Balloon Day, The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand has a charity event touring New Zealand to raise funds for children with asthma. A bunch of balloonists tour the country putting on night displays for donations. Supposedly they've been trying to get the Wellington City Council to approve a show on the Oriental Parade Beach. It's a thin strip of beach separated from expensive condos by on the road and the boardwalk. Cramming in 10 hot air balloons or so, burners blazing on top of buckets strapped with huge propane tanks. One can understand their reluctance at a potentially hazardous event, especially knowing how windy Wellington can be.. This year they said yes! Good for us then I guess, cause it was a pretty cool event to see.
"Puff", that's the name of the yellow balloon in the middle (above) and below. It's the Asthma Foundations balloon.
To keep all the balloons from swaying into each other, some were tethered and had to be held down by crew. Unfortunately for these guys, high tide makes the thin beach even thinner. 
Thigh high water...and I don't think it's very warm at this time of year.
When the burners are on, they cast a nice warm glow at night.
Part of the show included simultaneous burns by the balloonists.
The title of this photo is, "PLEASE don't let the wind blow his shirt up!" :)
1 comment:
An excellent set of photographs, well thought out. Will show to pilot friends in the UK - well done!
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