Previously from Letchworth Balloon Rallies: Balloon Festivals, ... Third Time was The Charm, 13th Annual Letchworth Red, White & Blue Balloon Festival, 13th Annual Red, White & Blue Balloon Festival, Letchworth State Park 2014, 14th Annual Red, White & Blue Balloon Festival, Letchworth State Park 2015

15th Annual Red, White & Blue Balloon RallyLetchworth State Park Much anticipated for several years now, as we started following this event back in 2012, much too late in my opinion. It's really a great combination. The colorful hot air balloons are very eye catching on their own even if you see just one or two. Here, you have a chance to see about thirty of them in a single place taking off within about half an hour or so.

Combine that with the beautiful Letchworth State Park Genesee River Gorge that is picturesque on its own too. And for a good measure, add morning conditions good for some fog over the river and I am not sure how it could get any better.

As the balloons heat up, they quickly soar over the Archery Field, clear the tree alley and cross the road, and dip into the gorge for a close up view of the Great Bend area. Many drop all the way down to the river surface and even dip in for some water. A few may succeed in landing on the river bank. As they enjoy the doldrums of the protected gorge they may go up and down a few times.

Once they have enjoyed the view it's time to heat the air again, rise above the cliffs, and let the wind carry them eastward.

One Seater Balloon over Valley Fog15th Annual Red, White & Blue Balloon Rally, Letchworth State Park To complete the experience it's not just about the preparation and launch, it's also about the search for a landing spot, landing, and clean up. Once the balloons start disappearing in the distance over the gorge it's time to hop back in the car and go for a balloon chase! Unlike the balloons there's no shortcut across the valley for cars. One has to go back out the Castile entrance (the Portageville Entrance is now closed), drive south, cross the Genesee River Bridge, and then head north-east. Once back up at high ground it's time for balloon spotting and picking which one to chase, and finding roads that take you there. Sometimes, that is easy, other times, it's a bit of a challenge. It all depends on where the wind blows.

It's a great opportunity to take roads previously unknown and while looking up at the sky find new treasures down on the ground. Forget about the rush of getting from point A to point B while strictly following the commands of your GPS.

Looking for a Landing Spot15th Annual Red, White & Blue Balloon Rally Here, it is a very slow and unpredictable approach. Try to keep your eyes on the selected balloon and find roads that go approximately in the balloon's direction. Having a map to consult, especially the old-fashioned paper variety, is a plus. Hurry a bit as the balloon seems to be dropping to its landing spot or slow down and stop on the side of the road as the balloon soars high for one more view of the surrounding landscape. Often, the first selected landing spot may be abandoned and just when you think the balloon will touch down it lifts off for another leg of its trip.

After a great start and being 2 for 2 after Friday night and Saturday morning, weather no longer cooperated and showers, storms, and winds ahead of the cold front on Monday morning prevented the other four scheduled launches from happening. However, there are always the beautiful sunrises to make up for any possible disappointment. Just make sure you arrive early enough to catch one!

AbandonedRed, White & Blue Balloon Rally Over the years, we have met several of the balloon crews and they were always nice, ready to share their experience with us, complete strangers, answer our questions, and let us be part of this fun event. Special thanks go to Jim Regan of CT Ballooning who we have successfully chased to landing for four straight years now and who has been very friendly to us, and also to Sean Quigley of Balloons over Letchworth for organizing this whole fantastic event!

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

References: Balloon Events Calendar on Balloon Federation of America - Letchworth State Park Map (South) - CTBallooning - Balloons over Letchworth

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