Champions Gate Daily Photo

Don't Laugh, This Is Serious

2009-05-07T18:50:00.001-04:00

I'm going to be away for a little while, not sure when I'll be back, but I wanted to leave you with a little chuckle. Return often.

Breakfast With A Hawk

2009-05-03T18:06:00.003-04:00

(46 second video)

I didn't mean to interrupt the hawk's breakfast, but apparently he didn't like me standing there shooting him while he was enjoying his frog. As you can see in the below photo, he ripped the frog's head off and tossed it aside (lower left of photo), then proceeded to eat the frog from the top down. Do you think he was saving the legs for last because they are the tastiest?

Sundown Tonight

2009-05-02T23:17:00.001-04:00

Bike For Sale

2009-04-28T17:29:00.001-04:00

Window Cam, One

2009-04-26T16:32:00.005-04:00

I looked out my living room window early this morning, just to check out what kind of a day it was, and along came several balloons. I took five one-minute videos through the window, before I ran out the door and chased the balloons over to the Champions Gate Golf Club - their favorite destination - where I shot the above photo.

Mmmm, maybe I should have named this blog The Hot Air Balloon Daily Photo Blog.

Three Balloons

2009-04-23T18:22:00.000-04:00

No Patience

2009-04-21T17:58:00.005-04:00

I spotted several hot air balloons floating south of the Clock Tower Plaza, so I shot them, then decided to take a video of one of them. I got a little impatient and spun around, thinking the balloon was moving too slow, but it did move quite a distance in that minute, as you can see.

Easter Morning Sky

2009-04-15T18:58:00.005-04:00

I went to the Market Street Cafe in Celebration, Florida for breakfast on Easter morning and shot these on the way over.

See skies from around the world at the Sky Watch blog.

Big, Strong and Vulnerable

2009-04-14T16:27:00.004-04:00

[One Minute Video]

The weather was pretty bad here today - lots of thunderstorms, tornado warnings, even some hail. When it calmed down a bit, I stopped by the Kissimmee lake front and caught a few pictures of my favorite Great Blue Heron. That was an Anhinga that buzzed him. I was hoping he'd come back for a second shot, but he flew off to annoy some other bird, lol.

A Sunset

2009-04-13T07:53:00.002-04:00

The sun going down behind the Champions Gate Golf Club on April 4, 2009.

Champ's 360

2009-04-12T09:51:00.003-04:00

The spacious firmament on high,
With all the blue ethereal sky,
And spangled heavens, a shining frame,
Their great Original proclaim.

~ Addison, Ode (1712)

Happy Easter!

Big Little

2009-04-10T05:01:00.001-04:00

Odd fact: I have never been inside the Omni Hotel at Champions Gate, but I've taken hundreds of photos of it.

Grilled Jumbo Italians

2009-04-06T06:01:00.001-04:00

I stopped by the Annual Spring Art Festival in Celebration, Florida yesterday morning and got a few shots of the festivities. As soon as I spotted these vendors I whipped out my easel and palette* and captured this scene so I could create this watercolor when I got back to my studio. Imagine, all those artists displaying their beautiful creations and this is what caught my eye, lol.

*digital camera

Gator Hunter Supreme

2009-04-05T09:14:00.000-04:00

Clock Tower

2009-04-04T09:14:00.005-04:00

I apologize for my absence this week - I've been traveling to and from the west coast of Florida for business purposes and haven't had the time or energy to post anything.

The first photo shows the Clock Tower peeking through the newly sprouted Crepe Myrtle. The Clock Tower Plaza looks so beautiful when the crepes are in bloom. Something tells me that the time on the clock will be fixed one of these days. LOL

The second photo shows a beautiful morning sky and my trusty little pick-up truck. I just passed the 360,000 mile mark yesterday. I love my little Toyota!

Mute Swan

2009-03-30T19:01:00.001-04:00

I spotted this swan in the lake as I drove along Lakeshore Drive this morning, so I found a place to park and got out quickly and shot it. The swan didn't make a sound as I followed him/her around until I was fortunate enough to get this shot. LOL

This is the first time I've seen a swan on Lake Toho and I found it odd that it was alone. Normally swans travel in pairs. I found the following facts on All About Birds:

A native of northern and central Eurasia, the Mute Swan was introduced into North America to grace the ponds of parks and estates. Escaped individuals have established breeding populations in several areas, where their aggressive behavior threatens native waterfowl.

* Large, all-white waterfowl.
* Long, curved neck.
* Orange bill and black face.
* Size: 127-152 cm (50-60 in)
* Wingspan: 208-238 cm (82-94 in)
* Weight: 5500-14300 g (194.15-504.79 ounces)

Sexes look alike, male slightly larger and with larger knob on bill.

Not mute. Calls quiet and do not carry. A snorting "heorrr." Hisses aggressively. Wings make singing noise in flight.

As an introduced species it is of concern because of its effects on native wildlife. Its aggressive nature can disrupt the nesting of native waterfowl. It is protected in some states, but not others. Some states are attempting to control Mute Swan numbers.

* The Mute Swan is reported to mate for life. However, changing of mates does occur infrequently, and swans will remate if their partner dies. If a male loses his mate and pairs with a young female, she joins him on his territory. If he mates with an older female, they go to hers. If a female loses her mate, she remates quickly and usually chooses a younger male.

They seem so civilized! You can get more info at the above link.

Gedouttahere, George!

2009-03-29T19:01:00.000-04:00

The little yellow one in the front never woke up. LOL

American White Pelican

2009-03-28T18:38:00.003-04:00

I went to Lake Toho in Kissimmee again this morning looking for the perfect sunrise, and was fortunate to find this flock of American White Pelicans, along with a flock of Cormorants, floating a short distance off shore. I saw them last week also, but they were much further out and were flying from spot to spot fishing. I searched for information about the bird on All About Birds and found the following facts:

* Large, white waterbird.

* Long bill with extensible pouch.

* Legs short.

* Body large and heavy.

* Feet webbed.

* Wings long and broad, with black trailing edge.

* Tail short.

* Size: 127-165 cm (50-65 in)

* Wingspan: 244-290 cm (96-114 in)

* Weight: 4500-9000 g (158.85-317.7 ounces)

The White Pelican does not dive for fish as the Brown Pelican does. Instead, it dips its head underwater to scoop up fish. Several pelicans may fish cooperatively, moving into a circle to concentrate fish, and then dipping their heads under simultaneously to catch fish.

Spreading The Word

2009-03-27T19:01:00.002-04:00

I swear I didn't pay her to write that on the board!

Lighthouse on Toho

2009-03-26T17:33:00.001-04:00

See more skies from around the world at the Sky Watch blog!

Bird

2009-03-25T19:01:00.000-04:00

Sunrise Duck

2009-03-24T19:01:00.000-04:00

Ducky Morning

2009-03-23T19:36:00.003-04:00

Celebration Today

2009-03-22T19:01:00.001-04:00

I went to Celebration, which is about five miles from Champions Gate, to catch the sunrise this morning. The first thing I saw was a couple of hot air balloons directly over the golf course and headed in the direction of Champions Gate. This shot was taken at the lake front in downtown, and by the time I shot it the two balloons you see were probably over Champions Gate.

This is a view of the Celebration Hotel (on the left) and the shops that line Bloom Street in Downtown Celebration. See another shot on the Celebration Daily Photo blog.

Kissimmee Sunrise

2009-03-21T21:45:00.000-04:00

I caught the sunrise at the Kissimmee Lighthouse on Lake Toho early this morning.

Space Shuttle Launch, Two

2009-03-19T14:30:00.000-04:00

I filmed this while standing at the back of the Regions Bank on Champions Gate Boulevard. Champions Gate is approximately 70 miles / 113 kilometers from the Kennedy Space Center.

As I mentioned a couple of days ago, things didn't go exactly as planned when I started taping the launch, but I think it turned out okay, because the very end of this video captures the separation of the Shuttle from the booster rockets. You can see the six second video I shot by clicking here.

Space Shuttle Launch, One

2009-03-18T19:11:00.005-04:00

The small white dot in photos 1, 3, and 4 is the Shuttle, the two smaller dots you see are the booster rockets, I believe. I shot these pictures after I made a one minute videotape of the launch, so these are really after the fact. I was completely dysfunctional getting the camera to record. I stood ready to tape with the camera on and in video mode, but the camera is so smart it shut off to save battery life just as the Shuttle took off, lol. I ended up taking a five second video, six second video, and a one minute video. See the six second video here, and come back tomorrow to see the one minute video - please.

I shot these from the back of the Regions Bank on Champions Gate Boulevard, facing northeast.

A Serpent's Eye View

2009-03-17T19:00:00.003-04:00

I went to Downtown Disney in search of photographic treasure on Sunday, and ended up shooting several videos and taking quite a few photos. Of course, this is a blog about Champions Gate, but I thought you might enjoy this. The 'mountain' to the left of the serpent is the Rainforest Cafe.

The next couple of days I'll be posting some shots of the Space Shuttle Launch from this past Sunday evening. On Thursday, for Sky Watch, I'll have a one minute video of the launch that I shot from the back of the Regions Bank on Champions Gate Boulevard. Even though we are more than 70 miles from the Kennedy Space Center, the video is pretty cool. Don't miss it!

Peaceful Sunday Morning View

2009-03-16T19:01:00.000-04:00

Balloons coming in from the west, seemingly floating over a small office building on Legends Boulevard. Visible in the distance is the Publix Plaza, and on the very left you can see a portion of the Omni Hotel. The street to the left is Laura Lane, which runs from South Goodman Road to Legends Boulevard.

Balloon Rise

2009-03-15T19:01:00.000-04:00

"Balloon Rise" is a contraction of Hot Air Balloon at Sunrise. I didn't plan this. I was on my way to Celebration to catch the sunrise there, not even considering looking for balloons over Champions Gate this morning, when this one popped in front of me. I had to stop and shoot it! I got quite a few shots of this one and another floating in from the east. When I turned around I saw several floating in from the west and shot them also. That's a rare occasion, as normally the balloons are all coming or going in the same direction.

Watch Out!

2009-03-14T20:01:00.000-04:00

One thing I really enjoy is the Clock Tower plaza early in the morning - the bubbling water, chirping birds, and speeding jets. LOL

Gator On The Moon

2009-03-13T19:31:00.004-04:00

[Click To Enlarge]

Look closely at the moon reflection in the first photo, the black spot you see is a gator. He appears in the second photo also. I saw at least three or four gators in this pond yesterday morning. They love it there!

Driving To The Moon

2009-03-12T19:06:00.001-04:00

7:30 this morning at the entrance to the Omni Hotel.

Balloons At The Gate

2009-03-11T19:01:00.000-04:00

I was out chasing balloons this morning. "What else would you be doing, George?" you ask. Well, when I looked out my window this morning I saw a beautiful full moon sitting right over the Champions Gate Golf Club. I knew I couldn't be fast enough to get any shots of it though, and once again I had left my camera in my truck, so I couldn't shoot it through my window either. A few minutes later, I looked out and saw fog rising from the tree tops as a balloon floated above them. I had to run out for that, of course. I got a bunch of shots at the golf course, at the Clock Tower, and at the Gate. There are two balloons in this photo, along with the 7-11 parking area (lower right), Regions Bank, Watson Realty, and Walgreens.

Dusk

2009-03-10T19:01:00.002-04:00

A view of the Omni Hotel & Resort at Champions Gate at sunset on February 28, 2009.

Floating High

2009-03-09T19:01:00.002-04:00

This is the first time I've seen this balloon over Champions Gate.

One minute video of the hot air balloon floating over Masters Boulevard.

Check out the Turtle Love on Celebration Daily Photo if you have a minute.

Ducklings Moving Fast

2009-03-08T10:31:00.001-04:00

**I posted Celebration Daily Photo today, stop by if you have time.**

Sandhill Cranes

2009-03-06T21:10:00.004-05:00

[Turn Up The Volume]

The video is only one minute long, so if you have that minute to spare, please watch it. This could be my new obsession. I took eighteen videos today, four alone of this pair of Sandhill Cranes. It is unusual for them to approach people like this, so this was a real treat for me.

Click here for more Camera Critter participants.

Perfect Alignment - Sky Watch

2009-03-05T14:30:00.002-05:00

**** Ooops! Camera Critters post is above this one, sorry for the inconvenience. ****

Mean Looking Dude

2009-03-04T19:01:00.001-05:00

Something a little different today. This is one of the animated dinosaurs at the new T-Rex Restaurant in Downtown Disney. Relatively new, that is. It has been open for a while and normally has a long line outside, but this particular morning there were very few people, so I took advantage and got a few shots inside the restaurant.

Looks like the giant grasshopper is ready to jump on the little meanie. I see a hand on the right side of the pic also - pushing dino buttons? The decor is pretty amazing, but I didn't check out the menu. Next time!

Balloon Reflection

2009-03-03T19:01:00.000-05:00

Another of the shots from Feb 27th. Look closely, you can see another balloon behind the trees in the middle of the photo.

Now that I'm becoming proficient taking one minute videos with my camera, I'll be out this weekend trying to get a movie of these balloons.

Fountain At The Gate and a Video Too

2009-03-02T19:01:00.001-05:00

I took this shot of the full moon through the fountain on February 8, 2009. This afternoon I decided to take my first video with my digital camera when I noticed the wind whipping up a 'storm' at the fountain. Warning, this could make you laugh so hard you'll fall out of your chair. Well, maybe not that badly, but it did make me laugh.

Balloon Attack

2009-03-01T19:01:00.003-05:00

Balloon attack? Not really, but I needed a title, lol.

Three balloons converge on the Champions Gate Golf Clubhouse, along with a couple of runners and a car on the driveway. There were at least six balloons in total that morning, but I wasn't able to get one shot with all of them in it.

I've mentioned the size of these balloons in previous posts, but it's worth repeating. The balloon in the upper right, which is also reflected in the pond, is one of the largest balloons in the world - fully inflated it stands six stories tall and can carry up to twenty passengers. See shots of the balloon fully loaded and taking off here. Compare that with the balloon from two days ago, which carries a maximum of four passengers plus the pilot.

Theme Day - Glass

2009-02-28T20:38:00.003-05:00

I totally forgot about the City Daily Photo Theme Day post, but after Coca Cutie reminded me, I was able to find this photo I took of myself in the 'looking' glass above the ATM at the Publix supermarket here in Champions Gate. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants of the CDPB Theme Day.

Scroll down to see the Hot Air Balloon shot I had already posted earlier this evening. Thanks.

Sailing Over The Clubhouse

2009-02-28T19:01:00.000-05:00

This is another of the shots I got yesterday morning. That's the Champions Gate Golf clubhouse in the background - definitely a favorite place for the Ballooners to float over. The course is beautiful, the scene from above must be outstanding. One day I'll fly over and let you know for sure, lol.

Red, White and Balloon

2009-02-27T19:01:00.002-05:00

This balloon was floating over Champions Gate this morning when I left my home. I took several pictures of it from the street, then I chased it and the others sailing overhead, over to the Champions Gate Golf Course where I was able to get some great shots. I'll be posting them over the next few days, so make sure you come back!

Sun Up, Sun Down, Sky Watch

2009-02-26T14:25:00.000-05:00

Sunrise at the Champions Gate Clock Tower, February 22, 2009.

Sunset at the Champions Gate Golf Club, Feb 19, 2009.

Are They Using Eye Liner?

2009-02-25T19:01:00.000-05:00

Sunset Through The Palms

2009-02-24T19:01:00.000-05:00

Sunset Panorama

2009-02-23T19:01:00.001-05:00

View of the wetlands from the 10th Tee of the International Course at the Champions Gate Golf Club.

Rolex - An Obsession With Perfection

2009-02-22T19:01:00.000-05:00

This clock stands at the entrance to the Champions Gate Golf Course, just behind the clubhouse, and as you can see, David Leadbetter Golf Academy is inscribed on the top. I got this shot when I was there taking photos of the Bagpiper Sunset.

Funny thing, the next day I went to visit Jilly's Monte Carlo Daily Photo and she had posted a picture of a Rolex worth about a million dollars. Of course, when one thinks of Rolex, perfection, achievement, and luxury come to mind.

Rolex: A Crown For Every Achievement

A Bagpiper Sunset - Three

2009-02-21T19:01:00.000-05:00

[Click It To Big It]

John was just about done and had turned to leave the tee when I got this shot - my favorite of the series. He continues to play the bagpipe as he 'marches' off the tee and down the pathway.

Once again, I have to say, this was an amazing scene for me and I appreciate the opportunity to get these photos. See the two previous posts for more pictures of John McDonald piping down the sun.

A Bagpiper Sunset - Two

2009-02-20T19:01:00.003-05:00

[Click It To Big It]

Another of the shots I got yesterday evening of John McDonald piping down the sun, as one gentleman referred to it. I took about forty photos in the little more than five minutes that he played, and, of course, I'll be posting a few more along the way.

I'm so glad Alan Findlay, the General Manager of the Champions Gate Golf Club, let me in on this fantastic tradition. Anyone that can see this live, should!

I've put a link to the Champions Gate Golf Club on my sidebar for anyone that may want to visit the site to get more information.

Have an extra thirty seconds? Check out these adorable ducklings I shot today.

A Bagpiper Sunset - Skywatch Friday

2009-02-19T19:34:00.005-05:00

[Click It To Big It]

This is John McDonald, Bagpiper Extraodinaire, playing at sunset this evening, as he does every evening, on the 10th Tee of the International Course at the Champions Gate Golf Club. Tune in the next few days to see more of the shots I was able to take.

A big 'thank you' to Alan Findlay, General Manager of the Champions Gate Golf Club, for inviting me over to see John play at sunset. As I mentioned, John plays every evening, and can be seen from the Veranda at the Clubhouse.

For more beautiful skies visit the Sky Watch blog.

Sunset Through The Grass

2009-02-18T19:01:00.000-05:00

I've been invited over to the Champions Gate Clubhouse to take pictures of the bagpiper that entertains every evening at sunset. If everything goes as planned I should have some photos to post by Thursday evening. The sunsets have been pretty amazing lately, so make a point of dropping by the next couple of days to see what I get!

Today's Ducks

2009-02-17T19:01:00.000-05:00

Snack Time

2009-02-16T19:06:00.003-05:00

Even if you never golf, which would be the case for yours truly, you have to appreciate the beauty of a golf course, and the courses at the Champions Gate Golf Club are amazing, in my humble opinion.

Sunup Today

2009-02-15T19:01:00.000-05:00

Don't Leave Me Out!

2009-02-13T18:57:00.001-05:00

Gettin' Outtahere!

2009-02-11T19:01:00.000-05:00

Full Moon, Again

2009-02-10T19:01:00.000-05:00

Moon Over Chili's

2009-02-09T18:59:00.002-05:00

Framed

2009-02-08T19:48:00.001-05:00

I took this on my way home this evening. That's my favorite tree behind the lamppost.

Surreal

2009-02-05T19:01:00.000-05:00

Lighting The Way

2009-02-04T19:01:00.000-05:00

Pretty Bird and an Afternoon Moon

2009-02-03T19:01:00.001-05:00

Waiting For A Ride

2009-02-02T19:01:00.000-05:00

Horse drawn carriage workers waiting for something to do. Besides pose for me, that is.

Skywatch Saturday Friday

2009-01-30T19:01:00.000-05:00

The Osprey and The Gull Skywatching

2009-01-29T19:01:00.001-05:00

Join in all the fun at the fabulous Skywatch blog!

Hotel Top Tonight

2009-01-28T19:08:00.003-05:00

If you look closely at the first photo you can make out the hotel in the lower left corner. Click 'em to big 'em.

Going Up

2009-01-27T19:01:00.002-05:00

Construction continues in Champions Gate, despite the lousy economy. I shot this today while I was out for a walk - the temperature was around 80F. So nice!

Gettin' Dark Out

2009-01-26T19:01:00.000-05:00

Sunset January 17, 2009

2009-01-25T19:01:00.000-05:00

Kissimmee Lighthouse

2009-01-21T19:01:00.000-05:00

A Great White Heron ...

2009-01-20T19:01:00.000-05:00

... backed up by a bunch of Coots.

Sundown Today

2009-01-19T19:01:00.000-05:00

What's in a number? I ran out to get this shot when I noticed how fantastic the sunset was looking, and this is the nineteenth shot I took! I didn't plan it, really. Happy 1/19/09. LOL

Sweet Strawberry Onions

2009-01-18T18:52:00.002-05:00

I spotted these at the Farmer's Market this morning, and have to admit I've never heard the term Florida Sweet Strawberry Onion before.

Balloon Landing Three Days Ago, Final

2009-01-17T19:21:00.003-05:00

The passengers stayed in the basket the entire time the balloon was being deflated. This crew must be experienced, confident, and skilled, because it seemed to me that this was a risky operation.

Balloon Landing Two Days Ago

2009-01-16T19:10:00.004-05:00

The passengers seemed to really enjoy this part of their flight! In the last photo the worker is providing some leverage as one of the ground crew is starting to tug on the balloon to deflate it. I'll finish this series off tomorrow. Be here or be square.

Balloon Landing Yesterday

2009-01-15T19:01:00.000-05:00

This is something I hadn't seen before. While the balloon was held in place, one of the waiting vans pulled up close to it, and the men guided the basket up onto the trailer. Then the van drove a short distance down the field with the crew hanging on to the sides and the passengers still inside the basket. See those pictures tomorrow.

Balloon Landing Today

2009-01-14T19:01:00.001-05:00

Once again I heard the familiar whoosh of the hot air being pumped into a balloon as I sat at my computer early this morning. I looked out and saw two balloons, one of them very low and moving kind of fast in the direction of the Clock Tower. I ran outside, jumped in my trusty vehicle, and did the speed limit down to the intersection of Legends Blvd and Champions Gate Blvd.

The first shot was taken through my windshield as I drove down the street; shots two and three I took through the open driver's side window as I sat at the red light; shots four and five I took from in front of the sign you see there. I stuck around and took about forty more shots. Tune in during the next few days to see more of this landing.

Storm Clouds Over Toho

2009-01-13T19:01:00.000-05:00

I stopped by the Lake Front during my lunch hour and a half just because the sky looked so ominous.

Blazing Sunrise

2009-01-12T19:01:00.001-05:00

Moon Over The Golf Course

2009-01-11T19:01:00.000-05:00

I shot this early this morning when the fog was kind of heavy. That's the Champions Gate Golf Club on the left.

A December Sunset

2009-01-10T19:01:00.000-05:00

Winter Break

2009-01-08T19:16:00.002-05:00

This kid was trolling for bait fish while enjoying the Winter Break from school. 'We' used to call this the Christmas Vacation.

Left Right

2009-01-07T19:01:00.001-05:00

Legends Medical Building

2009-01-06T19:01:00.000-05:00

1) The office building I shot awhile ago (the one Coca Cutie didn't like, lol), when it was under construction.

2) Morning sky from the Clock Tower plaza.

Through The Window

2009-01-05T19:03:00.003-05:00

I was in front of the computer this morning, which is in front of my favorite window, and I heard hot air being pumped into a balloon. I looked out and saw a misty fog rising from the trees, but no balloon. I heard the whoosh again. I looked out and saw this beauty float into my viewfinder. Seems there were only two people in the balloon. And the pilot was giving his passenger a great ride, sailing up, descending, and ultimately floating over the Champions Gate Golf course.

Flipper

2009-01-03T19:01:00.000-05:00

A flipped reflection, just for fun. LOL

Shot 127

2009-01-02T19:01:00.000-05:00

I took this on 12/27/08. If I were the superstitious kind I'd be playing 1227127 in some kind of combination today, but I'm not. I just won't look at the Florida Lottery's winning numbers for today tomorrow. LOL

See more about interesting numbers on my Champions Gate Clock Tower blog.

Sky Watch 1/1/09

2009-01-01T14:47:00.002-05:00

I took this shot on Christmas Day 2008. See another of the sunset shots I took that day here.

Join in at the Sky Watch blog.

The Omni, ChampionsGate Golf, and a Hot Air Balloon

2008-12-31T19:13:00.003-05:00

I really didn't give this any thought before choosing this photo for today's post, but I do believe it is appropriate for the final post of the year. The Omni Hotel, ChampionsGate Golf Club, and Hot Air Balloons define Champions Gate for me. I shot this from the tee directly in front of the hotel, so this gives you an idea of the beauty golfers, guests, and residents of Champions Gate encounter every day.

Happy New Year everyone, and thank you for being a part of my blogging experience in 2008!

Random 12/27/08 Shots

2008-12-30T19:07:00.002-05:00

Some of the shots I got early Sunday morning. To answer Clueless In Boston's question about why there are so many balloons here: this is the tourist capital of the world - more people visit Orlando than any other tourist destination - and ballooning is a very popular activity. Champions Gate is only a few miles south of Disney World, where the majority of the tourists are, and there is a lot of wide open space around here, plenty of spots for the balloons to land easily, and the sights are special.

It seems there are a number of balloon companies that work, or fly, with one another. The largest balloons can carry as many as twenty people in their baskets, and the smaller ones just three or four comfortably.

Through The Gate

2008-12-29T18:57:00.003-05:00

If you look closely, or enlarge the photo, you can see a hot air balloon just above the red light on the right. "There they are!" I said to myself (I always talk to myself). I think there must have been a dozen balloons, but I could only catch about four at one time. I'll be posting more these shots in the next few days.

Bright Morning, Sunny Night

2008-12-28T19:01:00.002-05:00

1) One of the balloons I shot yesterday morning in front of The Omni Hotel. There were a lot of balloons in the sky; this was one of the last to float by, and it was the closest to me.

2) Sunset at The Omni. I didn't spend the whole day there, it's just that everything I chase ends up there! LOL

Sunrise Hawk

2008-12-27T19:01:00.000-05:00

I was chasing Hot Air Balloons this morning and ran into my favorite hawk. She wasn't crazy about having more than ten or twelve photos taken of her, so she flew off to the next lamppost down the road.

Christmas Day Balloon Landing

2008-12-26T18:51:00.004-05:00

I spotted this balloon just touching down as I was leaving Champions Gate on Christmas morning. As you can see, the balloon is being secured by three men as a woman stands inside the basket. Must have been a solo flight - a gift to herself for Christmas. Well, I do have an imagination after all. LOL

Christmas Day Sunset at The Omni

2008-12-25T19:08:00.002-05:00

Twilight On Champions Gate Boulevard

2008-12-24T19:36:00.003-05:00

It was actually dark out when I took this shot earlier this evening, that's why the cars look like blurs of light. I was hunting gators in this Omni Hotel pond - the hotel bus driver told me she had spotted one earlier, and we could see them swimming beneath the surface, so we stood there shooting photos, hoping they would come up for air. They didn't.

Merry Christmas everyone!