Shelbyville, Illinois – home of the Touchstone Energy Balloonfest at Lake Shelbyville.
Assisting with the Touchstone Energy hot air balloon and Balloonfest is not new to me.
What was new to me was actually being a passenger in a hot air balloon. After helping check in pilots, crew and passengers, I was prepared to gather paperwork and supplies to move to the next task this morning when I was popped into a hot air balloon! I suppose “popped” and “hot air balloon” should not be used in the same sentence …
My balloon was The Buhlune, pictured here in a photo I took the day before:
Balloonists have the process of setting up and taking down these massive balloons down to an impressive science. This time I was along for the ride, the float. We were up, up, up before I hardly even noticed! I turned every which way, snapping pictures.
My place of employment, Shelby Electric Cooperative.
The Shelbyville High School Ag Plots hosting an unusual crop!
Shelbyville’s Track & Field and Football Field – GO RAMS!
Onward, Eastward.
A moment of serenity, respect and remembrance over Glenwood Cemetery.
Early-risers on a gorgeous morning.
Looking up, inside “my” ride.
Balloon games – tossing a safety flotation device into a small pool.
Playing and skimming over the water as the pilot chooses our landing spot.
My gracious and conscientious pilot, Chris.
Every day, a new adventure awaits.
Fly high, friends!
Just Make the Coffee 
Stuninng pics as always. What a great adventure!
Yes, it was! When someone says, “Hop in” – just do it!
Perhaps we should set cousin weekend to
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If it gets set for Columbus Day weekend … let me know in plenty of time so I can plan not to work during the whole weekend!
Wow, what an experience!
Peaceful and awe-inspiring.
LOVE this post! Motor Man and I actually took our first hot air balloon ride this summer. Ours happened much the way yours did: the pilot said “Hop in!” at the last minute. Isn’t it so peaceful? And such great photo ops! My favorite pic of all these is the one just after your inside of the balloon shot. Is that a lake you’re flying over? The lighting is absolutely wonderful!
Yes, our beautiful Lake Shelbyville. I’m glad to hear from you after Hurricane Matthew. I’ll be reading your blog to catch up this evening.
That looks so fun! I want to do that too someday. 🙂
You will enjoy it!!
How wonderful! Great photos. Great fun!
Proof that you never know what each new day will bring if you will be open to adventure.
Beautiful! You need to ask Penny Standerfer to tell her Balloon Ride story. What great adventures.
Hmmmmm, sounds interesting!
How fun! Gives you a whole new perspective of the town, for sure!
Yes, it really did. I appreciate it on a new level…. 😉
Neat-O!
Looks like loads of fun! Great pics too .. 😃