HOT AIR BALLOONING...

 

 

I'm still passionate about ballooning, though my father has not flown in a few years now. While living in Kentucky I somehow managed to find a 70 year old man who had several balloons, and would let me crew for him when he flew, which was quite often on Sunday mornings. Unfortunately I didn't think about taking my camera with me on such occassions, which I regret now. Do have one of his balloon pins, which was perfect.

I was also lucky enough to make it to Albequerque for the 25th Aniversary of the annual balloon fiesta that is held in New Mexico every year. What an experience. My Dad's old balloon; CFree was also down there from Calgary, which made it extremely special. We had several friends from Canada who had come down for the event, bringing with them, some amazing shaped balloons; The Cow, and T Rex who had both made a previous trip down to New Zealand in past years, along with so many other different shaped balloons.

Meanwhile here in New Zealand there is the annual balloon fiesta held in Hamilton every year. Was lucky enough to be involved with the fiesta last year, crewing for a new pilot in the area, Max who has moved to Katikati with his wife and their old Swiss Telecome balloon, which is huge.