This year’s Great Reno Balloon Race was it’s usual colorful cacophony of visual goodness. We woke up at 3:30 am in time for Dawn Patrol and yes, it was worth it. The heated balloons against the cold, black sky were incredible.

Yes, that is the moon above the lit balloon. It was very very early and for once not so very cold, at all.

For someone who rarely sees the colors of dawn without staying up all night, I was amazed at the sheer beauty of a sunrise. See the balloon in the far right hand horizon? Yes, that was one of the Dawn Patrol balloons. It drifted off due to some pretty high winds. But look at the beauty of nature unfolding? And no, I didn’t Photpshop this at all. It is SOOC (straight out of camera) for my photography buffs.

Father and son. Need I add anything else?? Except that mhmm, Ken is checking ESPN scores. There has to be an update at what 6 am??

And look who came just for the fun?? Tante Lorraine. My BFF for way too many decades. We reunited for a weekend of fun, frolic and yes, a little writing. Very little. More chatting. Such good times for everyone.

Except for Bella. She hated the noise the balloons made and the “fire” scared her. So she spent most of the race under blankets in the little red wagon, looking like this –

And then she finally gave in to the inevitable. Notice the furrowed brow. That’s my stubborn child, still hating every minute of it even in her sleep –

Over one hundred balloons and racers participated this year. Tony the Tiger was new –

And if you ask if we’ll do it again next year, well, what do you think?? Heck ya.

Wishing you and uplifting moment. Go for it. Look up, up and away.