This view and a photograph are now an annual tradition. For the past 14 Memorial Day weekends Letchworth State Park has been hosting the annual Red, White & Blue Balloon Festival. With the launches scheduled at 6 AM and 6 PM, part of the tradition for me became watching the sun rise over the Big Bend on the Genesee River. Same location, just a little bit up the hill from Archery Field, almost the same time, but always different, yet always beautiful!

This early morning was cloudy to the east. And even though the sky eventually cleared and there was not a cloud the rest of the day it happened a bit later. That provided a unique and moody tone for my 3rd annual ballooning sunrise. With the sun hiding behind the clouds the light was diffused and even opening up the otherwise shadowy gorge and river. Add a little bit of a breeze and birds chirping and you have a perfect spot!

Letchworth State Park is about 35 miles south of Rochester, NY and 60 miles from Buffalo, NY. It is along the Genesee River and follows it for about 17 miles. The park is most known for its three major waterfalls - Lower Falls, Middle Falls, and Upper Falls. However, there are many additional waterfalls on the Genesee River tributaries that are well worth exploring, especially for those who have visited the major and most obvious points of interest.

Genesee River flows from Gold, PA into the Port of Rochester, NY on Lake Ontario. It's one of a few rivers in the United States that flows from south to north. There is an interesting debate over the true headwaters but it seems the consensus is that it is on the Hosley Farm now owned by Slaybaughs. The runner up seems to be John Torok's spring.

References: 14th Annual Red, White & Blue Balloon Festival, Letchworth State Park 2015