picture perfect

Published on: 7/22/2014

Weather for the County Fair couldn't have been better. Very nice temps for mid-July! I went just once... on opening night. Hot air balloons briefly returned to the fair Wednesday. I was there to crew for a flight then return for the night glow. Lindstrand Balloons' special shape balloon "Lindy" was unfurled for the glow in practice for it's participation in the Waterford Hot Air Balloon Festival.

While waiting to take off we witnessed a steer on the loose heading from the main stage toward people to the south. Made me nervous to think of the damage a steer could do on the midway. It was a busy night and thousands of kids and adults were strolling around. Fortunately a few minutes later the steer was chased back toward the main stage and captured.

Since Spring City Skyfest left the County Fair several years ago Waterford is the closest balloon rally. It's about 25 miles SE of here and takes place on the same weekend. I lost count at 14 participants in this years rally, but there may have been a couple more that didn't go up. It's rare that weather for flying is so perfect, but of the four opportunities throughout the weekend to fly in Waterford balloons flew all four times. I crewed for four flights, making the 50 mile round trip to Waterford four times, and each chase was challenging and rewarding.