January 2005 We arrive at site off Carefree Highway far north Phoenix.
Firing up
View from inside
Going vertical
Liftoff
I shoot the ascent as Shawn gets me and the sister balloon.
Up, up and away
Almost looks like a flower from below.
Chatting with Captain Al at altitude
Sister balloon lifts off
Kay and her brother Bill Hursey.
Both balloons coming in for the landing.
Don't you just love the desert at dusk?
Dirt bikers greet the landing.
Ground crewman steadies the balloon.
Canopy starts to collapse.
Basket engulfed
Ground crew with guy lines collapsing the canopy.
Over all too soon.
Traditional champagne post flight toast before al fresco dinner. Son Shawn, his wife Nikki, Kay, and her brother Bill.
Crew packing up.
Fire in the sky as we head home. Ok, I have to be honest. This photo is a composite. Shawn took the sunset as we were driving home. I cut and pasted the balloon from an earlier shot to give the sunset more impact.
