November 21st / 22nd

Derek threw a marker at this intersection, as he was quite close to the target, I stood guard as he didn`t want any farmers to pick it up. ( Apparently, the farmers take these beanbags as souvenirs of the balloon festival). The wifes of the farmers gathered for a chat!
Fri 21st
Multiple tasks today, including finding our own launch site and heading for Twin Ring race course. Of course, we followed the experienced Brits and ended up on this pebble beach, in the fog. Quite a few chase vehicles got stuck on the beach, but everyone pitched in and pushed them out.

View of the other balloons getting ready to launch.
View of Motegi, as the balloons head for the target.
We were supposed to have a night glow at Twin Ring, but it was too windy. So, only the burners were turned on. Not much fun for the crowds, but there were fireworks throughout the event.
We let the son of our homestay family from last year, do the burners for the night glow. He did a great job. Think we might have a pilot in the making.
Sun 22nd

Balloonist have to find their own launch site again this morning. Most of the pilots were grouped around these fields. We inflated on this narrow road, so we didn`t have to get any farmers permission.
Beautiful countryside.

Balloons heading into the target area.

Derek went up to 6000ft, it was snowing up there.
His computer showed the speed at 55kph!