Up, Up and Away

Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?
Would you like to glide in my beautiful balloon?
We could flow among the stars, together you and I

For we can fly, up, up and away
(For we can fly)
In my beautiful, my beautiful balloon

Lyrics from “Up, Up and Away”, a 1967 song written by Jimmy Webb and recorded by The 5th Dimension. The first thoughts that enter my mind when I see hot air balloons. Oh well.

Ballooning is popular in north Scottsdale. Another way to experience the Sonoran Desert, another tourist attraction. On our way to Lake Pleasant the other day, Bill McAdam and I happened upon some balloons departing for a morning flight. It was not far from home, just a few miles west on the Carefree Highway. We couldn’t resist the opportunity to capture a few shots of these colourful, towering bags of hot gas, lifting into the morning sky. Morning temperatures are still a little crisp at this time of year. The temperature difference between the inside and outside of the balloon is greatest at this time of day, so lift is best in the morning.

Following are a few of the shots I got of the balloons.