Like paper lanterns rising to the heavens in the Far East, the radiant balloons twinkled in unison during the Dawn Patrol that was to precede the Great Reno Balloon Races. Only seven balloons – those which were qualified to fly in the dark – participated. The flying conditions at night can be dangerous since atmospheric conditions can change quickly once the sun rises over the hot Nevada desert.
As music played in the background, the sky changed from jet black, to midnight blue to steel grey, with a hint of gold. Unfortunately, weather conditions prevented the 80 or so balloons from ascending together after the sun had risen. Though we were disappointed, the beautiful Dawn Patrol event made our 0400 wake-up so worthwhile!
“For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.”
Leonardo Da Vinci
“Heights by great men reached and kept were not obtained by sudden flight but, while their companions slept, they were toiling upward in the night.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“The reason birds can fly and we can’t is simply because they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings.”
J.M. Barrie
“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.”
J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
“There is a trick to flying. The angels told me.” He had smiled at my wide-eyed awe. “You need to forget everything you know as a human being. When you are human, you discover that there is great power in hating the earth. And it can almost make you fly. But it never will.
I had frowned, not quite understanding him. “So, what’s the trick?”
“Love the sky.”
Anne Fortier, Juliet
“I will never stop trying to fly, because I’m not convinced that anything is impossible!”
Matt Scott
Where in the World?
Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.
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