May 5 2012 Passengers: Kate & Marie Bishop, Crystal & Kyle Wiley We still have a bit of a push out of the south so I call for the parking lot on S. Commercial for this mornings launch site. We get the balloon out of the bag and the “gang” get the top in as I do the “meet & greet” with the passengers. We start the pump up and soon we have “Starship” up and ready for the passengers to load. Cecil gets the “plank” cameras rolling and with a bit more heat we are off the lot and on our way. We are over the south hills and head out into the industrial area and cut by the northwest end of the airport and on into the central core of Salem. Then we slide by Gilmore Field and South High. We slip by the Capitol about a quarter mile to the east then over North High and are moving faster than forecast, about a steady 9/10 MPH. When we get out into Keizer I call the tower and get permission to drop altitude so I can slow us down and hopefully keep us in town and some workable LZ’s (landing zones) We miss Weddle School and I take a shot at Claggett Creek Park and miss it to the east, then it’s on to Keizer Station and I miss it to the west. It is now time to HUNT for a workable LZ out in the “wet & soggy” farm land north of Keizer. I have a good track to a hay field that has a great “wind shadow” (tall trees on the upwind side) that I have used a couple of times before. I just hope that it is relatively clean and dry. There is a private drive right in the middle of the field that would be a DRY place to lay down and pack up and the owners are VERY balloon friendly. The “gang” find the field and is just waiting for me to hit it. I get the shot set and the gang pull us down to field. We get the balloon deflated and in the bag and head back to south Salem for the picnic. I get the story started, the toast is done and the certificates are presented. A fun group and a Happy Birthday to Sarg. and Crystal. PASSENGER COMMENTS: Marie (Sarg.): “Wonderful trip, beautiful area & crew very hard workers. The Pilot, can’t find anyone better!” Kate: “Great time! Beautiful flight!” Crystal & Kyle: “My hubby surprised me this morning for my 30th Birthday and I couldn’t of had a better time! Gorgeous view, exceptionally experienced crew and I now have memories that will last me a LONG time! Thank you to everyone”. A BIG thank you to today’s Crew (I can’t get in the air or back on the ground without’um) Brad, Tim, Cecil, Barb TRACK Average Speed: 5.0 MPH Distance Flown: 9.1 Miles Websystem hosting provided by WolfPk. | Site Map Copyright © 2003-2017 Balloon Flying Service of Oregon, Inc. Legal Information All Rights Reserved.