Ballooning - Hot Air, Helium, or Hydrogen?
Ranked #7,515 in Hobbies, Games & Toys, #93,822 overall
Up, Up, and Away.... an Almost Silent Way of Flying!
It's a strange feeling to be walking along and hearing a voice come from out of the sky.... and then to look up and see a fellow leaning over the edge of a basket of a hot-air balloon... asking for directions? When we lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico--home of the annual October Hot Air Balloon Festival, we experienced that a few times.
It was even more fun to drive over to the launching grounds for the "mass ascension" across the Rio Grande in Rio Rancho. We'd park there in the early morning and watch the balloons being assembled, filled with hot air, and launching.
This Squidoo lens will give you more information on this fascinating way to travel.
Balloon Trucks Lined Up to Start Balloon Inflation at Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Launch Site
Decorate With or Wear Balloon Designs!
Hot Air Balloon Being Rolled Out in Preparation for Inflation--Rio Rancho Launch Site, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Inflation Time ... Using a Fan to Initially Inflate the Balloon at Launch Site
Hot Air Balloons Are a Quiet Hobby (Except When They Fire Up the Burners)
When we first moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, we wondered what was up with all the pickup trucks hauling trailers loaded up with very large baskets. We later realized that the baskets were the "passenger compartments" for hot-ar balloons. It didn't take long after we moved to Albuquerque that we were able to enjoy our first Annual Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival. Ballooning by the Bay ... eBay, That Is!
One Balloon Inflated (Ready for Take-Off), and the Other Almost Inflated at Rio Rancho Launch-Site
One Balloon Up, Another Getting Ready to Go, and One Starting Inflation
Balloons Aloft and Heading Out With the Wind -- Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Read Up on Ballooning!
Hot Air Balloons by Ailsa Spindler
From that famous day in June 1783, when the Montgo more...0 points
Balloon Flying Handbook by Federal Aviation Administration
For pilots ready to go up, up, and away in their b more...0 points
Curious George and the Hot Air Balloon by H. A. Rey, Margret Rey
While on vacation, George and the man with the yel more...0 points
Ballooning by Anthony Smith
Who starts a journey without knowing where it will more...0 points
Places You Can Go to See Hot Air Balloons? You Can Go There Using Orbitz!
Albuquerque's Airport Code is "ABQ"... Or, Maybe You Want to Watch Balloons in Sacramento ("SAC")
A sort of "Balloon Scrapbook" and photo essay is included below this module for your enjoyment. So, if you do decide to drop a note, be sure to continue viewing the pics below!
Balloons arriving at launch area and being off-loaded and unfolded.
Lowering the balloon's basket from the trailer.
Balloon unfolded and being spread out in preparation for inflation.
Using the fan to blow air into the balloon, inflating it before applying the heat.
Crew members must hold the opening to the balloon open when they blow air into it for inflation
Inflating balloon as seen from the side, showing the relative size and how they look when partially inflated.
Two more balloons getting inflated
Shadows of outside inspectors checking the vents and seams of the balloon as it inflates.
The inside of a balloon as it is being inflated.
Checking the inside of the balloon 'envelope' as it's being inflated.
Adding heated air to the mix in the balloon's inflation.
Additional hot air added to the balloon envelope after the balloon has gone upright.
Adding more heat to generate more lift!
One balloon ready for lift off, while two more are being inflated in the background.
Balloon lifting off and heading out!
Balloon ride to the moon?
Balloon heading out over the tree line.
Red, White, and Blue balloon getting ready to ascend
Inside view of a balloon pattern.
Lift off! With other balloons getting ready to join 'em!
Balloon up, up, and away!
Balloons lifting off and heading out.
Red, White and Blue balloon up and away
Balloon heading way up and out, ready for the long distance flight.
Don't Get All Puffed Up Before You Leave! Drop a Note Here!
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jimmyworldstar
Dec 11, 2011 @ 10:43 pm | delete
- Good photos! I've never seen a hot air balloon actually being filled up before. I'm too scared to ride one but for the braver souls it must be an exhilarating experience.
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Chinajoy
Feb 8, 2011 @ 12:51 am | delete
- I'm gonna have to give this a try. Beautiful photos.
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Tipi
Sep 21, 2010 @ 5:56 pm | delete
- Fun lens! I just might have to go to the top and scroll down again. Would love to go ballooning someday. Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing. This must be pure joy!
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vallain
Jul 6, 2010 @ 8:13 am | delete
- Wow, great photos. Really lovely to see, but I'm too chicken to ride in one.
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Amazing Pictures! Definitely an Illustrated History!
Lighter Than Air: An Illustrated History of the Development of Hot-Air Balloons and Airships
Amazon Price: $117.66 (as of 02/16/2012)
If you love hot air ballooning, this book will help you bring back those fond memories with each turn of the page. If you are a balloonist, or if you just love watching these amazing contraptions, you will definitely love this book!
FAA on Hot Air Balloons... This is a Fact Book Chock Full of Facts!
Balloon Flying Handbook
Amazon Price: $5.56 (as of 02/16/2012)
This book provides the facts--the physics of ballooning, the components of a modern hot-air balloon, how balloons are flown, and the history of ballooning. It's a great book to have for your ballooning reference! Get yours now!
Hot Air Balloon with a Wicker Basket - a Toy You Can Practice With?
Hot Air Balloon w/ Wicker Basket
Amazon Price: (as of 02/16/2012)
This is a way for you to practice your ballooning on a small scale. It also can make a nice decoration for those aspiring balloonists!
