Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Thursday 18 April 2019

Balloon Spectacular 2019

 
In March for about ten days my 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. 

 
Weather permitting they take off from the lawns of Old Parliament House shortly after dawn, and as well as the fortunate riders, it has become a tradition for people to come along and watch them inflate and take off (another free treat).  Some mornings there are hundreds of spectators.  Breakfast is available, and the crowd is happy.  


The balloons are weather dependent and sadly most days this year they were grounded.  My heart goes out to the participants some of whom have come considerable distances.  I suspect the costs are large too. My youngest brother is, like me, a balloon tragic.   The first day of the Spectacular was also his birthday and of course we were there.  We were lucky and the balloons did take to the air.  I showed you the feature balloons in a Sunday Selections.

Here are some of the others.



















The smaller portion missed that day (he was visiting his sister in another state).  There were only a few days left of the festival when he returned, so naturally I rousted him out of bed on a cool grey morning to see if the balloons would fly.  Sadly when we got to the venue we were told that it was too windy.  Some of the balloons would be inflated and tethered and a few would attempt to fly from other unspecified parts of the lake.

Bah humbug.  Tethered balloons don't do it for either of us.  So we headed off around the lake foreshores, hoping, hoping, hoping.

And we were lucky.  He didn't see the feature balloons (which we assume were tethered, but did see quite a number of the others.  From a distance it is true, but we saw them.















I wonder whether the early morning rowers saw the balloons as a treat?  I hope so.






 I loved the kangaroo and the balloon in this final shot.  The roos were unperturbed.  The same cannot be said for the cockatoos who were shrieking their resentment at the invasion of their skies.

114 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Sandi: Nudie is a brand name. They make juices - all natural, and nothing added.

      Delete
  2. Awesome photo's, would love to see that. Some are quite colorful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandy: Many of the balloons are very colourful, and seeing them bejewelling the sky is wonderful.

      Delete
  3. The is quite an event and the balloons are spectacular. I can't think of any similar festival here, although hot air balloons are popular vehicles for advertising and we see them quite regularly. A few years ago one got into trouble and made a landing in the field of my friend's farm. My friend was given a bottle of fine Champagne and (against my will of course) I was happy to help him drink it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David Gascoigne: The sacrifices we make for friendship... I hope you and your friend enjoyed the bubbles.

      Delete
  4. That happy faced balloon gave me a smile.
    Glad you enjoyed this extravagant sight, and shared with us, EC. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawknrobyn: As a confirmed balloon tragic I go each and every year. And take many, many photos.

      Delete
  5. I love watching balloons as they seem so graceful. A company uses the park at my family home back in the UK for balloon flights. Here in Boise (USA) we have the Spirit of Boise Balloon Fest every August, which is spectacular like the photos you posted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Roland Clarke: I would love to see the Spirit of Boise Balloon festival - and what a wonderful way to express the spirit of a city.

      Delete
    2. I will try to do a post this year.

      Delete
    3. Roland Clarke: I hope you can. I really hope it. Balloons always lift my spirits.

      Delete
  6. The photos from a distance are just as wonderful as up close, in my opinion. It's wonderful to be out in a crowd where everyone is happy, isn't it? Much different from the crowds on a city street or in a shopping mall!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. jenny_o: A happy crowd is a very different animal. Mind you, himself and I thoroughly enjoyed the virtual absence of crowd when we saw them around the lake.

      Delete
  7. I had to laugh at the nudie balloon. Thanks for explaining it. And the event had to be just wonderful to see! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. The one with the rowers is a great shot.
    What is Nudie or do I want to know...?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: Thank you. I think the Nudie name is clever. It is a brand name for a juice manufacturer. Pure juice, natural juice, nothing added...

      Delete
  9. The nudie balloon! I didn't know what it was!

    Balloons high in the sky are breath-taking!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan Kane: They are pretty damn special on the ground being inflated too.

      Delete
  10. Oooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! My jaw is aching. Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. dinahmow: Some year you will be able to be here for the fun.

      Delete
  11. They look amazing grouped together above the lake. So much colour. Yes, if you want to see balloons you do have to get up early.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew: I am always up early (though not necessarily showered and dressed). The smaller portion is not. It is a big sacrifice for him to get up in time to see them, but he did admit it was worth it. If we had come home without seeing them he would have been in a snit all day.

      Delete
  12. Enchanting is the only word I can think of.

    And I'll add a giggle: Can't imagine that happening here, open ocean around us and wind, did I mention wind? Women get their haircuts here to accommodate the wind :D

    XO
    WWW

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wisewebwoman: So the 'windswept look' is popular in your city. We are often a bit breezy, but it is usually later in the day. Sadly I think conditions were only right on two or three of the ten days of the festival. Given I saw them twice I was very lucky.

      Delete
  13. Wow. You live in such an amazing place. Always something special happening.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mxtodis123: I think so, but we are widely renowned as a boring city.

      Delete
  14. It's such fun to watch them inflate and take off. Once in so often, one of the crews will practice on the field across the street, and we get to watch. Years ago, when there was a balloon festival here (it moved up the highway a town for a bigger venue), we loved seeing them.

    Thank you for the beautiful photos and for sparking the memories!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. messymimi: Isn't it wonderful to watch them inflate and fly? I am very happy to have triggered happy memories.

      Delete
  15. I do like the sight of balloons in the sky wish we had them, rare here but the sight is always great to see.
    merle...............

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Merlesworld: Early risers here can often see one or two, but to see the sky filled with them is an incredible treat.

      Delete
  16. Wow...all that in-air advertising...I like the balloons but feel sorry for the birds...How are you?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. e: I felt sorry for the birds too. In the place the balloons are usually launched there are often flocks of silver gulls. The place down by the lake is filled with cockatoos and they were completely (and vocally) unimpressed.
      I am still struggling but fine if that makes sense. How are you?

      Delete
    2. Will send an email tomorrow.

      Delete
    3. e: I look forward to it. If I don't respond promptly I am in the garden.

      Delete
  17. Gorgeous. That last photo is the ultimate ballooning in Australia shot. I also love the distance shots with multiple balloons! These photos are a treat EC.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marie Smith: I was really tickled to notice the roo in the foreground as I lined up the camera to get the balloon shot. I am so very glad you enjoyed the plethora of pictures.

      Delete
  18. Absolutely wonderful. Fascinating. Enthralling.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne Noragon: Oh it was. It is. Each and every year. I do hope I am never too jaded to enjoy them.

      Delete
  19. Where nay of the kangaroos riding in the balloons?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Powdered Toast Man: Welcome. I don't 'think' that any of the kangaroos (or the koalas or drop bears) were riding, but could be wrong. Perhaps their credit cards were maxed out.

      Delete
  20. Have you ever taken a balloon ride, Susan? If you haven’t, you should. It is marvelous. Twenty + years ago we did and our date was scheduled for June, but because of weather, we were pushed back to September. We didn’t have much wind and didn’t go far, but is was a wonderful adventure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: I have. Three times now and I loved them all. I doubt I could get into the basket now, but I am so glad to have had the opportunity.

      Delete
  21. A FABULOUS display of balloon power Sue. I will be away in my old caravan over Eater so will not be able to comment. Have a lovely Easter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Margaret Birding For Pleasure: Thank you. Have a wonderful time while you are away - and Happy Easter.

      Delete
  22. Hi EC - so glad you told Alex about Nudie - I was going to ask you ... and perhaps suggest something - but probably a good thing I didn't - it was nowhere near your answer!! They are gorgeous ... I love it when we have them here, when England is at its best ... soft, warm, summer days with wheaten coloured cornfields dotted with the green of trees and hedges. Beautiful - so glad you saw a variety of those magnificents - cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Now I am wondering what your interpretation of Nudie is. Nudie appears most years and is not my favourite feature balloon, but still more than welcome.
      Our balloons fly in early Spring when the weather is less settled. A summer flight like the ones you describe would be outstanding.

      Delete
  23. It's wonderful to see how many people respond to your posts-- people who, like me, enjoy what you post and how your mind works!! I don't want to ride in one of those, but they certainly are something to see.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bill: What a lovely thing to say. I am so grateful to everyone (with the exception of the spambots) who comments here. I have loved my balloon flights and if my recalcitrant body (and finances) allowed it, I would be back in a heart beat.

      Delete
  24. Dear EC
    Thank you for sharing these lovely images. There is something quite majestic about them, particularly when there is more than one.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ellie Foster: A day with balloons in it (like a day with a rainbow) is by my definition a good day. Glad you enjoyed these.

      Delete
  25. It's a shame so many don't get to fly. I love the pictures with multiple balloons over the lake.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River: Next year we hope to get down to the lake to see 'closer' balloons. There are always days when the balloons can't take to the skies, but I hope they are less next year.

      Delete
  26. They are beautiful going up in a group like that.
    Sorry the weather didn't always cooperate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra: They are lovely aren't they? I don't think the weather is on speaking terms with co-operation.

      Delete
  27. The balloons are so beautiful you can't help but smile. Love the ones with the rowers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mason Canyon: Believe me, I was smiling. I hope the rowers could hear their coach over the balloons and that it didn't put them off their stroke.

      Delete
  28. Love all your balloons. A town about 40 minutes from where I live has a festival of balloons one day in the summer too. I haven't ever gone though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie Aguirre: Thank you. I hope you can get to your nearby festival some year. It really is a treat.

      Delete
  29. I'm glad you got to see some balloons in the sky. There is a yearly balloon festival in our province too but I never attended. I have always been too busy working.
    Hugs, Julia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Julia: Even when I was still working I managed to see the balloons. I headed off before work to enjoy the magic.
      Thank you for the hugs - which are appreciated and returned.

      Delete
  30. Advertising gets on everything these days. Still you got some great shots. The last with the kangaroo is my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Grannie Annie: I really don't notice the advertising on the balloons. Which says that you are right about its extent.

      Delete
  31. The colors are amazing, huh.

    (poor birds)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: Poor birds indeed - though the intrusion was relatively short.

      Delete
  32. There sure are a lot of them in those last photos. I do love to see the balloons here too, in the fall, but ever since we had a very close call on the block, with one coming down and straight at my neighbors house, before last second being able to clear it, I watch them with a bit of dread, over where they'll land and if they'll destroy a house, burst into flames, something like that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Strayer: Our balloon festival is carefully choreographed. They really don't come close to housing. I suspect if the prevailing wind would take them in the 'wrong' direction they simply don't fly. So I can, and do enjoy them.

      Delete
  33. I've been the balloon festivals, but I've never known them to have advertising, and I would ban them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Snowbrush: Why would you ban them? Advertising is everywhere and I don't think it is any more intrusive on balloons than anywhere else.

      Delete
    2. "Why would you ban them? Advertising is everywhere..."

      Are you saying that you see no reason for concern in the fact that "advertising is everywhere," or are you instead saying that, while it's regrettable that "advertising is everywhere," you've given up all hope of things being different?

      I've been to two balloon festivals, and both of them featured beautifully decorated balloons, none of which had advertising. This suggested to me that one had to either be rich or go in with many other people to own a balloon. I suppose that advertising would open the economic field, but I certainly wouldn't get up bright and early in the morning to watch Big Pharma balloons (Big Pharma is a major advertiser here in America where even prescription drugs are heavily and constantly advertised) float gently skyward in the warm glow of the rising sun. As it is, I don't watch major network TV partly because of the ads. To me, they convey the idea that no scenery is so beautiful and no occasion so sacred as to be an occasion to try to sell something. Even our national TV news sometimes (I've timed it) has three minutes of ads for every one minute of news (and even the news it reports tends toward human interest stories rather than substantive reporting), and I'm sure that no child can reach his teens without having been exposed to tens of thousands of ads. I connect such things with our current fascist government which scarcely attempts to conceal the fact that it is bought and paid for by big business (when a politician here is elected to office, he or she IMMEDIATELY has to start raising money from Big Business to pay for the next election). So, yes, I would ban balloon ads simply because I think that there should be places free of advertising, which, I believe, creates the kind of jaded and cynical populace that drowning people in advertising deserves.

      Delete
    3. Snowbrush: Balloons ARE expensive. I believe the cost of even a small (two person) balloon is in excess of $20,000 which doesn't include the support car, trailer or crew. I suspect that the gas doesn't come cheap either.
      The balloons with advertising are never my favourites (and are probably the least memorable), but I understand their presence and wouldn't cut off my nose to spite my face by boycotting the festival to avoid them.
      I suppose my attitude to these ads does come down to resignation. There are other things I feel more strongly about and my energy is in short supply.
      If, however, someone wanted to put a permanent ad on a natural wonder, by for example,spraypainting a trademark or logo on Uluru, I would advocate for a ban.

      Delete
  34. I love seeing them in the air. They are so cool.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary Kirkland: I love them too. Seeing the sky filled with them is an amazing sight.

      Delete
  35. Beautiful balloons, my favourite is the peace dove, thank you EC.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob Bushell: They are fun aren't they? I think your peace dove is attached to one of the airforce balloons - which is ironic.

      Delete
  36. The "double scoop" Nudie balloon is so funny to me for several tiny reasons to create a big laugh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Wiswell: Nudie isn't one of my favourites but I am very glad it gave you a big laugh.

      Delete
  37. Great shots, I would love to see something like this. Often saw a hot air balloon going over our house, so low we could see them waving as they were coming in to land in an open area behind our development. Your photos bring back all those memories, thank you :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DeniseinVA: We watch the balloonists take off most years, and they wave happily. I am very glad to bring back happy memories for you.

      Delete
  38. What a shame the weather wasn't good this year, but I guess that's always a risk with ballooning. Thank you for posting all of these photos; I like the single shots and also really enjoy seeing the group/herd/party* of balloons over the lake.

    *Is there a collective noun for balloons?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alexia: A magic of balloons? Captain Google says a Festival of balloons, which also works.
      It really is lovely and I was glad to catch the multiple shots.

      Delete
  39. Oh WOW, these are really breathtaking, aren't they?!
    I love watching balloons as they pass over my home...but we only see two in a day, if we're lucky.
    To see all these would be, for me, like a child being let loose in a candy store!😉 WOW!!
    Such a pity the weather wasn't kinder though. Just for once, I could have sent YOU some sun...yes, you did read right...we are having a heatwave...in the UK!! Lol

    Wishing you a very Happy Easter,

    With lots of love and hugs ❤❤❤

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ygraine: It is definitely a 'kid in a candy store' treat for me. With no calories.
      You can keep your sun, though some of your rain would be lovely. Happy Easter to you and yours.

      Delete
  40. Just my speed - as are YOU!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cloudia: Mega thanks oh sister across the seas.

      Delete
  41. That would be quite a sight to see, all those colourful balloons riding high in the sky. There used to be a balloon ride company located about 5 miles from here in the next village and their balloons used to glide over the house (my previous house) but they are no longer in existence. The balloons used to drive the dog completely mad. She just couldn't figure them out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shammickite: As a child we had a German Shepherd who was totally freaked out by the noise of balloons. She went blind in later years which didn't help her.
      The balloons are bliss. I often see one or two during the year but the festival is an annual treat.

      Delete
  42. I lived in Albuquerque between the ages of 4 and 10. We saw a lot of balloons.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Real Cie: I envy you. I love balloons and any day with one in it is instantly made better.

      Delete
  43. What an amazing site EC!!! You've captured some fantastic photos! WOW!! I love balloons!!!! I've been on one and would love to go again! Happy Easter! Big Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Magic Love Crow: I love them too and would very happily take to the sky in one again. Happy Easter to you and your mama.

      Delete
  44. You know, I never thought about the birds being upset. Interesting! The kangaroo is adorable!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Magic Love Crow: The cockatoos were VERY indignant. The kangaroo didn't care.

      Delete
  45. I’m so glad you got to see the balloons take off, even if it wasn’t all of them. Love the roo shot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River Fairchild: I was pleased to see the roo too, and grateful it stayed in frame. That was one VERY long day. My eyes rolled back and wouldn't close again at midnight. A big before six we headed off on the balloon quest. After the balloons I had a shift on the crisis line. I think I fell into a coma that night. The balloons and the roo made it a good day though.

      Delete
  46. The massed balloons in the distance look so pretty. I struggle to get out of bed before seven so I probably miss a lot of beautiful mornings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. kylie: I am struggling at the moment to stay asleep past three. The mornings are lovely, but I do envy the sleepers. Massed balloons are worth an early awakening though - the smaller portion who is a champion sleeper agrees.

      Delete
  47. What a sight!!
    So many colours, so many courageous people!!
    Happy Easter, dear EC!
    : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Catarina: A very Happy Easter to you and yours. Courage and ballooning isn't a thought which occurs to me, but you are right.

      Delete
  48. I used to live in Bristol may years ago and they have the Balloon Fiesta every year. Before this I would have had absolutely no interest in Balloons but they were so beautiful and graceful - so I totally understand your fascination. They used to do something called a tie down at night - where they would leave the balloons tied and fire them up - they looked like giant lanterns - a spectacular sight.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Angela: Occasionally they have tie down here (though it is called something different). You are right it IS spectacular, but I much prefer to see them sailing the skies...

      Delete
  49. I've only ever seen balloons fly but once and that was eons ago in Colorado. I would love to see them again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Terri: The Balloon Spectacular is an annual treat for us and I start looking forward to it month before it starts.

      Delete
  50. Shame the weather wasn't better for you but you got some amazing photographs here. It's such a great event.
    I think my favourite pictures are the rowers and the balloons, and your last one with the kangaroo.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. I liked those shots too - and love the event. Each and every year.

      Delete
  51. Wow- I have never seen more than one or two hot air balloons in the sky at once. Such a pretty sight to see so many. I am sure the featured balloons were pretty too. Glad that even though at first you thought you wouldn't see balloons on the last day that you went, that you were able to see them from afar. :)
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DMS ~Jess: I was very lucky. I saw the feature balloons on the first day of the festival and the others on the last day that they were able to take to the air.

      Delete
  52. Balloons will never be the same for me after that episode in that show, Rake, hehehe :-D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. neena maiya (guyana gyal): Not a movie I have seen and if it takes away any of my love of balloons I am glad.

      Delete