One day of fabulous weather and then the rains came. It spite of the weather I hope you were able to find a way to enjoy the holiday weekend.
So many things were going on over the Memorial Day weekend that I had more than a few photographic opportunities. Providing a tribute to our armed forces and those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country was the best and most obvious choice. It is an honor and privilege to be able to do so! To those Men and Women of our Armed Forces, our sincere gratitude for your service to our country.
The one event I look forward to on this weekend is the Decatur, AL annual hot air balloon classic, Alabama Jubilee. It is an amazing spectacle of pageantry and color. The only downside is the event happens so darn early on Saturday morning especially if, like me, you started celebrating the Memorial weekend on Friday night. In spite of that hurdle, I was “a go for launch” for Saturday morning. Coffee and cameras in hand, I headed over to Decatur, keeping my fingers crossed that the prevailing winds would not be too much as to ground the balloons. What more could you ask for with the patriotic weekend and the majestic pageantry of these flying machines ascending skyward.
Unlike last year, I decided not to catch a ride but rather take the view in from the ground and I was extremely pleased I did. There is quite a buzz throughout the crowd as the heaters begin to inflate the balloons, the balloons rise upwards to a vertical position and then ascend skyward one by one. It is a sight un-like anything you may ever witness as the balloons fill the sky dodging each other to find a correct position to chase after their target. This year a blanket of clouds, which spread across the sky, added an incredible visual element to the photographs. Looking upward it was an amazing site as the 60 balloons jockeyed across the sky.
Once skyward, the view remains spectacular as the balloons fly along at the whim of the winds and the expertise of the pilot. This year was no exception. Unfortunately Saturday morning was the only day they flew. Mother Nature decided to add strong winds and rains and the rest of the weekend was a bust. It is unfortunate but it is the nature of the sport.
I am so grateful that I was able to get out Saturday and take in the beautiful sites. Enjoy!!!!!!!
ONCE YOU HAVE TASTED FLIGHT, YOU WILL FOREVER WALK THE EARTH WITH YOUR EYES TURNED SKYWARD, FOR THERE YOU HAVE BEEN AND THERE – YOU WILL ALWAYS LONG TO RETURN
…………………….. Leonardo da Vinci
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Best Regards …..
~ dK ~
