July 25, 2013 Passengers: Richard Biggart, Emily Sandgren, Arlene Burger, Diane Walker We have been down a few days but I call for the Brooks site for today’s flight. We have 2 groups a couple of gals from Amity and Richard & Emily from Colton. The sun is peeking through the trees as we get the balloon pumped up then standing, I add some heat and we are of the field and on our way. It’s over the hops then on toward the ponds of Knife River and a chance to get our feet wet. I just get the skids in and we drift along for a bit. We pass over the yard and catch the engineer moving the train to the loader with his “remote’” box on his chest… so cool! We climb out over the trees and head over Brooklake Road with a hook to the west and toward Clear Lake. I need to get some hook to the east as the river is getting too close and I really don’t want to cross it this far from any crossings this late in the hour. I drop down over Zielinski’s sugar beet seed field past the lake and find the push from the west (to the right) I’m looking for (take a look at the track). This “adjustment” in the track will give me a shot at the last school before crossing the river. This elementary school has a nice little play field behind it and that will work for the LZ (landing zone) today. The “gang” is on the field as we cross over the trees and drop them a line for the catch in the parking lot. The boys help Arlene out of the basket and we get the balloon deflated and tagged up for the bag. We load up and head back to Brooks for the picnic. I get the story started, the toast is done and the certificates are presented. PASSENGER COMMENTS: Richard “Not at my best today, but I’m 100% after this wonderful ride. Kudos to the Pilot and Crew, want to do it again!” Emily: “This ride was amazing! I had a great time and the crew were all really nice. I’d definitely do this again, thanks.” Arlene; “The entire balloon ride was fantastic! This was on my bucket list to do when I turned 80. I’m 81+ and the entire experience was the hi-light of my 81+ years. Our pilot and the entire crew were delightful, knowledgeable and FUN! I will recommend this to all my friends.” Diane: “The water landing was so much fun, a soft landing then back up over the trees so gracefully. Thanks Jim and Crew also, landed in the schoolyard!” A BIG thank you to today’s Crew (I can’t get in the air or back on the ground without’um) Mike, Ed, Cecil TRACK Average Speed: 4.0 MPH Distance Flown: 5.0 Miles Websystem hosting provided by WolfPk. | Site Map Copyright © 2003-2017 Balloon Flying Service of Oregon, Inc. Legal Information All Rights Reserved.