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. Sorry I still
haven't succeeded in working out how to do a blog hop. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
I
usually run with a theme. This week I am taking you to our Balloon Spectacular which finished last Sunday. The youngest of my brothers and I are balloon tragics and do our best every year to see them inflate and take to the skies. I usually try and go twice, once to see them inflate and a second time to see them from a different vantage spot towing canoists and kayaks on our lake. This link (which opens in a separate window) shows you some of that magic. Sadly I didn't see it this year.
Balloons are entirely weather dependent. This year the brother and I made three separate attempts to see them rise. They didn't. On the last morning of the festival he had to go to his volunteer job at the local zoo so I went alone. And got lucky. You will be shocked and surprised that lots of photos follow. My apologies since many of them are not good photos - the dread disease and my excitement had my hands shaking badly. It was dark when I arrived but the crowd was building. And the excitement was palpable.
Less talk, more photos. Each year there is a least one 'feature' balloon. This year we had two - Axel the tiger and Simba the lion. I was lucky enough to see both. Blessed blogger is fiddling with the order of these photos again. Grrr.
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It was a grey day, but magical. As each balloon took to the skies crowd clapped and cheered. The balloonists waved - and the crowd waved back.
I hope you find beauty and magic in your week.
River Fairchild - I am clapping too. Love all these photos! They are beautiful and the one with Axel peeking through the trees as he’s rising is magical. You managed to get some excellent shots of both Simba and Axel, which I’m sure will be some consolation for your brother.
ReplyDeleteHoping the weather is finally shifting to cooler for you and that you’re feeling well-ish. Give good scritches for me to Batty and Odie, and gentle hugs for yourself.
River Fairchild: It was a magical morning. Fourth time lucky. I am sorry for my brother though. Today is blessedly cool though it will warm again next week. Thank you so much for the hugs and skritches.
DeleteThey're great photos! THey capture the fun and excitement of it all so well. The tiger balloon peeking over the trees is so cute. I went to your outside link to see the kayaks and paddle boards towed the balloon and all the fun of that!
ReplyDeleteStrayer: I don't usually like crowds and that was a big one - a happy one though. Axel peeking over the trees was a lucky shot wasn't it?
DeleteIt must be marvelous to see these in person. Thanks for sharing your photos and have a lovely day! Cuddle Batty and Odie for me.
ReplyDeletee: Thank you. It is marvellous. An annual treat. Underprivliged Batty and Odie thank you.
DeleteThe lion and the tiger are definitely the stars of these balloons, but the others ones are wonderful as well. It's such a magical event and to see the balloons light up against the darker grey sky is very special and just stunning. I'm so glad that you got to see it, but sad for your brother that he missed it. It is so good to see you back here (I just read your last post that I missed before). I hope you will have a beautiful autumn.
ReplyDeleteCarola Bartz: I am very sorry for my brother. He will have seen the balloons from the zoo - but missed the fun of inflating them. Hopefully he will see them next year.
DeleteI hardly ever see hot air balloons around here in the sky anymore. I used to see them early in the morning and only from far away. I've never been up close to them before so I enjoyed the pictures.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: They are great to see in the sky, but the up close experience is amazing.
DeleteThey are spectacular, aren't they!
ReplyDeleteJenn Jilks: It is called the balloon Spectacular for good reason.
DeleteThe Balloon Spectacular was well attended.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you were able to take so many pictures. Thanks!!
contempladoraocidental: It always is well attended. I took lots more photos too. I always do.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased you got your balloon fix! Lucky for us that you did. There is something mesmerising about seeing them drift through the sky.
Have a colour-filled week and take care of yourself.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: A balloon fix is a treat. You are right - they are mesmerising. I am loving your spring garden and hope it continues to bring you joy.
DeleteExciting times with all those balloons filling the air.
ReplyDeleteShammickite: It most definitely is.
DeleteAbsolutely spectacular! And that photograph of the balloon on its side, with the person's arm raised in front of it, is also spectacular.
ReplyDeleteKim: There were raised phones, ipads, tablets, cameras everywhere.
DeleteI didn't know about balloons towing water craft. It seems like you would need gumboots in the balloon basket. I really hope some of the balloons you saw will appear here. There are some great designs, especially the animal heads.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: I can't imagine that trouser legs would dry quickly at that hour of the day either. I hope the balloons do make it your way.
DeleteI love your annual balloon fest. Of course everyone cheered.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Cheered and clapped. And smiles split many faces (mine included).
DeleteSo balloons are amazing. There is a balloon festival around here up in the north country in the fall. I haven't been yet as you have to arrive before the sun rises just to get a parking spot. I heard it is truly an unforgettable experience to see them take flight. Thanks for sharing the photos.
ReplyDeleteTruedessa: You have to arrive at our festival before dawn too. IF they are going up they start to inflate just after dawn. It is a truly magical sight and I think worth the early start. My partner does not agree. His loss.
DeleteThey are all so colourful, I am glad you managed to see them at last. Love the lion and tiger. And of course I followed the link to the lake and kayaks. Thank you for that, it's amazing.
ReplyDeleteRiver: The balloons towing happy kayakers/paddleboarders is a very happy sight. With luck next year I will see it for myself again.
DeleteWow and wow again. It doesn't matter if they are a bit blurry, they are wonderful as I really enjoy seeing balloons.
ReplyDeleteMy selections will be over here.
messymimi: A lot of us were saying wow. Thank you - and I look forward to your selections.
DeleteBalloons are magical. I'm so glad you got to see them rise.
ReplyDeleteLisa: They are indeed magical. Thank you.
DeleteOutstanding photos of an outstanding event, EC. With the nonstop rain we've been experiencing up this way, such an event would've been impossible to hold.
ReplyDeleteExcept for today....finally the rain, and the water-filled heavy grey clouds have gone away, and the sun has made a welcome appearance. I think everyone was wondering what it was at first glimpse!
I wish you a relaxed, safe and happy week ahead, EC....my cuddles to Batty and Odie. I hope they, too, are doing well. :)
Lee: No it wouldn't have happened in your neck of the woods. We however badly need some rain. Some world wide weather moderation would be nice.
DeleteYou have a good week too. The cats have had their dinner and are digesting.
Beautiful EC and such magic to see these. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMargaret D: It was indeed magical and I am glad you enjoyed them.
DeleteHi EC - what a wonderful day out (early morning) for you, I'm sorry your brother wasn't able to join you ... they do look extraordinary ... my eyes settled on Hendrick's gin ... but I can see all the fun balloons you were able to watch inflate and fly ... including Axel the tiger and Simba the lion ... I hope you can enjoy the memories as the your week moves along. More importantly I do hope you can find some peace - with thoughts from here ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: It really was a delightful morning. I am always up early (though not usually dressed and out of the house). Definitely worth the extra effort. This week promises to be challenging again. Here's hoping for peace - for me, and for the world.
DeleteI'm glad you kept trying and were rewarded!
ReplyDeleteThere's so much talent on disply, isn't there?
kylie: Thank you. I am blown away (every year) by the skill of the pilots. How they don't collide at take off is a mystery to me.
DeleteBlogger is indeed doing the photo shuffle and has been for a while now. I'm just glad it doesn't shuffle text!
ReplyDeleteMike: I hope your comment doesn't give it any ideas.
DeleteIt’s a great series of pictures, Sue, and really displays the extent of the festival. I am glad that you were able to enjoy it. It is therapeutic for all of us when you are posting. Let’s hope the dread disease behaves itself and doesn’t go rampaging off again. Big hugs - David
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Thank you. My neurologist says the dread disease is progressing but I am hoping that with cooler weather on the way its rampages are slowed. I do love the balloons and am so glad that persistence allowed me to see them take to the skies.
DeleteEspectaculars i màgics aquests globus... és l'únic que no he provat mai, tinc un vertigen galopant...
ReplyDeleteAferradetes, Sue.
sa lluna: It is an amazing sight. I am holding on - and hope you are too.
DeleteI'm glad you kept trying and were successful finally. And thanks for all the great photos! I don't see a bad one in the bunch.
ReplyDeleteDJan: You are too kind. Thank you.
DeleteThe balloons look amazing. My fear of heights would prevent me from ever setting foot in one though.
ReplyDelete:o)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: The youngest of my brothers is afraid of heights too. He was given a balloon flight for a significant birthday. He started the trip well back from the edge. Less than ten minutes later he was using sharp and pointy elbows to get to the edge and a better view.
DeleteWow, they're spectacular! I particularly love the one you snapped of the tiger peeking over the trees. :-)
ReplyDeleteDiane Henders: The festival is well named isn't it? I was lucky to catch Axel peeking over those trees.
DeleteI'm pretty much echoing all other comments. Because I'm also a balloon tragic! Thank you for your efforts, Sue.
ReplyDeletedinahmow: How I wish you could have been there with me.
DeleteBeauty! I love balloons but I'd never go up in one. lol
ReplyDeleteAnonymous: I love balloons and am glad that I have now ridden in them three times. I doubt I could get into the basket now, but the memories are strong. And good.
DeleteI can imagine the excitement and the cheering. It is indeed spectacular.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: It is a wonderful festival - and free entertainment for most of us.
DeleteAwesome photos. Loved the balloons,
ReplyDeleteRasmaSandra: Thank you. I loved them too.
DeleteJoyous balloons! What a spectacular sight. xx
ReplyDeleteBea: Joyous is the right word - and the Balloon Spectacular is well named.
DeleteSpectacular is indeed the right word. I envy you having travelled in one - it's one of the things I'd very much like to do. I felt almst as if I watched the balloons with you. Thanks ever so much!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): Balloon trips are not cheap but I don't regret my trips. At all. I am glad that I was able to convey some of the excitement and joy.
DeleteWonderful balloons! What fun. So glad you could go.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: I am very glad too. It was starting to look as if I wouldn't see them rise this year.
Deletethecontemplativecat here. How exciting it must have been to be in this balloon area and watch them sail up into the sky. I have seen these from a distance and were amazed.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: It was amazing. It never, ever gets old.
DeleteThese are just spectacular! Simba is my favouritest. Also - you have a brother with a job at the zoo - how beyond awesome is that?!
ReplyDeleteNilanjana Bose: We were brought up to believe we had an obligation to volunteer in our community. The zoo is where my brother choses to expend his effort (one of the places). Like me he gets more out of it than he puts in. And yes, Simba was great.
DeleteI don't think I had heard of the expression 'balloon tragics' but somehow it makes sense because the balloons always come up in the end.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to tell the sizes of the balloons without the people there. They always seems so small when they are up in the air. Thanks for sharing these views.
Have a lovely day.
lissa: Using tragic in that way is Australian slang and implies someone who has an obsessional interest in something. We are a nation of sports tragics but the brother and I are balloon tragics. Some of the balloons are HUGE.
DeleteI do love hot air balloons, and treasure the memory of a ride in one.
ReplyDeleteCindi: Me too. And also the brother in question.
DeleteI enjoyed each and every photo!!! So glad you got to see them and sorry your brother wasn't able to see them as this sounds like a lovely tradition for the two of you. What an amazing spectacle! He has a volunteer job at the zoo? I bet he has lots of stories to tell you and I applaud heartily him for his volunteerism :) I used to watch a balloon land on a flatter part of the mountain behind our house in California some 40 years ago. They landed down the road from us one year, from necessity not by design, and gave the neighborhood kids a free 30 feet ride up in the air while waiting for their transport truck, and it is still a fabulous memory. Thank you for sharing these :)
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. I am very glad I saw them - and equally sorry for the brother in question. It is indeed a wonderful tradition. He would have seen them fly past the zoo but it isn't the same as seeing them take to the skies. What lucky neighbourhood kids. I am sure they treasure that memory.
Delete