LAKE HAVASU HOT AIR BALLOON FEST - JANUARY 2012

  This is the second annual balloon fest for Lake Havasu.  The first one was plagued with weather problems and most events were cancelled.  This year, although Saturday was too windy, the first 2 days of the festival were successful under calm clear skies and the last day, Sunday, was beautiful.  We counted 34 balloons. 

In the early morning under calm skies the balloonists begin prepping their balloons for the mass ascension.

They have a method and soon the balloons are almost ready for ascent.

Soon balloons are floating all over Lake Havasu.  They don't want to land on the California side because although it is a short ways across the lake, it is a long drive for the fetch vehicle to go to the bridge and around. 

All sorts of shapes. 

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We can watch the balloons right from our camp at the Islander RV Resort, and it is just a short walk across the fairway to go into the festival.

From the park's swing we could watch balloons and a ring-necked duck at the same time. 

 Below, a panda flys over camp.

In the evening the festival features live music and when darkness falls, the balloon glow begins! 

 Of course Alan went crazy taking photos.  Below is my favorite!

And...

 Added attraction:  The army does a fly-over, and over, and over:

And then there were the skydivers who landed in front of us on the fairway:

Alan and our friends opt for a tethered balloon ride.  (L-R) Pilot, Enna, Nathan, Aldo, Alan. 

The brave family above:  Enna & Aldo, Natalie & Nathan.

As the balloon fest comes to an end, we are headed to the campground jacuzzi, then a trip over to the Blue Water in Parker.  Come tomorrow we'll head for the gem and mineral show in Quartzsite and my annual pilgrimage to the naked book seller.