The Great Smoky Mountains Hot AirBalloon Festival!
By Rachelle Siegrist
Almost a month ago now, Townsend’s sky was filled with the vivid colors of numerous hot air balloons! Wes and I had walked down with some friends to see the splendid show, arriving shortly before dusk. Of course, my favorite balloon was a huge turtle, complete with a head, legs and a cute tail, and was totally adorable!
We watched as they carefully inflated the last couple of balloons, and then it was time to patiently wait for the sky to grow dark. Clouds building in the darkening sky behind added even more dramatic beauty to the setting. Watching as they took turns lighting up, I noticed that the moon was directly above my next favorite balloon, which was pink and purple.
The sound of roaring flames filled the late evening sky as they continued to fill their balloons. The darker the sky grew, the more brilliant the large balloons became, appearing as huge Chinese lanterns in the sky, with the dark outline of the mountains behind contrasting beautifully against the bright balloons and warm colors of the sunset.
Quickly the sun dipped behind the distant hills, and the sky grew dark, causing the balloons to glow! Several times, a voice over a loudspeaker would count to three, then all of the balloons would light up at the same time, creating a delightful spectacle of illumination! Each time the large crowd would applaud and cheer as they looked on with awe. Then as quickly as the light show started it ended, as the building clouds had turned into a large thunderhead, the lightning creating its own natural show of illumination!
We got a chance to use our new wetsuits again this past week while snorkeling in the river early one morning. We snorkeled several different pools and sections, seeing everything from a large bass to crawfish sporting bright red tails. I even came upon a large watersnake while snorkeling, which I must admit caught me off guard, taking my breath away for a second! I’m SO delighted to be able to swim and snorkel once again, and my wetsuit is certainly one of my new best friends!
Two of our dear friends Bill and Darlene recently sold their 2nd home here in the Smokies and headed back to Florida for good this past week, so we along with them and friends Fred and Barb, enjoyed a farewell dinner party at Huck Finn’s Catfish Restaurant in Pigeon Forge last Sunday evening. We have so enjoyed their friendship over the years, and are going to miss them greatly!
~ Recently off the Easels ~
It’s been a very busy week here in the studio once again, with Wes and I both finishing miniature paintings. My painting is a dog commission of a precious little Yorkie named Lily. Sadly she is no longer with her family, but will remind them of many wonderful memories with her, through her adorable portrait! I have to say she was great fun to paint, bringing a smile to my face continually!
And voila . . . the final portrait painting!
Wes finished his painting of an adorable pig who lived at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center located here in the Great Smoky Mountains. She was enjoying the shade of the old barn after having just eaten, and we so enjoyed watching her for quite a while.
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Until next time . . .
~ Rachelle
Under the Magnifying Glass 
It was such fun being with you when we were up last month. Now we are waiting for the
heat to break. Today I celebrate my 75th birthday – hard to believe! Paula
We really enjoyed being with you both too Paula!
Wow . . . Happy Birthday and continue not acting your age 😉
Here’s hoping for cooler temps for you all!
Hugs 🤗
Rachelle