ashland, oregon
Warming up the air in the envelope (balloon).
First balloon of Dawn Patrol almost ready to launch.
More Dawn Patrol balloons almost ready to launch.
Dawn Patrol in flight.
Dawn Patrol is a group of selected balloons that launch prior to sunrise.
What would a festival be without food?
More festival food.
The envelope (balloon) laid out on the ground. It will be pulled out to a flat shape prior to inflation.
Looking inside an envelope (balloon) as it is filled with cold air.
Holding down the crown line until the balloon is fully upright.
Balloons aloft & more balloons getting ready to launch. Note that the spectators get to be right out on the field during launch
Chase vehicles bring the equipment to the launch field. Once the balloon is launched, the chase crew heads out to follow the balloon to the landing spot
Zebras (named for their black & white striped shirts) are the field launch directors.
