December 13th

December 13th
Last night we had the night glow. All the balloons had to go in a parade to the launch site, to the sounds of Star wars music. The army tanks led the procession, then the trucks moved in beside each tank. The crowds loved it, then it was a photo opportunity for everyone, while the balloons inflated for the night glow.
Our friends, Jinmorie and yuki have the pumpkin balloon.
I went up with Derek for a flight this morning. This is the launch site as we're ascending.
Sunrise over Pattaya.

We had just finished a splash and dash in the lake, when Jinmorie comes in for a dip.




Flying right next to this balloon.

Beautiful views .
Enjoying the sunrise together.
The crops here are mostly Tapioca and pineapples.


In the distance, you can see the high rise hotels at Pattaya beach. Which means we have to find a wind to take us a different direction.!
Akio ( Kamikazi pilot) is having a nice relaxing flight. Wonder whats wrong!
Quite a few new developments, all with swimming pools and maid quarters.
These are lovely places, but they are in the middle of nowhere. Nice get away though.
Derek picks out the temple as a landing place, crew are on their way there.
Approaching the temple.


Soft landing. Threw down the drop line so crew could pull us away from the trees.


To the right of the balloon, is a new temple under construction.
Bringing down the balloon.
These women came running over to help pack the balloon away, then went back to their construction jobs. They are building a new temple and actually sleep on the floor of the temple during the construction.
In the same complex, is this shrine of the black Buddha!
Entrance to the temple. Wished I had run out and got a picture of the balloon framed by this entrance. Just noticed it as we were leaving.
On the way home this truck was passing us. Amazed at how high they stack their goods, also how people ride on top of the goods.
Once we got back to the hotel, had breakfast and took out bikes to cycle to our favorite coffee shop. Got to know "pat" , that's what she told us to call her as it easier than pronouncing the Thai name. Her boyfriend is from Germany and they hope to open a restaurant next year. She speaks good english, so it was nice to visit with her each morning.