Great Reno Balloon Race 2008

Balloons Overhead

9/27/2008 3:25:58 AM

Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_236a

Surrounding Neighborhoods

9/21/2008 8:05:37 PM

Because hot air balloons are at the mercy of the prevailing winds they often end up landing in Reno neighborhoods. Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_265a)

Balloon Lands On A Reno Street

9/21/2008 8:03:08 PM

Because hot air balloons are at the mercy of the prevailing winds they often end up landing in Reno neighborhoods where everyone helps until the chase vehicle arrives. Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_264a)

The �Hound� Balloons Give Chase

9/21/2008 8:01:16 PM

Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_252a)

Lady Bug Balloon

9/21/2008 7:59:30 PM

Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_250a)

�Hound� Balloons Tossing Their Steamers

9/21/2008 7:57:49 PM

Hare & Hound: Hunting Balloon-Style. Two "Hare" balloons shaped like Bumble Bees launch from Rancho San Rafael Park 45 minutes apart. They will set down and place a cloth cross on the ground. The rest of the �Hound� balloons will try to get close and throw weighted streamers at the cross (closest one wins). Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_248a)

Balloons In The Morning Sky

9/21/2008 7:53:04 PM

Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_230a)

Energizer Bunny Balloon

9/21/2008 7:48:32 PM

Many of the balloons are sponsored by local companies and national companies alike. Some are even shaped like the products that are being sponsored. Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_226a)

Balloons Over Rancho San Rafael Park

9/21/2008 7:45:54 PM

Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_222a)

Great Reno Balloon Race Over Pond

9/20/2008 5:34:49 AM

Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_217a)

Balloons Start To Rise

9/20/2008 5:30:23 AM

Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_188a)

The Basket Is Almost Ready

9/20/2008 5:28:11 AM

Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_174a)

Filling The Balloon With Hot Air

9/20/2008 5:25:58 AM

Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_172a)

The Spectators Watch The Preparations

9/20/2008 5:24:08 AM

The Spectators Watch The Preparations Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_161a)

Preparation For The Mass Ascension

9/20/2008 5:22:21 AM

Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_160a)

The Bald Eagle Balloon Launches

9/20/2008 5:20:01 AM

The Bald Eagle Balloon is always the first to launch as America The Beautiful plays in the background. Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_139a)

The Bald Eagle�s Crew Is Ready

9/20/2008 5:17:53 AM

The Bald Eagle Balloon is always the first to launch as America The Beautiful plays in the background. Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_137a)

The Bald Eagle Balloon Awaits Launch

9/20/2008 5:15:39 AM

The Bald Eagle Balloon is always the first to launch as America The Beautiful plays in the background. Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_129a)

Balloon Preparation At Sunrise

9/20/2008 5:13:47 AM

Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_126a)

Sunrise Over Waiting Balloon

9/20/2008 5:12:05 AM

Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D40-08_125a)

Red Streamer Toss

9/20/2008 5:10:11 AM

Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D20-27_079a)

Yet Another Streamer Toss

9/20/2008 5:08:48 AM

Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D20-27_076a)

The 2nd Of Two "Hare" Balloons Sets Down

9/20/2008 5:07:03 AM

Another Streamer Toss

9/20/2008 5:05:06 AM

Taken September 14, 2008 at the Great Reno Balloon Race (Image D20-27_070a)