October 30th - 31st

Oct 30th
The Mayor of Saga's welcoming party started exactly at 7.30pm ( everything here is run with precision). A video showing the mornings flights was accompanied by a famous Saga singer, singing a song about balloons flying up into the sky, he was good and got everyone clapping and singing along.



After the usual speaches, the buffet was open to all. Great food was to be had, if only we could get at it. Everyone descended on the tables at the same time, crazy!! After some eating and much drinking, a few of the rowdies got up on stage and started messing with the flags.!!!!!!!!!!!! Look who is in the center of the picture!!!!!!!!!

Met up with Dennys homestay family from his visit in '06. They send their best wishes and want you to return to Saga. Denny how can you refuse this lovely family!!!!!!!!
Oct 31st.
Great weather again today. The competition starts each morning at 7.20 am, meanwhile, there are a few balloons that fly around the lanch area, to entertain the crowds. The wind was so calm that most of the balloons hovered just feet away from the stands, people were reaching up to touch the baskets. We had plenty of crew to help today, so inflation was a breeze!!!!!!!!!! get it!!!!



After we all shouted " Good Luck" derek was on his way. The wind was very slow, but he made it to the target areas, just couldn't get in close enough to the actual target. This morning he was in 20 th place out of 100. Think that will change though, because we lost one marker in the reeds by the river, no target there , not sure what he was aiming at! Afternoon briefing is at 2.30pm, so we'll see how the afternoon flight goes.