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In spite of the unstable weather condition, I was lucky enough to view and photograph "mass ascends," in which many balloons go up at the same time. Mass ascends started at 7:00 am, but if you try to get there around 7:00, then forget about parking near the launch site or taking park and ride. My wife and I woke up at 4:00 am and arrived at the launch park around 5:30 am. At the moment of mass ascends, we uncontrollably screamed!

To obtain the best view of mass ascends, many people rode with the balloonists, but it is very expensive ($365 per person) and requires booking in advance. I took pictures from the ground only. Although the perspective is slightly distorted, the view is still spectacular.

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