| Many of
you have commented that our “cover images” at our web site gateway are
worth keeping … so … we will start saving them here. Feel free to download
them and use them as you wish … we ask only that photo credit is given
to the appropriate photographer.
We’ll store them in a “.JPG” format, so all you need to do is right click on the image and then “Save The Image” to your computer in the file of your selection. Enjoy ! |
| This image was captured by Diana Moore of husband Gary, in one of the Gr-r-reat Tony Balloons, over Middle Falls in Letchworth State Park, New York. It was taken in July of 2001 and is the current "cover" image on www.tonythetigerballoon.com |
| This first image was captured by Scott Dorval at the 2001 Boise River Festival. It was Shot with a digital camera from Steve Peters “Kodak” Balloon. We used it as our “Cover Image” in July and August of 2001. |
| This is our September and October 2001 “Cover Image”. It was photographed by Gary Rominger, at the 2001 Boise River Festival. He shot it with a 35 mm camera and the image was scanned here at LTAA. |
| This is the LTAA November 2001 "Cover Image". It was captured by LTAA President Scott Spencer at the 2001 Great Prosser Balloon Rally. Certainly the most most striking aspect of the image is the great difference in aircraft size, a 240,000 cubic foot system next to a 30,000 cubic foot swing system ... here at LTAA we think the image simply asks a question ... Which balloon would you rather "Pack Away" ? |
| One of the most unique ballooning images we've ever seen, this Gordon Schwontkowski image was captured as Roy Caton piloted the United Van Lines Shape directly over the target at the 2001 Boise River Festival - Coca-Cola Mayor's Cup balloon event. Talk about being at the right place at the right moment in time! We're not certain if Gordon named the image, but we're calling it "Moment Of Victory". Our special thanks to Gordon for allowing us to share this image with you !" |
| During the 2002 Coca-Cola Olympic Torch Relay, The Coca-Cola Hot Air Balloon Team had the honor of participating at several venues along the Torch Route. This image was taken at American Fork, Utah, the day after the Olympic Flame entered the State. Photo by Scott Spencer, Laurie Spencer piloting. |
| This image of Medford, Oregon pilot Bill Woodhead taking a dip at Gary's balloon rally last year was taken by Scott Spencer. The camera was a Nikon 995 High Rez digital. The initial image size was nearly 18 MB in size. Reflections of the other balloons in the water were a real plus for this image. |
| "Wind Warrior"
is lifting off in this image trailing its black streams during the September
11 Memorial portion of the "Tribute To Heros" program at the 2002 Boise
River Festival Rally.
Members of the Boise Police, Fire and Paramedic departments were joined by members of the Military for the moving twenty minute program. The Boise Police Department Pipe and Drum Band, led by Rich Fuhriman attended also. Wind Warrior was launched to music called "To Where You Are", performed by Josh Groban, a Warner Recording Artist. The music is available in your favorite record/cd store. |
| Pilot Lesley Pritchard prepares to launch the Micron hot air balloon at the inaugural Wildhorse Resort & Casino "Women's Shootout - Balloon Championship. Lesley finished the event in third place. |
| This Andrew Rafkind image of the Boise 2000 Coca-Cola balloon event on New Years Eve 1999 was captured by a Nikon D-1 digital camera on the lawn in front of the Boise train depot. This image was captured at exactly 12:00 a.m. as the balloons did an "All Burn" and the first fireworks were shot in to the sky. Talk about a once in a life time celebration for balloonist's.... !!! |
| Lighter Than Air America's Web Wizard, Eric Holloway took action when Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 didn't include hot air balloons as part of the aircraft inventory. This image is a "Screen Capture" from the actual balloon simulation he runs on FS-2002. |
| One of Scott's favorite remarks "Go Pound Sand" was placed on the "Bunker Buster" as a favor for Scott's sister Kara. The Spencer's can only hope that Sadam enjoyed it as much as they did! |
| Balloons have arrived in Boise for the 13th Annual Wildhorse Resort & Casino Balloon Rally. This image was captured from the first launch on Tuesday morning June 24, 2003 by Scott Dorval. |
| A special treat for Battle Creek when both Kellogg hot air balloons flew over the Corporate Head Quarters of the Kellogg Company than landed side by side at Kellogg Community College. Vic Johnson piloting the "Gr-r-reat TONY Balloon" and Laurie Spencer at the controls of "Little Tony". |
| It's not
just fall that's in the air at the 2003 Wildhorse Resort & Casino Balloon
Bash. In this photo captured by Scott Dorval, balloons are launching from
the resort just east of Pendleton, Oregon.
This image was captured by Scott with a Nikon CoolPix 995 digital camera during the Saturday morning launch. |
| The Coca-Cola
Balloon Team visited the State of Quanajuato in Mexico in early December.
The city of Leon, home to over two million citizens was the site for the
second annual "Festival Del Globo" balloon event. What a great place!
Bob Martinez got this image after one of the morning flights. He had snapped a picture of his youngest son, many years ago, in a "like" pose. Great shot! Great Rally!!! |
| Always looking for a unique image, this shot is taken at Hendrick Motorsports in Concord, North Carolina. Tony is reflected in the window of NASCAR Driver Jeff Gordon's shop. Captured with a Nikon "Cool Pix 995" digital camera just before liftoff by Laurie Spencer. |
| Balloons flying in the inaugural Coca-Cola Spirit of Boise-Balloon Classic shoot approaches into the lagoon at Julia Davis Park in downtown Boise, Idaho. This image was captured by Laurie Spencer shortly after she landed in the Park with a Nikon Coolpix 4300 digital camera. |
| This stunning "four-ship" splash and dash into Washington's Lake Taps will remind us all just how good summer flights can be. Captured by Carol Blunk, this image was taken in mid July of 2004. |
| Here is a unique view of the Coca-Cola "Contour Bottle" hot air balloon that most people never get to see. Taken by Laurie Spencer after arming the deflation system, you are looking nearly 140 feet toward the mouth of the balloon. |
| Nothing
good happens at a balloon rally without volunteer crew members to help
with the work. At the Leon, Mexico event, the Coca-Cola Balloon Team had
the best assembly of people anyone could ever hope for. More than just
a balloon crew, they became an extended member of the family.
To all our friends south of the boarder, you have our most sincere thanks for sharing a wonderful week with us. |
| Lesley Spencer graduates from Boise State University this month with a degree in Anthropology with honors. A licensed balloon pilot, accomplished international traveler, former Disney "Jungle Cruise Skipper" and only 22 years old. How much pride is one Dad allowed to have ? (boy, do the days flyby!) |
| Thousands
of our fellow American's are gathering this week at the Arlington National
Cemetary in Washington DC to both honor and remember those that have given
their lives in service to our country.
Based at Ft. Meyers, the "Old Guard" is the unit responsible for guarding the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier". 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year in rain, wind, sleet or snow. These "Sentinals" have stood continuos guard at the Tomb since 1926. |
| It's Spirit of Boise-Balloon Classic time again! In this image of the 2004 "Mayor's Cup" launch captured by Laurie Spencer, the Ann Morrison Park launch site is seen from the Coca-Cola "Olympic Spirit" hot air balloon from an altitude of 1,300 feet above the ground. This years Balloon Classic starts on June 23rd and fly's each morning at 6:00 a.m. |
| Who Ya
Gonna Call when you need a balloon rally organized and executed ... this
gang of course.
Thank you everyone for your help, dedication and loyalty to the 2005 Coca-Cola Spirit of Boise-Balloon Classic. |
| Scott &
Laurie made a mid August trip to Wildhorse Resort in preparation for the
upcoming 9th Annual Wildhorse Balloon Bash.
Here is a little photo to help get you in the mood for this years October event. We'll see you all there! |
| As the
weather cools and winter approaches, here is a nice warm looking image
captured at the 2005 Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic.
The photographer is unknown to us (so if you did it let us know) but captures the true spirit of balloons rising with the morning sun in Boise. The image was taken on the rim, above Ann Morrison Park. This time of year, you can't help but notice the cut-offs and T-Shirts. |
| In this
image, the Kellogg "Little Tony" balloon leads the fleet out at sunrise
on the first morning of the 9th Annual Wildhorse Resort & Casino Balloon
Bash.
This photo was taken from the golf course just as the sun came over the blue mountains, by Scott Dorval. Morning flights at this years event were simply stated, breathtaking ! |
| Here is a shot from last Octobers Wildhorse Balloon Bash. We're not certain who took this shot (we think the Gale's sent it) but in any event, it screams "Bring On The Summer Flying Season" |
| The "Mouse"
is out of the bag and the Spencer's get to share the magic !
The "Happiest Balloon On Earth" made its first public appearance at the University of Arizona in Tucson. In this photo you get a good look at the teams chase vehicle and Mickey's Star Coach with the new Cameron hot air balloon. |
| On Tuesday
morning April 11, 2006 following extensive negotiations with the Hualapai
Nation, Disney's "Happiest Balloon On Earth" became the first hot air balloon
to inflate and launch from the floor of the Grand Canyon.
With wind speeds of up to 30 mph on the canyon rim 3,800 feet above the launch site the balloon was inflated at 10:48 a.m. in near calm conditions. |
| It's Balloon Rally time in Boise once again. This years Spirit of Boise-Balloon Classic flys from Ann Morrison Park each morning at 6:00 a.m. starting on June 21, 2006 with flights each day through Saturday June 24, 2006. |
| "Disney's
Happiest Balloon On Earth" makes it's final appearance with the gold cap
and ears at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California on July 17, 2006 the
51st Anniversary of Disneyland.
The inflation was made in front of the "Small World" attraction, (no, there wasn't enough room) and as the balloon sits in the image above, it is actually nearly 500 feet behind the castle. The photo was taken by Disney lead photographer Paul Hiffmeyer from a 150 foot lift in the "hub" area in front of the castle and published in newspapers around the country. |
| Saturday
morning at the Great Prosser Balloon Rally photo taken by Lesley Spencer
with a Nikon D-200 SLR Digital Camera sporting a Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm Lens.
This photograph begs the question, "Does ballooning get any better than this?" The answer to that question comes later this month at the 10th Anniversary Wildhorse Balloon BASH when the Pacific Northwest ballooning community says Good-Bye to the 2006 flying season. |
| Have you
ever been to Planet Wildhorse ? Its a small planet that each year
in October hosts a gathering of hot air balloons for the purpose of celebrating
the end of the flying season in the Pacific Northwest.
Captured from a balloon at 1,000 agl, the curvature of this small planet is clearly seen, yet, so rare a vision its worth sharing with you today. If you avoid evil and do good, perhaps you'll get to visit this special place one day. |
| As we move
into the winter months its always nice to reflect on warmer (usually more
fun) times. As we approach the Holiday Season what better way to remember
the warmth of summer and the 2006 Balloon Season with a Happy Moment.
In this photo, Elvis Franklin appears to be pretty darn happy! |
| Ever wonder what it would be like to fly a balloon near a castle ? Scott & Laurie got the chance on a recent trip to Europe with Disney's "Happiest Balloon On Earth". In addition to making inflations in France and Madrid this photo flight was conducted in Segovia, Spain. See all the pictures from the tour in the "Photo Logbook" area here on the website. |
| The Kellogg Balloon Team closed out their 2007 Season with their 5th visit to Leon, Mexico for the 6th Annual Festival De Globo. This image was made with a Nikon D300 and a Nikor "Fisheye" lens. Visit the "Photo Logbook" for more images of the event. |
| Even though
its still early in the year to fly hot air balloons, our SkyStar Airships
have been busy this winter. The Idaho Statehouse is currently undergoing
a massive renovation. We were asked to photograph the project. The images
above were captured from our 17' Helium drone called "Fat Boy" with a Nikkon
D 300 Digital SLR Camera. The original image was captured in a RAW format
at over 40 mb in physical size.
For additional information, visit SkyStar here : www.skystarairship.com |
| Spring
has finally sprung and it was evident in Walla Walla as the 34th Balloon
Stampede kicked off the 2008 Ballooning Season here in the Northwest. Fantastic
winds greeted the 40 attending pilots on Saturday morning providing a wonderful
ride over beautiful scenery.
In this picture, Laurie Spencer can be seen flying the Wildhorse Wind Warrior against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains just north of downtown Walla Walla. |
| One never
wants to pass up the chance to make a little local history in ballooning.
On July 12 in the shadow of Mt Hood to the south and west and Mt Adams
to the north and west just as the sun was setting, Laurie Spencer, Jim
Smith and Laura Hancock inflated in the town of Hood River Oregon (yes
the wind capital of the nation Hood River).
The inflations were made for the Wildhorse Resort and Casino "Air Aid" promotion to benefit Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Hood River. |
| On the
weekend of October 10, 11 & 12 a group of 18 balloonists from around
the Pacific Northwest and Nevada got together to say thanks to the Wildhorse
Resort & Casino for their support of our sport over the years.
Balloons started flying on Thursday morning and finished on Sunday, We got flights on all four days and enjoyed the low key atmosphere that comes with good friends, good flying (and lots) of good food. |
