November 3rd - 4th

Nov 3rd
Time for the afternoon Key Grab. The Saga competition has officially finished and now the pilots can have some fun and try to grab as many keys from poles set up in the launch field. This event attracts a HUGE crowd and is the final day of the festival. All the pilots have to select a field to fly from, and navigate their way to the launch field, then drop down to try and grab a key. Prizes range from a Honda car, to some cases of soda. After checking the wind direction, Derek takes off.

Mr Tanaka and his grandson are flying with Derek to bring him good luck for the Key Grab.
Unfortunately, the wind takes Derek and most of the other pilots east of the keys, and he couldn't get a wind to get him back. Only 3 pilots managed to fly into the keygrab area, but nobody got near enough to try for a key. After packing up the balloon, we re-fueled and set off to the launch area for the night glow. At least the crowds could now see the balloons, which glowed in time with a live band's music. Quite a busy day, and we have to get up early tomorrow, as we are tethering for the local school children.
Cold, crisp morning which is perfect for our tether. The children and their parents were all waiting for us. We tethered for 1 1/2 hrs, until all our propane was used up. The kids loved it!
We also gave a ride to Mr Tanaka's neighbour, who had lent us her bicycle. She was so funny to watch. She kept laughing, and clapping, I think it made her day!!! She's in her eighty's, and cycles every day. She jumped into the basket with no problems. Lovely lady.
After the tether, we had to return the basket to the shipping company, for it's shipment to Thailand. Then return the rental van. Then make our way to the Awards Banquet, all before 12.00!!! The Banquet was delicious, plenty of food and drink, in a beautiful grand hall. Owen Keown won the competition for the 9th time! He is from California and is a professional Competition Balloonist. Derek' s ranking was 25th place. He's quite please with it, but recognizes that he made a few bad judgments. He is definately getting better. Some of the pilots and observers are going up to Motegi, but most will be heading home.
Owen, on stage awaiting his first place prize.