An early morning flight delivered me to the Sacramento airport where I met up with Carroll and Dianne who conveyed us all to Reno. The photo to the left is of one of two similar trolleys in the baggage area of the airport. One can only assume with some trepidation that these are lost bags. Mine fortunately were both carry on, so made it successfully out of the airport and into Dianne’s car.

The drive to Reno through the Tahoe National Forest was quite spectacular, but sadly we had a clear view of the North Fire which broke out a few days ago. It appeared to be mostly smoke and we hope that enough fire retardant has been sprayed onto it to stop rapid spread.

Reno is hot – in the low 90s F (low 30s C). I am happy that our forays will be early in the cooler mornings. We went this afternoon to check out the staging area for the balloons as tomorrow we will have to find our way in the dark.

My balloon-race-savvy friends purchased VIP passes for us which will allow us to to hang out in the Cloud Nine Club, the gray tent in the photo, and chow down at some point on hearty pre-paid breakfasts. The weather forecast for tomorrow is clear and sunnny – great balloon viewing condtions!

Vendors were also busy setting up – food trucks, mobiles, t-shirts, trinkets. With the hundreds of balloon lovers heading here this weekend vendors will do well. The woman setting up swirling balloon mobiles comes from Lake Havasu, Arizona every year for this event. My $10 credit may just find its way into this woman’s pocket.

We have checked into the Peppermill Hotel, an enormous hotel and casino (being Nevada) combined. My room is large and luxurious and tomorrow morning after I have finished shooting, I should be able to see waves of balloons floating by in the distance from my room. Sure beats slot machines!