February 13th / 14th

There is a Valentines Day festival for this weekend. Our contract is to tether and glow for the evenings. Dereks balloon is on the banner behind the stage. Despite all the advertising we don't have any bookings for Saturday morning. Mainly backpackers in this area, not sure if there are customers that are willing to spend $200 for a balloon flight. Quite steep considering the price of everything else here, but cheaper than european prices for a flight.
Watched one of the people staying at our resort cutting open this huge fruit that grows on the trees here. This is usually sold down the market, cut up in small plastic bags. I can see why as it took forever to cut through the skin and cut out the individual segments.
Taking out each segment. This fruit is very popular.
Here are the segments, they are very dry to eat and taste like dried apricots. The huge seeds can be roasted and taste like nuts. The fruit is called Jack Fruit.
One of the guys here has an espresso machine for his camping stove. Never seen this before, will look out for one.
In the afternoon, we head out to the natural springs. Even though we were with all the Thai crew, their price was $1 to get in, and our ( foreigners price) was $6-. Very annoying to get charged over the top all the time for any outing!!! But springs were great.
Win ( one of the crew ) boils some eggs for lunch in the 80c water.
Looking relaxed even though the water is boiling!!! We both had pink legs when we stood up.
Feb 14th,
We had flights for this morning-yeah!! Flew for over an hour on a beautiful morning. Still a bit hazy due to the smoke from the mountains.
When Derek landed lots of people came running into the field. Most people here have not seen a Hot Air Balloon before. So people were following the path of the balloon on most of its flight.
Stopped for breakfast at a street vendor who owned this cute little dog, with the most awful teeth. !
In the afternoon, we went swimming at the resort that is owned by the passengers we flew. Water was freezing!
Nice resort, with deluxe cabins that go for $30-.
Met everyone at 6pm , to try an afternoon flight. While we were waiting, we drew a crowd of locals. This is the ice-cream/ snack vendor.
Derek inflated, and tested the wind with this pi-ball.. Only had these balloons at the shop. Did take 2 passengers , but as the wind was headed towards the mountains, he could only fly for 10mins.