Hot Air and Teddy Bears

Well this past Sunday morning our son decided he did not want to sleep past 4:30am. Instead of sitting around the house we decided we should go for a walk. Then I came up with an idea of going to see a company I use to work for back in the early aviation days. Now this is not your normal run of the mill job.. In fact its location varies on a day to day basis depending on the wind. So we started driving in the wee early hours of the morning to a secluded spot where we needed to be for the morning shift. Once we got there we were given a glimpse as to why the mornings in the desert are so great.

Well the morning crew decided to show up with the 12 man basket of the hot air balloons I use to help rig. These baskets look so small in the air don't they!



Then the crew jumps on top of the basket to set up the burners



After they get the basket setup, you tie off the basket to something heavy... lets say a truck. Don't want that balloon floating off on accident



Then they push the basket over to attach the canopy to the basket



Here you can see the balloon attached to the basket with the fan next to it to get things started.



In case your wondering... the only thing that attaches the canopy to the basket is 8 carabiners that you see here.



They use a traditional fan at first to blow in some air and get the balloon to inflate some



Once they get enough of an opening they bring in the big flame... a pyro's dream.



Looking inside the balloon



Just to give you an idea of how BIG the balloon is.. here we are next to it and its not even inflated yet



More fire... you can never have enough



Things are getting a little more... whats the word.... erect



Ready for lift off..



Here they go!!