A Surprise in the Garden

June 12, 2014
Hot Air Balloon

 

June GardenEarly yesterday morning, Ruby and I were out having a little coffee and  enjoying a quick tour of the new blooms in the garden…UNTIL……

Roxie--our other Australian Shepherd– interrupted our composure with incessant barking and barking and barking…

What now?

a deer?

a cyclist?

Hopefully not the black bear that was spotted nearby (Read HERE)

NO!  Something worse…

June Garden

A beautiful hot air balloon from Stillwater Balloons or Aamodt’s Hot Air Balloons.

Hot Air Balloon

Hot Air Balloon

For some reason, hot air balloons drive my dogs crazy!

Hot Air Balloon
Notice the passenger’s message to the photographer below!

Hot Air Balloon

Hot Air BalloonI’ve never been on a hot air balloon ride.  Maybe someday…but only if I can bring my camera!

What about YOU?  Ever been up in a hot air balloon?

I’d love to hear…

Lori

PS…All images, information and tutorials are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only.  Fell free to re-blog and Pin with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt.  For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com.  Thanks!

 

Share:

60 comments

  • We just had our balloon stampede about a month ago, I adore hot air balloons. I have been on one, and I totally recommend it! It was an amazing experience, the silence and stillness of the world (our balloons tend to launch at 6:30am) and the clarity of the air was fantastic. They highly suggested I bring my camera along, and I’m glad I had it with me that morning, as it was a completely unplanned event, we were in the right place at the right time! I hope you get to go soon!

  • Marta

    Off subject, but I have been wondering if Lori, or anyone else, actually saw the spectacular aurora borealis over Minnesota a few nights ago? They showed photos on TV news here.

  • Marta

    I haven’t had a ride in one but have attended the “glow” some festivals have the night before all launch the next morning. We also helped follow on roads thru the forest near us as a ballooneer got lost ( is that a word? LOL). He came down into the trees. We connected with him and gave him a ride back to town to his car. i am staying on the ground… 🙂 Quilting is more fun.

  • LaNan Eldridge

    Yes I have had a balloon ride and it was amazing beyond words! What struck me is the difference of sound/noises above. It was very relaxing. Just felt so close to the heavens and at the same time see God’s green earth below. The final surprise was the landing…you don’t necessarily have a soft landing as you imagine! I’d do it again.

  • Lori, I’ve had two hot air balloon rides, once in Egypt over the valley of the kings, and the second time was over the desert in Jordan. I used to be scared of heights but I wanted to do this so much that I conquered it (well most of the time!) Both of them were spectacular, and I felt very safe with well qualified and experienced pilots both times. A good pilot will take you really high to get amazing views, and then bring the balloon really low – in Egypt we just skimmed the tops of the sugar cane crops! But it is important to get a good, qualified pilot, ballon flights have become so much more popular over the last few years and there have been a few accidents. Lola.

  • My dog hated them too when we lived in Germany and there was always a lot going overhead on a clear day. I was lucky enough to travel in one in Kenya over the Masai Mara and land for breakfast. Nearby there was a pile of bones which had been eaten by something… Needless to say I put myself on lion watch!! We were also watched by some wild dogs as we ate breakfast!! It is amazing travelling in a hot air balloon and the landing is such fun.

  • Wendy

    This is normal border collie behaviour! They are gorgeous but zany dogs.

    • Yes, Wendy, but Australian Shepherds are not Border Collies. Two different breeds, entirely. Both are herding dogs, but are actually quite different. Aussies are not as “intense” as Border Collies. Actually, rather different temperaments all together. My Aussies are calm, intelligent and very protective. Not remotely zany 🙂 Which is why I love the breed.

      • WordPress.com Support

        Patricia. Funny you should say that. We originally planned to get a Border Collie because my husband had seen them in action working on a farm out west. Very very smart. We learned they are happier and better suited to working life and that Australian Sheperds better for families. I love my aussies! Two years ago I got bit by a border collie at a baseball game. Needless to say I prefer Aussies!

        • Yes, we show Aussies, so, we have a bit of an affinity for the breed, to say the least 🙂 And yes, they are very, very different in temperament than Border Collies. I realize folks who don’t know the breed think, because they look very similar, that they must have the same dispositions, but they really do not. At all. Yes, Aussies are herding dogs, and all herding dogs will do better with a job. But, BC’s really need to herd. A lot. Every day. If they don’t, they’ll start herding other things – other animals (dogs & cats), cars, bikes, children, people, etc. Much higher energy level than about any other herding breed, by a significant amount. They’re very intelligent, and very fun, but a lot of work on the owner’s part, and many BC owners struggle with trying to manage them and keep them occupied. My Aussies run in the hills every morning with my husband for several miles. Then, they come home and assume the “throw rug” position for most of the day. We play ball and fetch with them during the day, run through their “tricks”, and will often go for an on-lead walk in the evening, through the neighborhood (they love to see all the neighbors – very sociable guys). But, for the greater part of the day, they are sleeping, snoozing or moving between my office and my husband’s office to nap with company. Not zany 🙂 Very calm and quiet boys. Love the breed, best breed we’ve ever owned, and we’ve owned quite a few.

  • Cheryl

    I’ve always wanted to go for a hot air balloon ride. Started saving up for it many years ago. Just need to find someone that would like to go with me.

    I enjoy seeing the balloons at times when I’m visiting my family in the St. Croix Valley. Such a peaceful sight.

  • Yes, it was my Christmas present. The balloon was called Diamond Girl. It was wonderful, saw lots of whitetail deer, and celebrated the landing with champagne. We used to see Hot air balloons quite often but we have not had any fly over the house since we got our Australian Cattle Dog, Scupper, and he is 4.

  • I love balloons! Before my now 27 year old daughter was born I crewed for a couple of pilots in the Morgan Hill area… Even had my student pilots license… But children are more expensive and took priority!!! It is a wonderful experience…. Everyone’s should do it at least once!!! Oh to float with the wind!!!!

  • You should treat yourself. My dogs bark at the RSPCA ad which shows all the animals walking across the screen. There both cairn terriers.

  • Susan

    I have never had the opportunity to go for a balloon ride, but I sure would like to. It has been on my wish list for years.

  • When my grandmother died many moons ago she wanted her ashes spread over Letchworth State Park (grand canyon of the east!) so my uncle rented a hot air balloon. It was a beautiful trip to drift over the Genesee River (one of very few to flow north) where we did a splash-n-dash, drift past Grandma’s house and then land near my parent’s house. I would love to go again! The Village park is beyond my backyard so sometimes I can go watch them land there – quite fun. Local rumor is if they have to land in your yard, they share the champagne with you!

  • Jean Garces

    We also had an Australian Shephard pup that hated the hot air balloons. There is something about that “swooshing” sound that drives them crazy. Ours use to run around barking like crazy whenever one come by. Miss her so much, she has been gone for a number of years now! They are indeed wonderful dogs. Ours was a Blue Merle.

  • gaylemitchel

    TWO Aussies? How lucky can one girl get? Loved on mine for 17 years till he passed. God Bless him. I still miss his company! Take good care of the girls.

  • Pat S

    I always wanted to go on one but I had one requirement … no power lines anywhere! So about 15 years ago I was able to visit Sedona, AZ and took my ride (with camera) and it was wonderful. Also took the Pink Jeep ride. That was fun, too, but if I had to choose, it would be the balloon.

  • We had a wonderful balloon trip near Raleigh, NC. It was so peaceful to float about the earth. We rose to over a mile high. Coming down was exciting. To break the speed the pilot brushed through the trees. Someone saw that and thought we were crashing. He called in a down aircraft. We were greeted on the ground by the sheriff and fire department as well as a curious kitty. Trip pix: http://tom-ann.smugmug.com/Adventures/Up-Up-and-Away/i-6WPw92w

  • Fun! Great photos. Makes us all want to go on a balloon ride…

  • beautiful picture! I haven’t been up in one, but I got to enjoy a hot air balloon show. During one of the competitions, the sky was so full of balloons it looked like Christmas ornaments hanging in the sky.

  • Randi

    We did in Turkey last year. It was beautiful and not scary at all. My husband said as we were getting a ride to the launch site, “I guess now’s a good time to let you know I’m afraid of heights.” What? He did great though. Now I know something new about my husband.

  • Bite the bullet, spend the money and do it!! There is nothing like a hot air balloon ride. There is something amazing and relaxing about floating on air. I have fear of heights, but not in a hot air balloon. The basket is very safe and high, and you literally float around. Hey, if the ballooners land on your property – maybe you can work out a discount for a trip.

  • Great pictures! I have never done a hot air balloon ride but would LOVE to! Quilt inspiration??

  • Genie

    Beautiful pictures! What struck me was the color combinations of the balloon. I’m such a green/blue person in all my fabric.LOL I loved the colors on the balloon!…I may have to branch out!

  • Suzanne Beech

    I am afraid of heights do you won’t catch me in a hot air balloon! Pretty though….

  • Carol H

    Technically not up in one but have been to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival that is held each year in October. Talk about eye candy!! They so remind me of quilts!!

  • Patricia

    What a wonderful morning treat. I think the balloon equipment emits some sound that alerts, or hurts, the dogs ears.

  • 2x in a balloon, both of them awesome

  • Susan Jones

    P. S. I was sure I could see a creature hiding in the grass, lol.

  • Susan Jones

    The colors are beautiful!! Never been up in a hot air balloon, but think I might like to. Seen several up close.

  • When we lived in PA when my kids were little hot air balloons used to land in the lot right next to our townhome!!! All the kids in the development LOVED this and would crowd around as it landed. The hot air balloon operator would pack up the balloon, answer TONS of questions, maybe even let a couple of kids help here and there and then give ALL of the kids candy. Needless to say when the lot was sold and some houses built there it was a SAD day for everyone as the hot air balloons had to find someplace else to land. We occasionally have them go over our home here in MI and it’s fun to see. Never been but on my bucket list!!

  • We used to live near Reno and would see these balloons frequently, as well as see the September balloon races. They would occasionally fly over our home in Truckee. We gave our daughter a balloon ride for her 21st birthday. For inquiring minds, it cost $75 an hour back in ’90.

  • I have had this experience a couple of times. Many years ago when living in Dutchess county , NY in the early 80’s my husband and I woke up to a noise we had never heard. We thought it sounded like a lion roaring. that was the only way we could describe it. We looked out the window and there was a hot air balloon , right outside our bedroom window. It was moving across to our neighbors field to land. We quickly got dressed and had to go observe. We heard this sound a few more times in the ensuing years and knew what is was but it never needed to land on that field.
    Then many years and houses later, around 2010, living in Cornelius, NC, my sons and I were outside doing yard work and I heard a sound . It took me a moment to realize what it was and I began to look around. Sure enough a wonderful Hot Air Balloon was high up in the sky. I have always had a fascination for H A Balloons and it is on my bucket list. We even made it on year to a Hot Air Balloon Festival in New Jersey and got a close up view of many.

  • Such a lovely garden, Susan! And, I have Aussies, too, three to be exact, and they are my constant garden and quilting companions. Mine don’t care for hot air balloons, either! Glad you didn’t have a black bear visitor, my gosh! We are on the lookout for a mountain lion that has been spotted in our area. You sound like you are rather rural as well. Love our rural lifestyle, even with the occasional big animal sitings!

  • Barb E

    It is awesome riding in a hot air balloon. I have a fear of heights but it didn’t bother me one bit in a balloon. You can hear people talking on the ground, smell vegetables growing and the flowers. The pictures I took from up in the sky were so great. Don’t miss out on a great event, we even had champagne after we landed. A memory that will last forever.

  • When my youngest daughter was only a few weeks old (she will be 25 on Friday 13) a hot air balloon landed in a field next to our house. The owners took my husband and myself for a short ride up and back down. It was thrilling and very beautiful.

  • Marcia R

    Your dog and your gardens are beautiful. Awesome photos!

  • Beth in AZ

    Never been up in one, but one landed at the end of our street in the cul-de-sac when we 1st moved in. We were SO excited! Took pictures and years later gave them to the family who built a house on that spot. I, too, have to be protected from them..oh and leaves and lizards too! HA!

  • Verna

    What great photos! Duluth MN has a hot air balloon festival in September, and I hope to get down there to see them in action. I have no desire to ride in one, though..

  • We lived across from a large open field where the local balloon business would launch their flights. You are so right about the dog’s reaction! Every time they went aloft and floated over the house, the dog went wild in the yard running around and barking wildly. For our anniversary, I booked a flight for us. Everywhere there were dogs outside, we got the reaction! It was one of the most wonderful things we have ever done, so peaceful and beautiful.

  • Sheila N

    I’ve never been on a hot air balloon but I can certainly relate to your dog’s reaction. My dog is absolutely terrified of hot air balloons. In my little suburb of Columbus Ohio we have a real estate company that flies a balloon over our town at least one or two evenings a week in the summertime for advertising purposes. I can’t tell you how many times I have been out walking my dog (her absolute favorite thing to do) and then she spots a balloon, turns around and runs for home. There is no stopping her. She is only 35 pounds but her terror of balloons gives her super power strength and my only choice is to be dragged along with her or let go of the leash.

  • Yes, I’ve taken a hot air ballon ride!! One of the nurses I work with owns a balloon and her husband gave me and my husband a ride. It was AMAZING. I took lots of photos!!!

  • Delaine

    Yes! Out of Newberg, Oregon. Our pilot was so skilled he sat on down on a river. Spectacular picture of the balloon in reflection of itself. And breaking through the clouds was thrilling–seeing the other 4 pop up through them. Loved the experience.

  • Joni Keskey

    When we lived on our farm downstate, we’d know there was a hot air balloon nearby when our pony Sparky would start running wildly around her pasture. One had to land in our field one evening. It was great fun talking to them and their pursuit people.

  • Wow! awesome sight and your yard looks pretty too. I’ve always been a little leary of floating along high above the ground in a basket with hot air and fire above me. I’ll watch from below with my feet on the ground. 🙂 You have to have someone to wave at right!

  • Marilyn

    I was on a hot air balloon ride and it was fantastic. Unfortunately it is a bitter sweet memory as the date was 9/11.

  • My girlfriend and I flew in a hot air balloon over Albuquerque. It was so awesome. I was afraid the height would bother me, but it was so beautiful and peaceful. It truly felt as if you were floating. I would recommend it…and have a glass of champagne!
    Ann

  • It is on my bucket list

  • Vilma Godoy Wady

    Eu moro no Brasil e aqui na minha cidade também pude ver um maravilhoso espetáculo do Festival de Balões. Admiro você! Imagens lindas!

  • You have a beautiful garden ! The balloon looks like a big flower so it’s in the right place. June

  • Beautiful–that would certainly get my dogs going! 🙂

Comments are closed.

Discover more from Lori Kennedy Quilts

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading