Balloon Classic 2011

This past Labor day weekend, I attended the Balloon Classic in the Springs again. Unlike last year, this time I was standing amidst the balloons while they inflated and took off. The difference was amazing and I got some interesting shots of the insides of balloons this time that were missed last year. Nothing can make you feel small like being surrounded by 10-20 balloons fully (or nearly) inflated!

I found a number of the names of the teams amusing so I included a few photos of them and their signs as well. Enjoy!

 

As you can see, pigs really do fly!

Talk about men and their expensive toys! This is a shot of the trailer used to carry the balloon for this team.

I got a kick out of this one. This team was the first to be airborne after the start of the event.

Let the inflation of the balloons begin!

Securing the crown.

Nearly complete!

One of the nice shots I got from inside the balloon.

Another shot looking up from the inside of the balloon.

Another shot from inside. You can see the burner on the lower left corner. Love the leading lines in this shot.

An amusing shot of things you cannot see once the balloon is vertical and fully inflated.

I like the pattern repetition and vivid colors on this one.

Another interestingly shaped balloon. A parrot this time. No protrusions on the back, just the beak and crown on the front and top. I wonder if it makes it harder to fly being unbalanced.

A little different angle on this shot.

Interesting name.

I was kind of surprised at the number of crews that came from Amarillo or surrounding areas.

Appropriate name for a balloon crew.

Another appropriate name for a balloon crew.

Excess indeed. Check out the cost of a balloon online sometime...

Elsa's Birthday

Yesterday, Nathan and I went to a friend's house for their daughter's second birthday party. All attendees had a blast, and I came away with a couple very nice shots of the birthday girl that I thought worthy of sharing. Enjoy!

Wildlife Experience - Winter Wonderlights

In south Denver there is a place that puts on a huge show of Christmas lights. We went tonight. I haven't finished up the photos for that visit yet, so watch for more to appear. However this is the one I did manage to prepare.

Santa was available for sittings and photos at this event. We stood in line in the cold for about 20 minutes only to find that Nathan was scared of the man in the red suit and refused to sit in his lap. The closest we got was to talk him into giving Santa a hug and we got this one shot out of it.

More to come later, so enjoy for now!

Electric Safari

A few shots from the Electric Safari last night at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. My only complaint is spending $6 and change for two small cups of hot cocoa. The lights were beautiful and even the big cats were active.

I think this one is one of my favorite shots from the evening.

The zoo's elusive snow leopard. Isn't she beautiful?

Mrs. Claus poses for a quick photo.