Sunrise...

Another early start today, and down to the park by 06.30 am to help with the balloon festival. D's birthday, but he preferred to spend it with a longer lie! Left him snoozing comfortably...
As I got up in one of the balloons last year, I had no expectation whatsoever of getting up again this year but, at the last minute, I was summonsed from across the field and asked "Do you want to fly?" I headed over to the balloon before anyone could change their mind and, a few minutes later, we were up and away!
It was a small basket with only room for 3 and our pilot was a lovely lady, Celia, from Kent. It was a beautiful morning, and we had lovely views over Strathaven and then across the surrounding countryside. We flew in the direction of Glassford then out past Stonehouse and then landed down in a field near Blackwood. Then it was a question of helping to pack up the balloon and pack everything into the back of the van, and then go and assist with the recovery of another balloon called The Chariot.
It was a wonderful adventure at the crack of dawn. I had so many photos to choose from but I liked the soft glow of this one.
The balloon festival this year has been another huge success, with many people saying last night's Glow was one of the best ever, if not the best. Today was a lovely warm sunny day and people came to enjoy the entertainment and especially to see the balloons fly, which they did at around 06.30 pm.
After the flights had all taken off people started to disperse and I headed home for a birthday meal with D. A lovely day and an eventful weekend!
In case anyone is concerned that I neglected my other half on his special day, I checked on him a few times and was reassured to find that he seemed perfectly happy relaxing in the sunshine and reading the paper...