Spectacular morning view

Conditions were perfect on a Saturday morning in January for an informal gathering of hot air balloonists at East Troy Airport. With 10 balloons participating, the early morning liftoff also made for a nice surprise for local residents. Several balloonists landed in a subdivision near Mukwonago, bringing many curious children still in their pajamas outside, while also scaring a few deer. Dubbed the 23nd Annual Wildcard Playoff Weekend Balloon Rally, coordinated by John Trione of Lake Geneva Balloon Company, the event’s light and variable winds made for perfect flying. (Photo by Karen Bullock)