70 F/ 21 C

It was a false start.
No balloons today - but there
might be tomorrow!

~carliewired

I set my alarm for 5 AM so I wouldn't miss the start of the Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival. Without coffee or breakfast, I was out on the interstate heading to the downtown at 5:15. I found my way in to the West Wetlands Park to park and wait.....and wait....and wait....

It was calm and clear when I left the house, but by the time I was taking the turn off to the park I could see the trees moving. That's not a good sign for a balloon festival. 

For whatever reason, we were parked quite a distance from the field where the balloons take off. I wandered over in the dark with a flashlight in one hand and my camera in the other. 

A small crowd began to gather before 6. Some of the balloonists arrived with their trucks and trailers and pulled onto the field. Families spread out blankets and bundled up the little ones, some still in pajamas. People milled about and chatted. I had a lovely conversation with a lady who'd just moved here from California. There was a beautiful full moon peeking at me through the trees. 

About 7 it was announced that the balloons would not be taking off here this morning. The wind was not cooperating. We were invited to visit with the balloon crews, but I decided I would head for home and get my breakfast. I found my way past the pond to my parking space and was soon back on the interstate with the sun in my eyes. 

I'm home for the day now. The yard clean-up crew should be here at noon to get started.