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Oneshotww's Musings

Last Updated: 12:27 AM GMT on November 23, 2009 — Last Comment: 2:42 AM GMT on November 25, 2009

	Big Bend Balloon Bash

Posted by: oneshotww, 5:38 AM GMT on September 07, 2009

After work on Friday we headed out to Alpine, TX to attend the annual Big Bend Balloon Bash. Alpine is about 400 miles from Austin, so we broke up the drive and spent the night in Ozona, which is a little more than half way. We stayed in a cheap motel - $45 a night – good thing too ‘cause we were only there for eight hours. Got back on the road at 4:30 am Saturday morning and drove the rest of the way. The morning was bit chilly, which was a huge blessing after the 100 degree temps we’ve been having all summer.

Photo’d the balloon launch, then got a bite to eat and headed up to Ft. Davis. Did a bit of sightseeing along the way – got a few shots of the area and then visited the McDonald Observatory. Again the weather was so nice! It was cool with a breeze and there were great big puffy clouds in the sky. On the way to our hotel we stopped at a botanical garden and photo’d some hummingbirds, flowers and desert plants. Got to the hotel, looked at some pix, ate a pizza and went to bed - we were beat.

Sunday morning we left the hotel around 6:30 am and drove out to the Sierra La Rana Ranch where the balloon bash was. The pilots did a lot of low fly bys – it was great standing out in the middle of a field with balloons flying all around you and the sound of the propane burners firing. We shot and shot and then we drove to where the balloons were landing and shot some more.

I’m very pleased with the photos I got. This was only my second hot air balloon festival and I really enjoyed it. Someday I’d love to go to the big festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I wonder if you can get up close and personal to the balloons like you can at the smaller events??? Drove straight back to Austin and it was all I could do to keep my eyes open while driving – we packed a lot into two days but it was worth it.

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Still hoping to break the 100 degree record set in 1925 - need two more days.
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Desert Balloon Ride

This photo was uploaded by: oneshotww

I love the composition of this shot - it's so different from what I've captured before.

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1. EmmyRose 5:54 AM GMT on September 07, 2009
exquisite.

2. oneshotww 6:58 AM GMT on September 07, 2009
Thx, Em, we really enjoyed it. It was a long drive but well worth it.

3. shoreacres 4:57 PM GMT on September 07, 2009
What a glorious shot. And so good to know you did it in a weekend - even an exhausting one. I've never been in that part of Texas and would love to go. It just feels so far away. Of course, these days the other side of Houston feels far away! Thanks so much for posting at least one pic to give us a taste - I imagine Rio gets you for the rest of the day!

4. oneshotww 5:50 PM GMT on September 07, 2009
Thx, Linda. There's more pix posted on here - I'll put more in this blog when I get a chance. From Austin it's a good 6 hours away and to Big Bend NP another hour or so from there. Since flights stink nowadays, we've headed out that way a few times. I've fallen in love with the desert, which surprises me since I also love the mtns and desert. Anyway, if you ever get the chance, I recommend that area - it's a nice change and MUCH cooler too! I meant to thank you for the info about the photo website that you mentioned in previous blog entry. I haven't had a chance to check it out yet but I will. On Flickr & Facebook I have my pix set not to allow downloads (which I'm sure there's a way around). You really have to see them big to truly appreciate them but because of unauthorized downloads I had to make my settings that way.

5. SBKaren 2:17 AM GMT on September 08, 2009
Wanda - those are just beautiful! My mom has been to the hot air balloon festival in NM....she said it was something! I actually have a 2nd cousin in NM who is always asking me to come out for a visit! Maybe someday... I sure understand long drives. Our drive to Lake Tahoe is 500 miles...and we do it in a day - but it takes just about the whole day! That's the only bad part about vacationing there...you have to devote 2 days to travel - one up/one down. At least we try to make adventures out of it...there really is a lot to see on the drive out there. Hard for me to believe that hubby and I used to drive down here for weekends.....he'd pick me up at work at 4PM, we'd drive straight through (bladder was stronger then LOL), get here at midnight...and head back Sunday evening...ahhhhhh youth! Our temps have finally dropped some. It feels wonderful. I like the desert too. When we drive to Tahoe a good portion of the drive is in the high desert...then we hit the mountains, and it's another kind of beauty. So glad you had a good time!

6. Beachfoxx 2:19 AM GMT on September 08, 2009
Wanda, Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! I love watching hot air balloons floating peacefully in the clouds. Your photos are incredible! Wanna come to FL and give me some tips! I pulled out my Macro lens today... and I need help! LOL

7. oneshotww 3:00 AM GMT on September 08, 2009
Karen, we really enjoyed it but the drive was so tiring - I'm sure you know what I mean since you make that trek to Tahoe. We napped when we got home, so did Rio. I think the kennel tired him out. Still hot here - took a long walk today with Rio and thought we were both having heat stroke. I took the wrong path back and it took 3 times as long. We drank 3 bottles of water between us & wet Rio down at a water fountain at the park before the return trip. It was pretty brutal - I underestimated the heat - it was 90 and since we are used to 100, I thought a long walk would be OK. Won't make that mistake again - it was scary.

8. oneshotww 3:03 AM GMT on September 08, 2009
Beach, my macro skills leave a lot to be desired but yes, I'd love to come and we could practice together. Seriously, at a balloon launch, there's so many good photo ops you can't help but get good shots. Other than the low light issue, it's pretty easy shooting but thanks!

9. shoreacres 4:06 AM GMT on September 08, 2009
Wanda, A blogger I read all the time just got herself a new macro lense. Her current post is all dew-covered spiderwebs. You might enjoy taking a peek. I was just grateful to discover she had a specific lens and wasn't just pointing and shooting! LOL!

10. oneshotww 6:19 PM GMT on September 08, 2009
Lin, I checked them out, she's got some real nice shots. I think my next purchase will be a macro lens. I've been using my 70-200mm set on the close up function but since it's a bit heavy, my shots aren't as sharp as I'd like. A lighter lens would make a big difference I'm thinking. TwoShot Update: Finally got to talk to my son this morning - he is in Iraq for some training. We thought he'd be in Kuwait for a couple of weeks but I guess not. He sounds fine and said all is well - that sure relieves me a bit. I don't care how many emails you get - hearing his voice is what matters to me the most. Keep the prayers coming, thanks everyone.

11. Gatorxgrrrl 11:20 PM GMT on September 09, 2009
HI Wanda, love the balloon picture. About 5 years ago while on vacation in Ohio we had 3 balloonists land in the back yard! It was crazy, there was a big festival going on I think it was around June 15th and there were hundreds in the sky, awesome sight to see up close!

12. oneshotww 1:13 AM GMT on September 10, 2009
Thx, Lora, I told the bf that we should quit our jobs and travel the country photoing hot air balloon launches. We'd be skinny - hungry - but skinny! I swear every time I see Campbell Brown on CNN, I thing of you - you look alike!

13. code1 1:20 AM GMT on September 10, 2009
Awesome pics! Looked at them late last night, and came back for another look see. Colors are fab! Really happy to read you got to hear twoshot's voice. Always thinking of him and the other men and women there for US!

14. oneshotww 1:24 AM GMT on September 10, 2009
Code, thx about the pix, I have many more that I haven't posted. If you ever get the chance to go to one, I highly recommend it. I cannot tell you how good it was to hear his voice. He said so far it wasn't too bad. I hope & pray it stays that way. I actually cannot think about it too much because it pains me - feels like I got stabbed in the heart and I just want to cry...

15. 0084PenguinLover 9:27 AM GMT on September 10, 2009
OneShot: Beautiful Balloons! I think those balloons always make wonderful "Photo Ops" I have not yet seen a 'bad pix' of a balloon. PL

16. oneshotww 3:24 PM GMT on September 11, 2009
Thanks, PL. I feel uneasy today - the bf is flying and my son is in Iraq. I'm such a worrier!

17. oneshotww 5:23 PM GMT on September 12, 2009
First a drought and now... finally... Flash Flood Watch in effect until 7 PM CDT this evening... Rest of Today Showers and thunderstorms. Locally heavy rainfall possible. Highs around 80. Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100 percent.

18. OGal 5:34 PM GMT on September 12, 2009
Wanda, I am sorry I didn't know that your son had gone to Iraq. I think it is a much better place to be than Afganistan. I know you will still worry. Just remember he is well trained and he is a smart guy. As far as the flying is concerned. I think one of the problems is that the control is in someone elses hands. I had to give up worrying about my son. Nothing I could do and he flies with great crews. All I can tell you these guys go through tremendous training. Son will be in Orlando on the 25th for concurrent simulator training (every six months, along with inservice updates and medicals every six months) Believe me the guys that are the regular drinkers are frowned upon by the airlines and the guys they fly with. They are no longer in the cockpit. One less worry. Your guy will be just fine....I order you not to worry. Your pictures are great. We have not been anywhere other than here to get any special pictures this summer. It seems we have spent the summer getting stuff done in this house. Sometimes I think an apartment would be wonderful. Never would do that, after all the animals come first. Steve also has been very busy in real estate. Believe it or not the small business market here is really busy. There is alot of leasing going on.

19. oneshotww 7:36 PM GMT on September 12, 2009
Good to hear from ya, Ogal. Son has only been in Iraq for a short time. He calls me whenever he can. I missed his call this morning. The bf is in FL and so Rio and I are just hanging out spending a quiet weekend indoors. Blessedly, it's raining - it's nice.

20. oneshotww 5:15 PM GMT on September 13, 2009
While our temps are down, the humidity is up and we are getting some much needed rain. Friday gave us just under an inch and yesterday over and inch and a half. I am still hoping that we tie or beat the heat record. I want to be able to say that I lived in Texas during the hottest summer since 1925!

21. SBKaren 5:27 PM GMT on September 13, 2009
Hi Wanda - I heard that TX got some much needed rain...but not Shores? I guess it was truly hit and miss. I understand your worry over your son....did you follow along with Airman while he was there? Does your son have access to the Internet like Airman did? That would be a good way to stay in touch. I'll worry a little for you - then you won't have to worry so much...deal?

22. oneshotww 5:46 PM GMT on September 13, 2009
Deal, Karen. He had access to the net once. Right now he is moving around a bit. Thank GOD for the USO - he is able to call for free using their phones, hopefully things will settle down and he will get into a routine.

23. GardenGrrl 8:39 AM GMT on September 14, 2009
Hey did ja get some of this rain?

24. oneshotww 4:00 PM GMT on September 14, 2009
GG, yup, sure did and I bet you did too, huh? Got some Friday, Sat & Sun. I stayed home with the pup and watched chick flicks since the BF was out of town. It was a nice change - fell asleep to the sound of the rain!!!

25. SBKaren 4:45 PM GMT on September 14, 2009
Rain? What's that? Is that that wet stuff that fall from the sky that I hear people talking about?

26. oneshotww 6:52 PM GMT on September 14, 2009
I vaguely remembered it, so when it started on Friday I wasn't totally surprised! But, yes, Karen that's what it is, unless it's white then it's the cold stuff that you see on TV, lol.

27. WxWyz 9:01 PM GMT on September 16, 2009
Nice shots, Wanda!

28. oneshotww 12:41 AM GMT on September 17, 2009
Thx, WxWyz. It was great! I am soooooooooo bummed - no 100 degree day in the forecast before the 22nd when Fall starts. We only need ONE more day to tie!!!

29. OSHNBLU 2:01 AM GMT on September 17, 2009
do I understand you are going on vacation?? Have fun! Looking forward to pics.. Photo OPs are good! Pancake Day 2007 can you name the WU folks in this pic???

30. oneshotww 3:02 AM GMT on September 17, 2009
Yup, Bob and I are going back to the Rockies to photo the aspens in gold. Hmmmmm, I recognize my butt standing next to you! I think that's Rays in the pink shirt down by the water with Gamma next to her. That's all I can make out from this distance.

31. code1 3:21 AM GMT on September 17, 2009
From left to right. Correct blu? lil hyper, code, S, gamma, rays, blu, oneshot, damon.

32. code1 3:23 AM GMT on September 17, 2009
BTW Wanda, I recognized lil hyper (he is a jewel!), my camera back pack, and zoom lens. LOL

33. code1 2:07 AM GMT on September 18, 2009
Since you've been bumped, looking at the photo again, I am rethinking my Damon post on the right. If that is a hat, it's Wobbie! My computer with those pics is dead and all the photos with it. :-(

34. BANGORWALKER 2:08 AM GMT on September 18, 2009
Thank you, Wanda, for a non-political blog... Hello Code Hello BLU Good Night {{{All}}}

35. code1 2:09 AM GMT on September 18, 2009
Hiya Bangor! Getting time to watch your cold again soon. Hope you've had a good summer!

36. oneshotww 3:06 PM GMT on September 18, 2009
Code, I'll take your word for it since I can't make anyone out but those I mentioned. Hope we can do it again sometime. Bangor, you are so welcome - I am not political at all, but if I was, I would hope that I am smart enough to know that I ain't gonna change someone's mind in a blog for gosh sakes!!! ARE THE LEAVE TURNING YET???

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