Alittlebitoutoffocus

Alittlebitoutoffocus

Like most of you, I’m pretty much confined to barracks for the duration of this Coronavirus outbreak.  So I thought I’d dig into my archives to find you some interesting items to cheer you all up (and to give me something to do of course! 😊)

For the first in this series, I’ve gone back to January 2006 and 2008, when I visited the Chateau D’Oex Balloon Festival.  As you will see below, the balloons on display are many and varied, with some incredible designs.  The colours are so vibrant, especially in what was bright sunshine, I just had to take a lot of photographs.

Stay safe and healthy.  And a big THANK YOU to all those who are working tirelessly to keep the rest of us alive and well.

17 responses

  1. blhphotoblog Avatar
    blhphotoblog

    Not allowed out on the hills? Be a shame to miss all that spring offers.
    Hang in there Mike.

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    1. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar
      Alittlebitoutoffocus

      Well, yes, we are allowed ‘out’ as it were, though the 65 and overs are being encouraged to stay at home. (In Ticino they are banned from going out at all!) I would go for a walk but the underfoot conditions are still a little snowy. E.g. I tried to go up to Lac d’Arbey yesterday but it was too icy, (after -5 overnight). So, it’ll be another 3 or 4 weeks before I can get to anywhere interesting shall we say. I would go down the valley, but that would put me nearer to civilisation… So my wife and I are staying put for now. I hope all is well with you and yours.

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  2. Anita Avatar
    Anita

    Very uplifting images Mike! Fantastic creations created by man, some really fun.
    Here in Malta we are still allowed to go out but most people are staying home. All non-essential shops are closed and so are all restaurants, cafés, bars and schools. The streets are almost empty but I take my daily walks with my dog along the sea and try to keep a positive mind. The weather is terrible right now so it’s not a pleasure to go out anyway. Take care!

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    1. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar
      Alittlebitoutoffocus

      Ha, ha. I see what you did there! 😊 The weather is nice and sunny here but it’s quite cold with an icy wind. So we’ll be staying warm and cosy inside. ☺

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  3. Monkey's Tale Avatar
    Monkey’s Tale

    Thank you for the wonderful break from our new reality.

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    1. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar
      Alittlebitoutoffocus

      You’re very welcome. Thank you for your comment. 😊

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  4. bayphotosbydonna Avatar
    bayphotosbydonna

    So colorful, so pretty, what a wonderful brighten to my day!

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    1. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar
      Alittlebitoutoffocus

      I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures. As you say, they’re very bright and colourful and some quite surprising designs!

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  5. usathroughoureyes Avatar
    usathroughoureyes

    Great photo’s. We can only imagine the view from up in one.

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    1. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar
      Alittlebitoutoffocus

      I’m glad you liked them. And it’s funny you you should mention the views from them – as I actually went up in a helicopter during my first visit, but the battery went on my camera! It was only when I landed that I remembered I had a camera on my phone! Anyway, perhaps I can make up for that with my next ‘archive’ post… (A plane ride around the Matterhorn). 😊

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      1. usathroughoureyes Avatar
        usathroughoureyes

        Ahhh the pits having the camera battery die at a time like that. Incentive to go back again!! Looking forward to the Matterhorn shots.

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        1. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar
          Alittlebitoutoffocus

          Yes, that’s always the way of things! My Matterhorn pictures are now there: https://alittlebitoutoffocus.com/2020/03/28/matterhorn-flight-from-sion-switzerland/ I hope you enjoy them. 😊

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  6. Matterhorn Flight from Sion, Switzerland | Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar
    Matterhorn Flight from Sion, Switzerland | Alittlebitoutoffocus

    […] my 2nd ‘archive’ post, I’ll stay with the airborne theme of the Chateau D’Oex Balloon Festival and take you on a tour of the Matterhorn…  But first, some […]

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  7. Jerry Avatar
    Jerry

    Fantastic. We visited friends in Chateau D’Oex in October 2018. No snow of course, but we did see a few balloons taking off. I definitely want to visit the festival at some point.

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    1. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar
      Alittlebitoutoffocus

      Hi Jerry. Yes, I just had a quick browse of your website(s) and noticed you’d been to Switzerland (and Tenby, plus a few other UK locations). Some excellent images, if I might say so! Those mountains across the lake (to the left of your boat picture) are called the Dents du Midi. My daughter and I went up there a few years ago now. I may post some pictures as part of my ‘archive’ series. 😊 Stay safe!

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      1. Jerry Avatar
        Jerry

        Thanks Mike. We travel when we can, and loved Switzerland, though I am torn between warm beaches and mountains! I look forward to seeing those pictures,

        Stay well.

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        1. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar
          Alittlebitoutoffocus

          Yes, it’s a beautiful country. But we do also miss the sea.

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