Balloon Spectacular 2015

For a lot of the year, early risers in my city can often see a balloon or two drifting across the sky.  I welcome them each time I see them.

However, in March for about ten days the city goes a bit balloon mad.  Each year we have a balloon extravananza and up to fifty balloons are launched each day.  Bliss.  There is always at least one 'feature' balloon.  This year?  Yoda and an Angry Bird.  And a third we didn't know about until we saw it inflate.

Weather permitting they take off from the lawns of Old Parliament House, and as well as the fortunate riders, it has become a tradition for people to come along and watch them inflate and take off.

His high and skinniness loathes mornings and given his druthers gets up (slowly) at the crack of noon.  Fortunately my youngest brother is like me an early riser - and he is also a balloon tragic.

So last Thursday we headed off, arriving at the launch venue just before dawn.  As is usual lots (and lots) of photos follow and will embiggen if clicked upon.

It was dark when we arrived and we chose our position at random.  And were very, very lucky.  The balloon we first stood beside was Yoda.  With the Angry Bird just behind it.

I think that Yoda looks more than a little creepy when the burners are alight.

 I thought this was a very lucky shot.

The extra feature balloon was the schooner of beer.  The balloon is owned by Carlton Light.  I am not a beer drinker but my brother tells me the balloon is MUCH better than the beer.