught my first sight of a balloon rising behind the church building.
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
The first balloons were already in the air when I arrived at the field behind the church where the balloonists were setting up their equipment.
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
I caught a couple views of the balloonists firing up their flames, which heat the air inside the balloons providing the lifting power. My granddaughter Hazel caught sight of me and ran over to greet me. Even 1/125 second exposure wasn't nearly fast enough to freeze her motion. Was I ever capable of running that fast? ... I don't think so.
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Above is a sequence showing one of the balloons being prepared for launch. A large fan appears to be used to partially fill the balloon with air before the on-board heater can take over.
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
Balloon Launch at St. James Church 30-Aug-2011, Mason, Michigan
My daughter Meg gave me a ride home after the last of the balloons launched. I took a photo through the front window of her car as we drove along Jefferson Street. The final photo is from my driveway showing a corner of my house and one of the balloons.
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