Balloons Over Bend 2013

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It's that time of year again - time to get out of bed earlier than you have to, and make your way down to Riverbend Park and watch the hot air balloon launch!
Friday night I made my way down to Farewell Bend Park and set up across from the Night Glow location. I know it might seem weird to go to a different park, but I was really trying to capture the reflections of the beautiful balloons on the river.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning around 6:30AM is when the balloons actually launch. I would recommend getting there a little early to watch the setup! Although I absolutely loved helping with the setup, chase-crew, and actually taking a balloon ride last year, it was really nice to just sit back and admire their beauty over Bend (from a distance).

Tomorrow is your last chance to see this in Bend until next year, so set your alarm a little early, make some coffee, and head on down to Riverbend Park. You won't regret it!

Balloons Over Bend

So, my intent was to go to Balloons Over Bend for the morning launches and night glow and take lots of pictures. Instead, I ended up volunteering with one of the balloon crews, and I have to say - I didn't end up with as many pictures as I wanted, but I had so much fun! If given the opportunity again, I would do it in a heartbeat!
Filling up the balloon (my perspective):

Watching the balloon with the mountains as a backdrop (as part of the chase crew):

Retrieving the balloon after landing:

Did I mention I got to go up on Sunday?!

Overall my weekend was filled with good people, and great memories. It was definitely a weekend to remember!