Posted by: livelovethinkexist | July 4, 2009
Photos – The Seattle Years – 1977-1979 (Set Two – “Miss Electricraft” Hot Air Balloon)
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We’ve started inflating “Miss Electricraft’s” envelope, initially with a fan because the burners would melt the nylon fabric.
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The hot air balloon’s envelope begins to expand and take shape, as we look through the open crown vent into the inside of the envelope.
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The balloon’s crown vent closes and the envelope starts to take shape, and we add heat from the burners only when safe to do so.
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The burner cans heat the air inside the balloon’s envelope enough to raise it off the ground.
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Upright and tethered, the wind must remain calm – otherwise the envelope becomes a sail; so most launches are at done just after dawn.
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Our balloon’s a beauty and ready to fly – all systems are go!
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Ballooning is a “team event” requiring both a pilot and a ground crew to manage all the logistics – and of course a balloon always attracts a crowd, as Jim prepares for a launch.
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Teresa stands to the left of the balloon as Bruce (center) and Jim (right) prepare to launch on a beautiful Seattle morning.
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A single burner can puts out a lot of heat, and there are two on the balloon’s gondola for good measure.
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The balloon’s crown is actually a vent to release hot air when descending – a line that runs from the gondola up to the crown vent is used to open it when needed.
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Jim pilots the balloon while standing in the wicker gondola – up, up and away!
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“Miss Electricraft” is a beautiful balloon, and the vibrant colors contrast well with a blue sky.
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The hot air balloon slowly rises into the sky, carried gently downwind by the breeze.
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Hot air balloons normally fly at lower altitudes that allow for perfect sightseeing opportunities, and “Miss Electricraft” is an impressive sight on a sunny day.
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This is the view from aloft, where everything is calm, tranquil and very peaceful…except for the sound of the burner cans occasionally lighting.
