Friday, August 07, 2009

Draught Dodger

What? A Beer, So Early In The Morning?

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


All right, I know you all think that Aussies are great beer drinkers, so I guess it’s fitting that beer should be the theme of today’s contribution to the Sky Watch Friday theme.

These images were shot in March this year, as I waited at Richmond station for a train to Flinders Street. Was that really a flying beer glass I could see on the horizon? Surely I wasn’t imagining things.


Then I realised it was a unique hot-air balloon. Yes, it was a foaming glass of Carlton Draught beer, but it was being well flown over the horizon. I could have swapped lenses and got some interesting close-ups, but I decided to stick with my Sigma 18-125mm lens and compose some shots that included normal station silhouettes as well.


For other participants in Dot’s concept, go to Sky Watch HQ.

40 comments:

Shadow said...

i love some of the balloons they make in these weird shapes or objects. this one's great!

Brian Miller said...

beer and powerlines...things that should not mix? cool balloon...they can be so creative can't they.

Maddy said...

Now that's a corker!

Cynthia Pittmann said...

So it is a floating cork? Amazing...that first shot captures the a moody feeling sky. I wish I understood about the lenses. My next project is to really learn photography...sigh...maybe. Nice work here. <3

Anonymous said...

I guess it was five o'clock some where, lol!

Suldog said...

Cool balloon. Being a public transit junkie, I also enjoyed the bonus shot of the train pantograph :-)

imac said...

Great shot, but would have been better if it was Fosters David.

Lew said...

Another way to get high while staying sober (at least we hope)!

Miranda said...

Lol, I love that idea for a balloon. I've seen a ton of different kinds, shopping carts, yellow pages, santa, Ice cream cones..... but that one makes it ;)

Zip n Tizzy said...

So early in the morning?
Looks like they're just gettin' started!

erin said...

made me chuckle.
a fun skywatch capture.

Maggie May said...

We also have flying beers and all sorts of other things flying over our city!
Makes good photos.

Regina said...

Nice shots!
Happy weekend David.

Kay said...

Getting everyone juiced up for Friday! :)

Nessa said...

I'm always trying to get shots without the wires. You've incorporated them very well.

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JamaGenie said...

Imagine some poor sod on his way home from an all-nighter looking up to see a *huge* glass of beer floating along, out of reach!

We used to see unusual balloons all the time when we lived in Las Vegas, but never a glass of beer, but there was a Mr. Peanut, top hat and all.

Rune Eide said...

Since I know that you don't drink beer, I didn't fall for that one - but I fell for the pictures!

James said...

I was trying to figure out what it was. That is so cool. I'm glad that you always have your camera.

annalarssonphotography said...

Great work David!!

And thanks again!
I've put up a thank you post dedicated to you if you have time to read and see the picture :)

Have a great friday!
Anna

Lavender and Vanilla Friends of the Gardens said...

Interesting shots; a full beerglass in the sky is not everyday available!

Anne said...

Weekend soon you know!!

Big hugs to you!!

Eleonora Baldwin said...

It's raining beer! (halleluja)

Curious shape for a hot air balloon. I especially like the last shot with the train wires and pantographs (is that what they're called in English too?) in the foreground.

Ciao

Texas Travelers said...

Great post.
Cheers.

Troy

Elizabeth Bradley said...

As usual, your play on words is wonderful. I know many Americans that are doing their fair share of beer drinking, maybe trying to give you Australians a run for your money, many are my relatives of Irish decent! What a unique balloon. Quite a sight in person, I imagine.

Deborah Godin said...

Hair of the dog, eh?

SandyCarlson said...

You're making me thirsty--at the right time of day for a beer! Excellent stuff, David.

Mark Kreider said...

You were at the right place at the right time for this one!

Kathy W said...

LMAO that would kinda mess with a persons head to early in the morning. Hope it stayed away from those powerlines.

Unknown said...

"do you want to ride in my beautiful balloon?"
I want to ride in that one!

♥ Braja said...

Only in Australia.....:)

Annie said...

So glad to see that the wires don't bother you David! Strange hot air balloon though. Would make one stop and think!

San said...

Head-y shot.

Janie said...

Anyone seeing this might think he'd been drinking a little too much beer already!

spacedlaw said...

Strange sight indeed.

quilly said...

I wonder if a body works up a thirst flying that thing?

indicaspecies said...

These balloons do make the skyline interesting.

I went all the way to Luxor for another ride on a hot air balloon in vain as the rides had been stopped pending investigation due to an accident.

http://indicainq8.wordpress.com/

Gemma Wiseman said...

Lots of lines streaking round the flying beer definitely make an interesting sky! (Checking! Yes! relative to the photos that does make sense!) Love these shots!

Michele said...

Gosh, to see just a hot air balloon lurking around our skyline would be something else but a beer balloon... that would make front page news! =D

Janet said...

Someday you should try to get to Colorado Springs for Balloon Glow (I think it's in September). There are hundreds of balloons in just about every shape and size. It's quite spectacular.

fuzzbert_1999@yahoo.com said...

Too bad it wasn't a good beer...it would have been a better morning.