The annual Cortez Rendezvous Hot Air Balloon Rally kicked off Friday morning, and is still going strong.
With a group of flying enthusiasts eager yet again to soar above the ground, one crew took The Journal through the process of assembling, riding in, and taking apart a hot air balloon.
The Journal can confirm it’s more work than you might think.
“It’s always a race to see who can get up first,” said Candy Stevens, a balloon crew member.
Flip through this morning’s journey with the timeline above, or keep scrolling for an overview of the process.
First, the basket is unpacked from the crew’s truck. It’s turned on its side, and then the envelope (what is commonly known as the balloon) is unpacked and tethered to the basket.
The envelope begins to swell as it is filled with cold air from a fan.
The envelope continues to fill with air as the crew makes sure everything is secure, fastening the top of the balloon on with Velcro. A crew member holds the balloon down with a rope from a distance, and another cord links the balloon to the truck.
It is soon time to fill the balloon with hot air from the burner, helping it to rise as the less dense hot air mixes with the denser cool air inside.
The balloon is then flipped right side up. Before you know it, you’ll be overlooking the city. All that’s left to do is to keep in touch with your chase crew so that they can meet you when you land!
