August 17, 2013 Passengers: Elizabeth, Mark, Eleanora & Leon Orlov Today we have the Orlov family, less the mother who is in Estonia at her 20th high school reunion so our story and pictures will have to do. We all wind up at the boat ramp in Keizer and the test balloon tells us this will be the perfect spot today. We do have a small front passing through and the winds have shifted to the west, southwest. The gang gets the gear out and ready for flight. Starship is full of cold air so Cecil does the honors and adds the heat. It is time to load up and get the “adventure” started. The drift is to the east and we cross over some new construction and Mark shouts a “hello” down to the workers that are just getting started. We are right on track to cross over their house and we do. The neighbors come out to say hello and snap a photo or two as we drift by. We are approaching the lake at Inland Shores and I have the gang move that way for some photos of our up coming dip in the water. The youngest of the “clan” is not to sure about us getting our feet wet so I’ll “creep” up on the shot and she’ll never see it coming. After the first dip all the kids wanted another…so today was a DOUBLE DIP day. We slip over the condos on the bank and into the golf course for a few minutes. Time to find a spot to park so I send the gang past the Meadows and will use the newly harvested grass fields off North River Road. The “gang” is spot on as I drift in for the catch. We get the balloon deflated, the bag sit done and head out back to the park for the picnic. I get the story started, the toast is done and the certificates are presented. PASSENGER COMMENTS: Elizabeth: “Oh man, double dipping in a hot air balloon! How awesome!” Mark: “Man, it’s life changing! Double dipping!” Eleanora: “Jim I think you’re the best.” Leon: “Thank you Jim!!! It was our greatest pleasure!” A BIG thank you to today’s Crew (I can’t get in the air or back on the ground without’um) Mike, Tim, Cecil, Richard TRACK Average Speed: 3.0 MPH Distance Flown: 3.5 Miles Websystem hosting provided by WolfPk. | Site Map Copyright © 2003-2017 Balloon Flying Service of Oregon, Inc. Legal Information All Rights Reserved.