Up early
Lis and Dave waiting for the rest of our party - Lis and Dave waiting for the rest of our party
Early morning sky
Doug and Lis are up before dawn for the second day in a row - Doug and Lis are up before dawn for the second day in a row
Smart livestock
Evidently the livestock can read and follow directions in Arizona - Evidently the livestock can read and follow directions in Arizona
Launch site
Just after dawn, we wait for the balloon to be readied - Just after dawn, we wait for the balloon to be readied
Dawn sky
Other balloonists also preparing for flight - Other balloonists also preparing for flight
Inflation
Holding open the bottom while blowing air in with a fan - Holding open the bottom while blowing air in with a fan
Getting bigger
The opening is getting too big for Barb and Lis - The opening is getting too big for Barb and Lis
Hot air
Dave adds his contribution to our lift - Dave adds his contribution to our lift
Inside
Inside it's just air - Inside it's just air
Taller
Wendy and Doug take a turn holding the opening - Wendy and Doug take a turn holding the opening
Almost there
The balloon is almost inflated, but still cold - The balloon is almost inflated, but still cold
Light 'em up
Two enormous burners provide heat - Two enormous burners provide heat
Holding the top
As the balloon inflates, the crew holds the top line to make sure it goes up right - As the balloon inflates, the crew holds the top line to make sure it goes up right
Other balloons
One balloon beat us off the ground; the others would follow shortly - One balloon beat us off the ground; the others would follow shortly
Burn baby burn
The burner is both loud and hot - The burner is both loud and hot
Peace
When the burner is not firing, it's a very peaceful experience - When the burner is not firing, it's a very peaceful experience