Balloon Spectacular 2016

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 Spectacular (which starts as Enlighten finishes) and up to fifty balloons are launched each day.  Bliss.  There is always at least one 'feature' balloon.  This year?  Lots of feature balloons.  Some we knew about, and others which were a surpise/treat on the day.  This year is the 30th that the balloon festival has been held here - and I hope it continues for many years to come.

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.

I understand using tragic as a noun in this way is peculiar to Australians.  Essentially it means an interest in something which some might consider has been taken to obsessional levels.  I love balloons.  I have flown in them (and mourn that I doubt I can clamber into the basket any longer) and seeing them always brightens my day.

So 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.

This was one of the feature balloons that we knew about.  Inspired by the Disney movie Up (which I haven't seen) despite looking like it is covered in jelly beans or smarties those are additional tiny balloons on the skin.  This one came to us from the UK, and when the burner was on looked stunning.

This is Owlbert Eyenstein, built in Brazil and brought to my city from Arizona where he now lives.  
He is huge.  Fully inflated he stands 30.5 metres tall.

Even the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) got in the fun.  This is their new balloon and has been crafted in the shade of a fighter pilot wearing a full helmet and aids including visor, oxygen mask and oxygen hose.

Baby Blue was one of the most popular balloons - and a complete surprise.  No publicity and seeing her inflate was a treat.

If you look closely at this red balloon you will notice there is no basket.  The brave pilot is essentially hang-gliding with a hot air balloon.

Thank you for bearing with me.  Do you wonder that my smiles were so broad?  And that I was more than happy to go again?