They Call It Moonglow

Posted on September 26, 2014September 26, 2014 by Dusty Roads

Moonglow. Not a super moon.

At the 40th Anniversary Balloon Festival it was 3 tethered balloons glowing in the dark. The photo that resulted is one of my favorites . The Boston Globe newspaper liked it too as it was featured “above the fold” in one of the Sunday editions.

The “Moonglow” was my main reason for attending the Festival this year. As much as I like the photo from 2012, I felt that I could do better. I wanted another try. This year they planned on more than 3 balloons. Moonglow was going to be at the airport. It was scheduled for 8 pm Saturday night.

There was also a 5 pm launch but as we arrived at the airport we learned that the 5 pm launch had been grounded due to high wind gusts. Disappointing but not a disaster. After all we had loads of pictures from Friday evening’s launch.

We set up our lawn chairs and settled in to wait. The breeze was pretty stiff and it began to get chilly but we hung in there. We were hoping that if the balloons were tethered maybe they’d still be able to pull off the Moonglow.

Alas, it was not to be. About 7:30 the chase teams began to pack up. They moved the baskets to the tarmac and lined them up. To a rousing sound track they sent propane flames skyward but no balloons.

The Festival was over for us.

There was a final launch scheduled for dawn on Sunday but we had no plans to attend that one.

So I will leave you with a few more photos from Friday night

And the promise that I will try again another year to capture that perfect “moonglow” picture.

“Would you like to fly in my beautiful balloon????”

Swan Boats

Posted on June 30, 2014June 30, 2014 by Dusty Roads

I don’t want that nasty rash sitting there when you drop by.

Here’s a better picture 🙂

Photo of the week ~ 25

Posted on June 25, 2014June 25, 2014 by Dusty Roads

This week’s Photo of the week had a real nautical theme. That crazy Humpback , Hancock had 3 photos in the running and his antics carried the day. Weighing in with a total of 25 points Tail Waving is the photo of the day.

Tail Waving

To order prints click here: http://dustyroadsphotos.zenfolio.com/p161572686/h3a02eec4#h3a02eec4

Don’t forget to visit my companion photo blog to have your vote counted. www.dustyroadsphotos.com

See you there!

Another Vacation Comes to an End

Posted on June 12, 2014June 12, 2014 by Dusty Roads

Check out is 10 am. My flight isn’t until 6 pm. I’ve got a little time to poke around in Pigeon Forge before I head to Knoxville.

If I ever get back here I hope the Skylift will be open. I’ll plan to include Dollywood next time and get to that wonderful restaurant for the escargot and lobster. And I’ll have to go to the Aquarium.

Next trip I’ll have to make that hike to the Grotto Falls and maybe some others because I won’t be recovering from falling off a plane (I hope).

Maybe I’ll take a ride on this huge Ferris Wheel.

But this was the vacation I needed. Quiet and nature, no crowds. It refreshed my heart and soul. Sometimes you need that more than crowds and attractions.

I wonder where I’ll end up next!?

The Trip is Right Around The Corner

Posted on April 18, 2014April 18, 2014 by Dusty Roads

I’ve been so busy and had so much on my mind that I didn’t realize my Tennessee adventure is fast approaching. What made me think of it was an email I got from the concierge at the resort. It was a very nice email with a list of upcoming events and directions to the resort.

One thing that I was very disappointed to learn is that the Aerial Tram will be closed this year from April 28 through May 22, 2014 for additional scheduled preventive maintenance and updates. Of course my trip falls in that time frame 🙁 That was something I really wanted to do.

As if to make up for taking away one attraction I ran across the Gatlinburg Space Needle.

I loved the space needle in Seattle so maybe this will be a good substitute for the Tram. The advertisement encourages you to “Ride the glass elevators over 400 feet and step out to a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Smokies by day or Downtown Gatlinburg’s lights by night.”

There’s also a chairlift : Gatlinburg Sky lift. Enjoy a peaceful ride as the chairlift takes you to the mountain’s top and back, providing breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains.

Hop on from the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, and experience a tranquil escape as the Sky Lift gently glides over the Little Pigeon River and then climbs to the overlook at an elevation of 1,800 feet. The vantage point and views are unparalleled. You’ve arrived at Gatlinburg’s #1 scenic overlook!