Balloons aloft near Creede

Two passengers representing the Wason Ranch got a good view of the ranch when pilot Raul Oliva of Hotchkiss cruised over the headquarters Sunday during the annual Creede balloon rally. Enjoying the moment were Ginger Twichell and Harriott Ehrhardt from the Wason Ranch.

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The skies southeast of Creede lit up with nine hot air balloons participating in the annual Labor Day rally there.

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Hotchkiss pilot Raul Oliva cranks up the propane burner to instantly raise his balloon from the Creede airport tarmac skyward for the ensuing ride in Sunday’s peaceful weather.

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This participant in the annual Creede Labor Day Balloon Festival made it easy for their “chase crew” to pick them up after landing on Deep Creek Road about a mile from the takeoff point at the airport.