jason bonhamtip24

A boat passenger conversing with a hot air balloon crew during the 21st Annual Lake Travis Hot Air Balloon flight.

Thanks to Robert Allen, Safety Coordinator and Mark Wagner for lending the boat and Lake Travis expertise. This is a mix of stills and movie segments. At one time at least nine boats were keeping pace with the balloons at about 12 mph. Everyone was well behaved and professional.

Enjoy the movie. Here are some tips if you are a boater on Lake Travis or elsewhere:

If you should encounter a hot air balloon on the lake, please follow at a distance. Remember balloons can suddenly lose momentum and come to a stop. You don't want your windscreen filled with basket and nylon.

Also, as a boat pilot, please don't cross in front of a balloon, especially stirring up a heavy wake. Balloons like to dip the basket just a bit in the water, and a high wake can drag on the basket.