Sunset at Disney Springs

Colorful

The sun sets across Lake Buena Vista, illuminating the hot air balloon  and surrounding areas at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World. This was a view from our June 2018 visit as we were strolling around Disney Springs one evening.

Not to add any confusion, but the balloon used to be known as Characters in Flight, and it is now called Aerophile at Disney Springs. To me, Characters in Flight sticks in the brain a little better as a name, but I suppose they had a good reason to change it.

And for the record, we have never taken a ride up in the balloon. That has nothing to do with being afraid of heights, however. We just usually choose to spend our money in other ways. I am sure that the view from up in the balloon is pretty spectacular, however.

Staying Grounded

Laura’s uncle used to say that it is not biblical to fly in airplanes, balloons, and such. As he would say, “Jesus told his followers, ‘Low I am with you always.’ He didn’t say anything about high!” Of course, what Jesus actually said is, “Lo, I am with you always.” But who says “Lo” any more? Besides King James. But he lived in the 1600s, so I don’t think that counts.

I actually love to fly, but I rarely have a chance to do it. Our flight to Hawaiʻi this past summer was my first time to fly since 2015, and Laura’s first time to fly since 2009. We are usually just content to drive to where we are going. Except that you can’t drive to Hawaiʻi, of course.

When you fly somewhere, it gives you an entirely different perspective on the world. To me, it is a reminder of just how small we are individually. That could be depressing to some, making them feel insignificant, as if they do not matter. But to me, it reminds me that I am just one part of the whole. Each of us has his own place, but we all work together here in God’s creation, doing our part that he gave us to do.

Sometimes, it takes going up higher to help us stay grounded.

Bible Verse

Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows. - Matthew 10:29-31

About the Photo

This is another one that was processed without Nik Tools, as I first mentioned in the Yacht Club Lighthouse post. One of the advantages of this new way is, as I mentioned before, the lack of noise. Nik filters were great, except for the added noise. There was also a Nik filter to reduce noise, but now that step has been removed for me. That’s a nice bonus, on top of the fact that the photo still looks good with this process.

Photo: A single Raw exposure, processed in Photoshop. Read more about photography tips, photo software, camera gear, and more at Steve’s Photography Tips.
Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M10
Lens: Rokinon 7.5mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens
Date: June 10, 2018
Location: Disney Springs, Walt Disney World, Florida