Author: Kay

Follow that balloon!

Hot air balloons can get up to an altitude of 2,500 feet above ground and hold over 100,000 cubic feet of heated air. (Insert your own political comparisons here.)

But we wanted to see a balloon more up close and personal. And, for instance, what happens when they come down?

When a chase vehicle conveniently drove by and waved on Thursday, we decided to chase the chaser.

The balloonist found a convenient-looking field off Woodcock Road, one with no crops, livestock, or power lines. Protocol dictates that permission be granted before landing. The chase vehicle and team went to the nearest house, knocked on the door, and asked. Once OK’d, the balloon came down gently and was grabbed by a team of three runners. As it hovered above ground, they walked the balloon and basket closer to the road where the chase vehicle waited. There were toasts with bubbly beverage, I heard a few “happy anniversaries,” and the ride for paying customers was over.

The balloon is inflated by hot air from propane burners. While it was still inflated, the man on the right walked lines from the top of the balloon to direct where it would fall as it deflated. Then he was joined by the second man and it looked like they stretched the balloon out as it fell.

I’m not sure exactly how it deflates (Is there an opening at the top? Is the air simply allowed to cool?) but it comes down steadily once the process starts. Then it’s time for a group hug: As the balloon flattens, the chasers and other volunteers squeeze it down for transport.

Here’s the basket – the cockpit and guest accommodations. Besides the balloon and the pilot’s skill, it’s all that stands between pilot, passengers, and the elements. (Yes, that’s a camera perched on the side of the basket. It seems like every camera in the western U.S. is visiting Sequim right now.)

The Sequim Balloon Festival runs this weekend through Monday. Balloon rides are $250 per person. That’s rich for my budget, so don’t expect any airborne shots here. The festival includes a classic car show, arts and crafts, music, and more. I’ll post more balloon photos from today’s launch tomorrow.

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Look! Up in the sky!

It’s a balloon! Sequim’s first Balloon Festival is this weekend and participating balloonists have begun to arrive. Five checked out the conditions early yesterday morning.

The light wasn’t perfect but the winds were calm and the balloons drifted gracefully across the landscape.

It was a great treat. And it was almost as much fun to see how many other people were taking it in too. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people out in Sequim that early, pulled over by the sides of the roads, looking up. . .and everyone had cameras.

The Agnew truck

There’s an old truck at the Agnew Store. It’s moved around from time to time. Its latest location has it cozying up with the landscaping. I can picture it oneday in a jungle of leaves with bits and pieces of old truck poking out.

Here’s what it looks like in full. It has a very spiffy and newer red cousin doing the store’s heavy lifting these days.

4H: Head, Heart, Hands, Health

The county fair is an opportunity for kids to strut their stuff and 4H clubs throughout the U.S. give them the tools and leadership skills to succeed. I love that we’re in a community that fosters active 4H involvement. The young exhibitors at the Clallam County Fair did a spectacular job showing their animals and projects.

They start ’em young. Having been a city kid for much of my life I’m impressed that children this size are perfectly at ease with critters bigger than they are.

The Fair is a chance for some fun, too. The kids costumed goats, above, and dogs and horses. The animals showed remarkable patience but it’s clear they’re also showered with love and care.

Is there a chiropractor in the house?

Bull riding! My back hurts just watching these guys. This is another one of those rodeo events where a cowboy climbs on an unwilling ride. . .in this case a 3,000 pound steer that isn’t happy about the turn of events.

And here’s another example of testosterone meets resistance. There’s money to win at rodeos, but from my perspective a few of life’s bumps and injuries have taught me not to go looking for more.

I usually don’t fuss much with my photos but couldn’t do much about the background here. What do you think of this effect?

Barrel racing

Barrell racing is where the cowgirls shine at the rodeo. The rider and horse circle a course of three barrels and then tear back to the starting point.

Seconds count so winning teams maneuver close and fast. Mind you, the rider may talk to the horse but the real communication is through body language and teamwork. It’s all about trust and practice.

The home stretch is where they really pour on the speed. Each racer clocks in around 15 seconds or less. I love to watch, but my camera allows me to take in and appreciate the beauty of the ride.

Tomorrow: Bronc and bull riding.