Hot Springs

The Legends Hot Air Balloon Rally was held last weekend, and one of the Legends couldn't make it, so I was offered the opportunity to fill in! The event is held at the Hot Springs Airport, which makes flying a little tricky. There aren't many good landing sites around Hot Springs, so it's tough to fly off from the field. So, both Friday and Saturday, we flew across the airport grounds. A little anticlimactic, but the crowd (a large crowd at that) loved it!

Friday evening, I met my local crew members, Chris, and Sharon. Sharon and I flew across the airport, we packed up, and had some great burgers in the VIP tent. Chris and Sharon stuck around for the Clint Black concert, but I headed back to the hotel for a good night's sleep.

No flying took place on Saturday morning, so I went to breakfast with Chris and Sharon, and upon returning to the hotel, found most of the balloonists visiting in the parking lot. It was fun meeting some of these people, most of whom have been flying balloons for 20 years or more.

Evening came and it was time to meet at the airport again. Even though it wasn't my group's turn to fly (we were supposed to glow only on Saturday) we joined the flying group for a hop across the airport, then set up for the glow. My neighbors Mike and Cynthia came over, so we had lots of hands, and lots of fun! The sunset behind the glow made for some BEAUTIFUL pictures.

David Hoover was in charge of weather reporting for the event, and he determined that Sunday morning's weather wouldn't be suitable for flying, so after the glow, my crew and I had catfish and fixin's in the VIP tent while we listened to Charlie Daniels entertain us. It was a very pleasant evening, and we all enjoyed ourselves.

Thanks to my crew members for making this possible, and for making it fun! Even though the flying isn't great, I had a nice time, and I hope to get invited again next year!