Hot Air Balloons 2

Around Ohio

These balloons were truly held aloft by hot air, rather than a lighter gas such as helium or hydrogen. During the launch, each balloon was partially inflated by a giant fan, until there was enough air to safely ignite the giant propane burner at the top of the gondola.

Liftoff

This brightly colored balloon was one of my favorite. Balloon patterns ranged from checkers to stripes to smiley-faces, but the contrasting blue and yellow on this design made it stand out.

Checkered Balloon

As the balloons disappeared into the blue sky, they almost looked like giant floating mushrooms. The wind speed seemed quite calm on the ground, but most of the balloons managed to disappear over the horizon within ten minutes after launching.

Wild Blue Yonder