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June 5, 2013 Passengers: Garrett Loveall, Bethany Smith Another day in “ballooning paradise” here in the Willamette Valley. I call for the Keizer site at the parking lot as the forecast is light and variable from the NE. This is a Birthday surprise for Garrett and it looks like Bethany has pulled it off as we get the gear hooked up and filled with cold air. The passengers come on board and we are off the lot a few minutes after six. We are on the river in a couple of minutes but a bit to fast for a dip so we will cross over the tree nursery and take a shot on the second crossing. We slip back onto the river and I drop down over the tree line for a shot. Once I get us low on the water we get back drafted (reverse track) and a perfect chance to do a dip in the water. We actually hang around between the tree lines, shag out a “gaggle” and wake up some people that offer us coffee if we need it. We start to drift toward the cottonwoods so I have to get us off the river and into Keizer to wake up some dogs. The hour is closing so I have the “gang” move to the park downwind for the LZ (landing zone) today. This spot will work if I can hold the line and slip us between the trees and make the soccer field. As I set the shot we get hooked to the west back toward the river and will have to do my “magic” to get back to the gang in the park. I go hunting for a down slope off the hills to the west and find it at tree top which will give me enough shove east to get into the park. The gang make’s the catch and gives us a tow to the parking lot for a dry spot to pack up. I look around and we have picked up Jennifer (cr Websystem hosting provided by WolfPk. | Site Map Copyright © 2003-2017 Balloon Flying Service of Oregon, Inc. Legal Information All Rights Reserved.