We arrived at the Arizona Balloon Classic (held this year for the first time at Rawhide southwest of Phoenix) very early Friday morning. We expected to see this balloon launch and "light up the sky" before dawn- but they just inflated it. It actually launched much later, after sun-up.
After sunrise the other balloons were finally allowed on the field and began inflating. I had never given much thought to the manpower required nor the lengthy process involved in inflating a huge hot air balloon.
The first step is laying out a gigantic plastic tarp to protect the balloon (called "the envelope" by balloonists) from rips and tears. Then the basket is laid on its side and the balloon is pulled out of its bag. After inspecting it to ensure it is not twisted, they are ready to begin inflation. This preparation took a team of 5 people about 20 minutes.
A large fan (connected to a generator) forces air into the balloon while two people hold it, keeping it steady and somewhat level. This part takes quite a bit of muscle, especially as it inflates.
Notice that this balloon does not have a tarp underneath it. A different team told me that was really foolish since basic "beginner" balloons start at about $10,000- $15,000 and last about 400 hours IF you take really good care of them. Not using a tarp decreases the balloon's life expectancy by about half.
As the balloon inflates, a team member goes inside the balloon for an internal inspection. Notice how the young man is leaning and straining as he "holds" the balloon. You can see the air vents at the top of balloon. Since hot air rises, they can open the vents allowing the hotter air to escape leaving cooler air to fill the space. As the air inside the balloon cools, the balloon descends. The pilot can control altitude but is at the mercy of the wind as far as direction is concerned; there is no steering wheel!
Once the balloon is partially inflated, they turn on the burner, heating the air, and breathing life into the balloon.
Like a new-born colt struggling to stand, the balloon slowly rights itself pulling the basket upright. The "holders" gently let it go while the guy aiming the flame has to take care not to set the balloon on fire. It's a carefully orchestrated process with each member of the team aware of what everyone else is doing, making adjustments without anyone saying a word.
Finally the balloon is totally upright and almost ready to go. It took about 20 minutes to fully inflate the balloon.
Multiply this process times 25 balloons and you have an idea of what was going on that morning. The fans and the "flame throwers" make a lot of noise. The air is crisp and cool. It is a multi-sensory experience!
At last, slowly the balloons begin launching. We expected them all to launch at the same time but it appeared they flew when they were ready. We enjoyed watching them lift-off and fly.
Some had flags on them like this one from New Mexico- the yellow flag on the bottom is their state flag.
Most were "roundish" but one was much more angular.
And one had what looked like a ferris wheel seat rather than a basket. Can you imagine going up in the sky in that? Yeah, me neither.
We think this one had the moon as its destination!
Soon the sky was dotted with balloons of every color. Every eye was looking skyward.
After a short ride, one by one the balloons began descending. As I took this picture in the parking lot as were getting ready to leave, I had this thought that the balloons looked like Christmas ornaments... only not on the trees... and began giggling! Not enough sleep? Perhaps. Need more coffee? Definitely.
The Arizona Balloon Classic was not quite what was advertised nor what we expected, but it was fun. And now I want to go to Albuquerque for the BIG Balloon Classic!
Thumb Up or Down: Half Up
Miles Round-Trip: 29.2
Miles To Date: 69.4
Date of This Trip: November 18, 2011
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