Great Reno Ballon Race

It has become tradition, once a year, to pull ourselves out of bed before the sun comes up to see the Great Reno Balloon Races. The events start with a glow show then dawn patrol, and usually ends with a mass ascension. The last couple years we drove to the convention center, paid the dollar per person and rode the bus right into the park. This year I thought that I would try to park, I was able to park at the university and walk up with the kids but for the sake of ease and convenience, I think we will stick to the annual bus trip. It means getting up a little earlier but it definitely pays off. The kids enjoy the miniature donuts that we partake in every year. The field is full of little ones in PJ's, college kids who have been up all night, families and friends from around the world, and an experience one will not soon forget. Because of our wonderful Nevada weather dressing warm for the pre dawn festivities is a must and we always bring a few blankets in tow with thermos's of hot chocolate and coffee. Layers are a plus so you can shed clothes as the sun comes out and warms the day. This year we had some new balloons; a globe, a shark, a strawberry, a pepsi can, and a man with sunglasses to name a few. We also had some good old dependable balloons such as Smokey the bear, the Wells Fargo Wagon, and Darth Vador. This year mass ascension did not take place due to the unstable air conditions so for the first time in a couple years we were able to wonder around and take really great pictures of the balloons that are hard to get during mass ascension. Both experiences are great in different ways.

A picture of dawn patrol

Up, Up, and not so away . . . 

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Oldies but Goodies