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September 1, 2012
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Passengers: Daniel & April Urquhart, Juel Radtke, Debbie Vanover
The winds have returned to a “normal” summer pattern so we are out in Brooks again today but when I get to the site I have lights on the “bog” and I find they are picking the bean field next to us. We get the balloon out of the bag and the fan fired up and soon we are standing tall and read for the passengers to board. We get off the ground and find that the pocket fog that we had is still scattered around the “bottoms” but not enough to be of any trouble. To the east the sun has risen and will make short work of the little fog we have below us. We drift over the pond then off to the south toward Keizer. It is down River Road for a bit then it is time to start the hunt for a LZ (landing zone). I check the flags at the retirement center and see we have nothing on the surface. The gang set up at the first shot a field next to river Road across from Mc Nary Estates. When I drop to set the shot I get a push from the northwest and will have to try for another spot. Over the tree line is Don Earle’s 16 acre field so I have the gangmove there and once again set the shot. This one works and we are down on the field and the owner stops by to say hello to the “boss”. We get the balloon tagged and have the passengers do the sit. We get the gear loaded and head back to the airport for the picnic.
I get the story started, the toast is done and the certificates are presented.
PASSENGER COMMENTS: April: “The experience was incredible, views and company on the journey was fantastic! The crew were excellent at their job & very entertaining. Thank you!” Debbie: “What a great trip. Another one off the ‘bucket list’.” Juel: “Great trip! I loved it and I’m afraid of heights, can’t wait to go again!” Daniel: “I really enjoyed the experience, thank you!”
A BIG thank you to today’s Crew (I can’t get in the air or back on the ground without’um)
Tim, SJ, Dr. T. Mitch, Cecil
TRACK
Average Speed: 4.0 MPH
Distance Flown: 5.0 Miles
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