Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.
Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle.
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post
some
photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me.
Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
I
usually run with a theme. This week I am going back to our Balloon Spectacular. As usual, many, many photos will follow. We had no tickets to see the launch of the balloons on this morning but my long suffering smaller portion (he loathes early mornings) and I headed down shortly before first light to a vantage point where we knew that we would see balloons if they took to the sky. They did.
You will notice that there are a lot of small boats and paddle boarders on the water. This is also a long standing tradition. Each year some of the balloons swing down low and give lucky people a tow.
I was particularly tickled to see this man and his dog...
More and more balloons took to the sky - including more feature balloons.
Skywhale was a present my city gave to itself for its hundredth birthday. She has divided the community. Some of us love her and some emphatically do not. I fall into the first category and you can find an earlier post about her HEREThis year she was joined by Skywhalepapa - who obviously shares the role of caring for their children.
This is Nudie. It advertises a fruit juice company whose product is nude in that it contains nothing but juice.
This balloon is an advertisement for Hendrick's gin. Balloonists are often given a glass of champagne to celebrate their flight. These balloonists were offered gin at dawn.
We had an absolutely delightful morning (despite being briefly rained on). For those of you who have got to the end of yet another photo heavy post - thank you.
This afternoon I am to have the first of my Covid vaccination shots (hopefully without any adverse reactions.
Stay safe, stay well and I hope your week is filled with joy.
Gorgeous, gorgeous, GORGEOUS! I think your vantage point was spectacular! Close by, and yet far enough to take in the spectacular setting in relation to all peripheral points of interest. Love the dog taking it all in. It's probably just another day and another adventure with the crazy human.
ReplyDeleteI am so, so glad you are getting your shot. Fingers crossed for a mild-to-none reaction for you. Hugs
River Fairchild: I was pleased with our vantage point too. Mind you, there are lots of possibilities and I suspect that all of them would be good. I am prone to reacting to medications so fingers crossed.
DeleteHi EC - I hope the jab goes off ok and you don't have any symptoms I'm sure it'll be fine ... Wonderful range of balloons this year - they're gorgeous to look at, particularly with the setting of the lake. Love it ... it must be fun to be there and to see them ... great - I'll be thinking of you for later on - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: It IS fun. They are gorgeous and the watchers appreciate them to the full. Except the birds. I have heard sulphur crested cockatoos swear at them more than once.
DeleteI love both the new and the old sky whales. And thank you so much for the plethora of pictures. I enjoyed them, every last one. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: I am glad. I am a big fan of the skywhale family and grateful that they call my city home.
DeleteI've been looking forward to these since you mentioned you'd be continuing the photos this week. The are all so pretty! I can imagine how enjoyable it was to see it in person. Thank you for sharing them with us!
ReplyDeleteI was so nervous about my first vaccine too, just a bit of a sore arm the next day just like everyone else had said. Good luck and be sure to let us know how you're doing. :)
Martha: It is a treat I look forward to each and every year. Just looking at the photos makes me smile...
DeleteAnd thank you.
OHHH! What an extraordinary spactacular sight! I love those balloons. I have to admit that I like Skywhalepapa more than the mama one, he looks so friendly. The best photo according to me is the multicoloured balloon coming close to the waters of the lake. I'm not saying that the others are not godd, they most emphatically are! I just like that one best. Thank you for colours and joy!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): Up close Skywhale has a tired and gentle smile - and she is obviously wearing lipstick. I love them both. I do love the balloons. All of them.
DeleteBalloons, I love 'em. I love the baby looks cheeky, fart gas from it's arse, EC, lots of fun.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: I love them too. So much.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your photos. So much lovely colour to enjoy. I hope your vaccination goes well - I had a headache and felt a bit shivery the day after my first one (AstraZeneca) but was fine the next day. My arm was a bit sore for a few days, but given the alternative, I was more than happy with the side effects.
Best wishes and have a safe and happy week
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Thank you. I will be having AstraZeneca too. I am glad that your discomfort was minor. It is amazing how the colour of the balloons lifts a grey morning isn't it?
DeleteLove the fancy balloons.
ReplyDeleteThe Blog Fodder: I love them all.
DeleteBeing no balloonist, I did enjoy what you enjoyed, though. Certainly spectacular an event.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your first jab.
Sean Jeating: Thank you on both counts.
DeleteAren't some of the balloons such interesting shapes and designs. I really like the whale and Papawhale. The unicorn is good too. It is strange the things you remember. I can remember where I was the first time I saw Nudie juice, which must have been fifteen years ago.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: I have been seeing that balloon for a number of years, but cannot remember seeing the juice it advertises.
DeleteJust so pleased to read you are having your first vaccination, I hope all goes well for you.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post, you have provided us with such a wonderful collection of photographs.
AMAZING, thank you.
My good wishes.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member~Jan: Thank you. I am pleased (and a a bit surprised) to be having my first injection too. I am glad that you enjoyed my love of balloons.
DeleteGin at dawn. Gin at dusk. Gin for dinner. Gin for lunch. I hope you have the same side effects from your shot that I had from mine, which was none. My arm wasn't even sore.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: I am glad to hear that your reaction was minimal. I am not certain I could face gin at dawn - which is perhaps silly because I have enjoyed champagne at the same time (very rarely).
DeleteIn reality, I do not drink. I used to--in moderation--but gave it up a few years ago. It gives me a headache.
DeleteJanie Junebug: I understand. My mother was an alcoholic and I have a brother with tendencies that way. I do drink alcohol but definitely in moderation. Never more than a glass and that not every day. Or even nearly every day.
DeleteGreat, you had the first jab and those sky balloons are amazing.
ReplyDeleteSteve: My first jab is in a few hours and the balloons ARE amazing.
DeleteA fantastic balloon-fest - so interesting AND gorgeous! I love the whale family, especially mother whale; of course she has a "tired and gentle" smile - she's a mother ;) All the colours show up beautifully against the grey sky.
ReplyDeleteI hope all goes well with your jab; I'm sure it will be fine. We haven't had ours yet, but are supposed to get them in May.
Alexia: I love the skywhales too. Lots of people don't - including my youngest brother. Their loss. And I agree - her tired and gentle smile echoes her maternal side for me.
DeleteWonderful creations...a fun way to spend a morning.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week ahead, EC. I hope all is well with you and the Small One...and with Jazz, to whom I send a cuddle. :)
Lee: It was a heap of fun. More medical appointments ahead (not counting the one for the injection). Fortunately Jazz doesn't have another for a while.
DeleteI hope that you and the furry overlords have a great week.
Just wow. Loved the sights. Thanks for taking me along!
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: It was my pleasure.
DeleteWhat beautiful days you have enjoyed, with the balloons. And good on your city for treating to another denizen of the sky.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Very, very beautiful days. SkywhalePapa was bought for us by the National Art Gallery and I hope to see more of both of them in the years to come.
DeleteI can feel the fun you had. Thank you for sharing it with us. My favorite is skywhalepapa, though they're all marvelous. We have a balloon fest in my state, but it's about 4 hours away. I've never been.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your vaccination. I get my second in a week. It's nice to feel safer.
Take care. Happy week.
Myrna R.: If ever you are in the right spot at the right time I hope you can see your balloon fest. They are marvellous (or I think so). I hope your second vaccination goes well.
DeleteAs usual, your balloon fest was a joy.
ReplyDeleteMy post will be over here.
messymimi: I look forward to your post in the fullness of time. and thank you.
DeleteYey, another hot air balloon post. What fun if must be to watch in person. I was wondering how hot air balloons were manufactured and so I asked Google and had a wonderful learning the intricacy of making hot air balloons using computers for special designs. It's so intriguing.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you couldn't get tickets to view the balloons up close but your photos are wonderful.
Thanks again for the entertainment.
Hugs,
Julia
Julia: Some of the more intricate shapes are a feat of engineering and construction. I cannot imagine just how many pieces are in the Skywhale family for example. We did see the launch up close (see last week's post) so we were lucky. Getting a different perspective was also great.
DeleteGoing up in hot air ballon is on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe
peppylady(Dora): If you get the opportunity do it. I think it is a wonderful experience.
DeleteSe ven tan lindos los globos. Te mando un beso
ReplyDeleteJ.P. Alexander: They were - and thank you.
DeleteLovely to see some newbies in the balloons, Skywhale Papa, the Air Force helmet and Nudie as well as Allycorn which I remember from last week.
ReplyDeleteRiver: There were a lot more feature balloons in the air that day - but I love them all.
DeleteA hint for your vaccination, if you are a side sleeper, get the shot in the arm you DON'T sleep on, my daughter passed this on to me after a friend's husband got his shot and everything was AOK, until he tried to sleep and the arm was too sore to lie on.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I am just home - and did get it in my nonsleeping arm. Thank you.
DeleteThat is a spectacular event. I'm sorry we don't have anything like that in Vancouver.
ReplyDeleteOlga Godim: When they named this festival the Balloon Spectacular they were right on the money.
DeleteYou know how I feel about b'loons!
ReplyDeleteAnd this year? I think my picks are those (especially #4) that show the burners' reflections. Thank you.
dinahmow: Perhaps next year you will be able to be here for the festival. I tried (with varying success) to ensure that I got at least one shot of every balloon with the burners lit.
DeleteI still think the Nudie comment was funny.
ReplyDeleteMike: Nudie comes back year after year.
DeleteThat's funny to watch ! Or I should rather say was, because everything which brings some fun is cancelled ! So far from all vaccinated people nobody had anything except some a little headache, but that was perhaps a coincidence. I have got a convocation and have to fix a date !
ReplyDeleteGattina: It was a lovely event - and more and more events are opening up here. I hope you can get a date soon.
DeleteSo much fun! These are delightful! I hope you are taking care of yourself! (nag nag nag)
ReplyDeleteBill: They were indeed delightful. I am more or less taking care of myself - and hope you are too.
Deletethanks for the fab photos of the balloons. Trust your vaccination does its job with no side effects. My GP is not offering them yet but must soon I guess.
ReplyDeleteAnna: I was surprised to get an appointment when I went to see the GP about something else this week. So far, so good.
DeleteFabulous! Thanks and I hope you have a great week.
ReplyDeletee: Thank you. I hope you and Lukas are doing well.
DeleteSo fun, my son would love this!
ReplyDeleteNatalia: I hope you would enjoy it with your son.
DeleteOh I DO so love these!!😊😊
ReplyDeleteAnd how I wish we had activities like this here...it must be such a wonderful atmosphere!
Thinking of you always, dear friend...
With much love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Ygraine: It is a wonderful atmosphere. Crowds of people quietly (for the most part) sharing awe and wonder. I hope that you are doing well and that this week is very kind to you dear friend across the seas.
DeleteGracias de nuevo porque como te dije en la anterior entrada me encantan estas exhibiciones de globos. Las imágenes, aunque la luz del cielo no acompaña mucho, son todas excelentes.
ReplyDeleteY felicidades por esa vacuna, y ya verás como ahora vives esta situación un poco más relajada.
Que disfrutes de un buen domingo.
PD. En cuanto a las corridas de toros, en España cada vez somos más los que estamos en desacuerdo con el maltrato y la muerte del animal, entre ellos yo.
Aún así, yo escribo sobre ello porque es parte de nuestra Historia, y es una tradición que se remonta a varios siglos atrás, que se ha extendido por varios países del mundo, y que no podemos ignorarla; y si se evitara la muerte del toro, que algún día se conseguirá, como espectáculo, es de una belleza estética y de un colorido, espectacular.
Manuel: Thank you so much. You are right about the light - it was a grey morning both times we went to see the balloons - and it didn't matter.
DeleteAnd thank you for your note about bull fighting. I wholeheartedly agree with you, and know that it is a part of your country's history, tradition and culture.
Some of those ballons look weird. Also, you would nevercatch me in one. Too scared of heights.
ReplyDelete:o)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: Do I detect you are not a fan of the Skywhale family? My youngest brother is, like you, not a fan of heights. He put his fear to one side and has thoroughly enjoyed balloon trips.
DeleteAll those balloons represent fun, creativity and a welcome respite from the restrictions brought on by COVID - which have been handled so much better in Australia than in other countries I hasten to add.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Thank you. Our government was dragged (kicking and screaming) to the table by State governments. If the Federal Government had its way, then business would have continued to be paramount. However, they did finally do some excellent things. Sadly the vaccine program is now in disarray. Fingers crossed - and yes, the balloons were a very welcome respite.
Deletethanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteXC78: Welcome and thank you.
DeleteSuch peaceful pictures to admire, and it's so clever to see what people can come up with to advertise their products. You and quite a few of my friends have received their shots with no problems, thank goodness. Sending lots of hugs, and thanks for lovely pics that made my day! RO
ReplyDeleteRO: Despite the crowds (small) it was a peaceful and delightful start to the day. However, loving balloons as I do, I would say that wouldn't I? So far so good on the vaccine front, though at the moment the nausea I often battle is front and centre.
DeletePretty balloons.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: I thought so too.
DeleteI love seeing the photos of the balloon festival. It looks like it would be so much fun. Beautiful photos. Congrats on getting your first shot. Way to go. Take care and have a wonderful week my friend.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Our balloon festival is wonderful. Not only have I now had my first shot the second one is booked - which given the shortages of vaccine here is great.
DeleteWow! Such stunning photos. Looks like you had an amazing time for sure. You definitely had a good spot to watch the excitement from! I am also glad a little rain didn't dampen the fun. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you are feeling well after your first vaccine!
~Jess
DMS ~Jess: The rain was very gentle and certainly didn't dampen anyone's fun (though himself told me it was cold). It really is a wonderful even and I am so glad it could go ahead.
DeleteYour posts are always fun and interesting. And I have had my first with zero problem. xo
ReplyDeleteJ C: Thank you. I try and make my posts interesting and am glad you like them. I am feeling ok this morning but the nausea that is often with me has ramped up a notch. Vaccine effect? I know not.
DeleteI always love your pictures. I love hot air balloons so these were great.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: Thank you. I love them too.
DeleteAlways enjoy your balloon shots. Skywhalepapa is one weird creature.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: Skywhalepapa is no weirder than his mate - and I smile to see either or both of them.
DeleteFirst, I am so glad that you're getting your first shot! I have been fully vaccinated for almost four weeks now (lucky to belong to school personnel who have been prioritized in the vaccination rollout) and it sure feels very good. That doesn't mean I'm not cautious anymore - I still am.
ReplyDeleteI love the balloons, and I certainly would be in the "love" category for the skywhale balloon (for both of them actually). We visited our local balloon festival in our first summer here and never again since then. However, we often see the balloons over wine country, although they are not as interesting and beautiful as the festival ones. Have you ever wished to be onboard of one?
Carola Bartz: Our country has hit problems with its vaccine rollout and I feel very lucky to have had my first (with the second booked). And yes, caution is still the order of the day, and will be for some time to come.
DeleteI have ridden in hot air balloons and loved it. I don't think I could climb into the basket any longer so I am very glad I had my chance - and love to see them flying by even if I am groundbound.
These pictures are beautiful. Love hot air balloons, we rarely see them here. New England isn't always great for safe lunches/landings. Visiting from another blog... looking for some new ones to follow. :)
ReplyDeleteJuli: Welcome and thank you. My city is lucky and we often see balloons in the early morning. The balloon spectacular takes it to a whole new level.
DeleteI'm late to the party once again, EC. I feel bad. I love the photos you took of the balloons. The Nudie had me laughing and the Air Force balloon was genius. I'm so glad you were up early to document these wonderful balloons when they took to the air.
ReplyDeleteI'm also delighted you got your first shot and have your second one booked. I know some in Australia are having a hard time getting theirs and are waiting rather impatiently for their turn.
Bleubeard and Elizabeth: Not late at all. You are welcome whenever your busy schedule allows you time to visit. The balloons are a joy - and I agree I think the Air Force Balloon is wonderful. It appears most years and I welcome it each and every time.
DeleteOhhhh, I love that pic with man and dog in the boat, so cuuuute. It reminds me of something similar I'd seen in a canal.
ReplyDeleteYou got a good view without tickets! You're a West Indian! Haha.
These balloons make me think of The Twenty-One Balloons, a novel by William Pène du Bois. I think you would LOVE it! It's a quick and easy read.
Don't worry about the vaccine. Especially the first one. Your arm might feel sore, and you might feel feverish. Drink (water, and maybe some Nudie :D ) and eat and be merry. xxx
neena maiya (guyana gyal): Thank you. I really liked seeing that man and his dog too. I will try and track down Twenty-One Balloons - the name is familar somehow.
DeleteI am nauseous and headachy today - but not sorry I had the vaccine.
Pero que belleza Hijo de elefante haber tenido la posibilidad de presenciar este espectáculo!!
ReplyDeleteMuy bonitos todos los globos aerostáticos y los que tienen diseños y publicidades están geniales!! Que bueno que tambien bajen hasta los botes y kayacs! y el señor del bote y el perro esta mortal!!! jajaj Yo vivo cerca d ela costa y muchas veces los veo adentrarse con sus mascotas inclusive en las tablas de surf, es increíble!!Gracias por estas fotos encantadoras!Te deseo un domingo pleno de felicidad, me alegro que recibas tu primer dosis de vacuna y vamos por esta nueva semana con mucha alegria y esperanza!Besos!
eli mendez: Thank you - on all counts. I often see dogs here but cannot remember seeing one on a kayak before. I must pay more attention.
DeleteHave a happy, healthy, wonderful week.
You took some great pictures.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this festival very much.
Be well.
Caterina: Thank you. You look after yourself too please.
DeleteI think it's good you could see the balloons from both up close and far away; two very different experiences, I imagine, and double the fun.
ReplyDeleteI hope your increased nausea is a temporary thing. Take good care of yourself, my dear friend.
jenny_o: I think we might make a habit of seeing the balloons from two different vantage points in future. Both of us really liked the different perspectives.
DeleteI hope the nausea subsides quickly. I have been dealing it with it for months now but it has ramped up several notches since I had the vaccine.
Wow, the balloons are spectacular - what a show of creativity! Has Skywhale Papa managed to avoid the controversy of his other half?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on receiving your vaccine!
Diane Henders: Not everyone likes SkywhalePapa but I haven't see the vociferous criticism that his mate attracted. I like them both. A lot.
DeleteI always look forward to your balloon posts and am never disappointed. I love SkyWhale. And SkyWhale Papa. What is that Airforce balloon with the helmet? Fantastic. Thanks for the visual treat.
ReplyDeleteKalpana: Thank you. I look forward to the Airforce helmet every year. It is incredibly detailed and I strongly suspect it is closely modeled on one that is (or was) in use.
DeleteA wonderful spectacle to see especially over water. Where there's a will, there's a way Sue and you found the spot to watch the balloons take off. Hope you have not adverse effects from your vaccine. I get my second on mid May. I was a bit late getting my first one due to being ill. Have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Birding For Pleasure: I have been thinking (for some years) that the spot by the lake would give us some stunning views. It did. I am headachy and my nausea has ramped up several notches but otherwise not too bad. I hope you have no adverse reactions to your second.
DeleteSono tutte molto belle, mi piace molto il cane con il suo padrone.
ReplyDeleteBuona giornata e serena settimana a te.
Giancarlo: Thank you. I liked the dog too and am glad that I included it in the series. Have a healthy, happy week.
DeleteFantastic balloons in flight EC and it’s fun thinking about them towing the boats, lots of good memories to remember here celebrated in styler and thank you for sharing the adventure with me. I’m tickled by significance of each balloon, I always thought a balloon was a colorfful thing to look at in the sky.
ReplyDeleteSpacerGuy: They are colourful and a delight to look at. Some of them are more...
DeleteThat's amazing they can swoop down to lake level enough to give a tow to a kayaker. That would be tremendous! Looks like glorious fun and a sky full of beauty.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: Wouldn't it be amazing to be given a tow? I am not at all surprised that the water gets so crowded - more crowded than I see it at any other time.
DeleteThose early morning shots with the lake and the hills are absolutely stunning to showcase the balloons. I'd love to be towed! I'm glad to see that you've answered some comments so hopefully all was smooth sailing with your vaccination
ReplyDeleteKim: As you know I think that I live in a beautiful city. The balloons just add to it - and I would also loved to be towed. My reactions are fairly minor - for which I am grateful.
DeleteThanks for this balloon festival. Enjoyed the photos very much. Hope the shot went well.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: I am glad and thank you.
DeleteOh wow, I love your balloon posts! Those skywhales are gorgeous! How fun! Thanks so much for sharing! (Love the Nudie too lol)
ReplyDeleteRain: Aren't the balloons a joy? I am with you about the SkyWhale family, but love them all.
DeleteI adore Nudie. Skywhale, not so much. You, I adore and admire most of all.
ReplyDeleteRawknrobyn: You are a shameless flatterer. For which I thank you.
Deletewowzer these are alwesome
ReplyDeleteaussie aNNie: I/we said WOW a lot.
DeleteThis must have been amazing to see. Loved your series of hot air balloons, so many different and wonderful designs. They remind me of the balloons that sailed over our house as they were coming into land a short distance away, when we lived in California many years ago. When we were out in our garden we could see their passengers faces quite clearly as they waved down to us. I still remember the whoosh as they let out the air on descending. Thank you for the great memories and these fantastic photos.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: I hope you waved to the passengers... I am very glad to bring back happy memories.
DeleteYay on the vaccination!!!! Toes-crossed you don't have any adverse reactions.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a wondrous adventure. Thanks for sharing.
Sandra Cox: It was wonderous. Both days. Minor adverse reactions, and I certainly don't regret having had the first dose. The next is scheduled for early July.
DeleteI love the reflection of the balloons on the water - and how cool it would be to kayak underneath them. I hope your vaccine is without side effects. I'm headed out in a few hours to get my 2nd shot. I'm looking forward to when hopefully all the world is vaccinated!
ReplyDeleteSusan - of every moment: Wouldn't it be amazing to kayak/paddle board underneath the balloons. I suspect that vantage point won't ever be mine though. I hope your second shot goes well. And that our respective wealthy nations step up and assist those in poor countries to get their vaccinations.
DeleteWhat a spectacular show, EC. Though I must say I thought those so-called whales were dolphin, nevertheless well getting up for, with or without gin :D Great shots.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: DEFINITELY well worth getting up (and going out for). No gin (or champagne) for me.
DeleteOh wow.. this looks incredible.
ReplyDeleteHena Tayeb: It was. It really, really was.
DeleteEnjoyed your balloon photos! Would love to attend such a launching some time. Recall years ago being in Sedona, AZ. I was leaving that morning to drive to the Phoenix airport and return home. As my car came up over a slight rise in the road I suddenly encountered just above the tree tops ahead of me a colorful balloon whose two passengers seem to be relishing their flight's beginning. I so wished I could have joined them. A few years ago I did finally get my balloon fight, but in Calif. though it was hardly the same. The balloon was tethered to the ground, allowing us to go up into the air only a short distance for a view of the surrounding park and then we descended back to the ground.
ReplyDeleteJoared: Welcome and thank you. Tethered balloon 'flights' are used here when the weather doesn't permit a full flight. They have their charm, but not a fraction of the 'real deal'. I do hope you get to take to the skies.
DeleteThe photos are just beyond stunning!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to know that you've got your shot. Best wishes for your good health and happiness always. Stay safe and well.
Nilanjana Bose: Thank you. It is an incredible experience and an annual treat. I am so glad that I could convey some of the beauty and the excitement.
DeleteHa merecido la pena madrugar. Has captado muy buenas fotografías y sobretodo muy vistosa a la vista.
ReplyDeletemiradasdesdemiobjetivo: Welcome and thank you. I am always an early riser - but don't usually get these rewards.
DeleteLove the man and dog.
ReplyDeleteTake special care.
Hugs
Sandra Cox: They both looked very happy didn't they? You take care too please dear friend.
DeleteThe dog looks to be enjoying himself! I'm not a huge fan of sky whale but there are worse things!
ReplyDeleteYour first photo is my favourite, that beautiful blue/purple sky is just gorgeous.
I hope your vax went well
kylie: I was delighted with the early morning light, thank you so much for finding it beautiful too. The vaccine went well. Some nausea and a headache, but these are minor issues.
Deletei still focus on that clean water...and when we look at the sky..there are many cut-air baloon that can make me smile...i like the unicorn one...but the skywhale papa is so damn cuteee...:)
ReplyDeleteGustyanita Pratiwi: Thank you. Our lake is sometimes beset with blue-green algae but conditions were good those mornings. I love ALL of the balloons.
Delete👍
ReplyDeleteR's Rue: Thank you.
DeleteHendrick's Gin is another balloon keeper.
ReplyDeleteHope today finds you full of boundless energy and well being.
Sandra Cox: I had a less than stellar start to the day, but it can only improve from here. And every balloon is a keeper where I am concerned.
DeleteSorry your day started less than stellar:( Hope it got better.
DeleteBig hugs,
Sandra Cox: It did. Thank you.
DeleteWhat a beautiful balloons! i love skywhale family so much.
ReplyDeletebread&salt: I am also a huge fan of the SkyWhale family. I hope to see them flying for years to come.
DeleteI loved these so much, I shared them with my husband. I'm so glad you were able to see them take flight. What a wonderful event to witness in person! So many talented people!
ReplyDeleteElsie
Elsie Amata: I am thrilled that you and your husband enjoyed our morning. It really was WONDERFUL.
DeleteUn sereno e luminoso fine settimana
ReplyDeleteGiancarlo: Thank you. And to you.
DeleteStunning images. I especially liked the flame reflection on the water in at least one of the shots. And did I see a fish on the shoulder of a dino balloon? What joy!
ReplyDeleteBea: That dino is SkyWhalepapa - and the baby on his shoulder belongs to him and SkyWhale. DEFINITELY what joy. Bucket loads of it.
Deleteseeing thees hot air balloons made me excited, they are amazing.
ReplyDeletethank you for the fabulous post.
curly lace wig
westkiss: They are amazing aren't they?
DeleteHave a fabulous weekend ❤
ReplyDeleteKinga K.: Thank you. And to you.
DeleteI am very happy to be able to come back again and see your photos again of the balloon launch. You got some terrific photos, with the sky looking very dramatic and the lighting just perfect. A great tradition with the small boats and paddle boards on the water. They certainly had a great view and I especially loved the man and his dog, and yes I also loved Skywhalepapa and the great meaning behind it. A beyond delightful post and I am very appreciative of you sharing it with us. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Many, many thanks. I am so glad that you came back, and that you enjoyed my obsession with balloons.
DeleteI had to come here, albeit rather late, to see the inflated balloons in flight, so fabulous, thanks for sharing them!
ReplyDeletekaren: Thank you for coming back. Weren't they glorious? Weeks later I still smile even thinking about those mornings.
DeleteWauu.. what a wonderful event. The balloons are lovely, and many of the balloons are double lovely. Really nice different balloons.
ReplyDeleteHugs
orvokki: Thank you. The balloon spectacular is a treat I look forward to every year - this year even more than usual.
DeleteHi EC! Such a happy post! I love these balloon photos! I want to be towed by a balloon! LOL! Love the dog and guy photo! Too cute! EC, what kind of vaccine did you get? Are you feeling ok? Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: Thank you. AstraZenica and I feel fine. How about you?
DeleteGood to know you are feeling good! I still haven't got my vaccine, yet! They are going about it, in a crazy way, where I live. I don't like it! I hope by the end of the year, I will get my first shot! I'm feeling good! Don't know when my operation will be, because of covid. Touch wood, my health is doing good! Big Hugs!
DeleteMagic Love Crow: Our vaccination program is not going well either. I got lucky. Stay well (and that is an order not a request).
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