Bear Creek Falls

Trying to help all my Las Vegas friends think cool thoughts with the 100+ degree days they have been having.  Yes, that is a little snow still left on the rocks.

Telluride Street Party

Talk about a block party!  Saturday night; after having watched the balloons launching in the morning; we got to see them set up on Colorado Street in Telluride.  They closed the main street through town and had eight of the balloons set up along the street.  It seemed like the whole town came out to watch. What a sight to see them light up at night when they turned the heaters on.

 This morning Steve and I woke up at 6:15 am and braved the almost freezing temperatures (just a small exaggeration) to watch the launch of 15 hot air balloons from the town park in Telluride, CO.  Yes, I am wearing a winter coat, gloves and a hat!  This was absolutely fascinating to watch.  First the balloonist set up their baskets and make sure the fire ignition is working.  Then the baskets are tipped over and the balloon is attached.  They use hugh industrial type fans to fill the balloons with air.  After the balloon is filled the heater is ignited and the air is heated which causes the balloon to right itself.  At this point the balloonist gets in the basket and about a half dozen volunteers hold the basket to the ground and angle the basket and balloon to the launch site.  Not sure I want to ride in one but it was sure fun to watch the launch.