The north push is still in command so we are in Brooks again. We have another beautiful sunrise as we get the balloon set-up, with the passengers enjoying the show. Once we are up I call for them to come on board and we are off the tarmac. The drift is to the south across the hops and on toward the ponds at Knife River. The surface winds are calm so it’s time to get our feet “wet” with a dip in the water. Then it’s over the tree line and into the tree farm before we cross over Brooklake Road and toward more crops then into Keizer. The pace is easy and we drop a bit to get a closer look as the passengers relax and enjoy the views. The hour is at an end and we miss LZ (landing zone) #1 at Gubser School so I proceed on to the next school and all the big soccer fields for the LZ today. I set the shot for the fields, drift over the trees and are on the field with a couple of hops. The “gang” comes to get us and we hop the fence to do the lay down on the dry parking lot. We get the balloon in the bag and head back to Finney Lake for the picnic. I get the story started, the toast is done and the certificates are presented.
PASSENGER COMMENTS: Jim “ A Great way to celebrate my birthday. I waited 65 years for this flight!” Rosemarie: “Fantastic! Even loved the warmth from the heat.” Joy: “What a great flight! Thank you!”
A BIG thank you to today’s Crew (I can’t get in the air or back on the ground without’um) Mike, Tim, Ed