The upper winds have returned to a more normal “summer” pattern from north to south so I move us back to Brooks for this flight. We are really short on crew today as 2 of our gang had to bail out late last night after the flight was ON so Brad and Bob have jumped in to give us a hand. The balloon is filled and standing so I call for the passengers to join me in the basket. We are off the field and drifting to the south at an easy pace as we skirt past the ponds to the west. We cross over Brooklake as the passengers are starting to settle into the “experience”. I find the drift to the south I want at just about thousand feet with a hook to the west. I pick the first LZ at a school soccer field, but down low we hook to the west and miss it. The next one in line on this track will be Don Earle’s grass seed field. I set the shot and still have the east push and it will tight to hit this one. I finally get a line down to the boys and with the help of a short tree we “swing the gate” right into the corner of the field. We get the balloon deflated and packed ready for the bag. We load up and head back for the picnic.
I get the story started, the toast is done and the certificates are presented.
PASSENGER COMMENTS: Brad & Barbara: “Beautiful trip and a pleasant trip with just enough excitement to make a great story. Thank you for the hospitality, it was amazing!” C.J. & Bob: “Thank you for a wonderful time. We can’t wait to go again!”
A BIG thank you to today’s Crew (I can’t get in the air or back on the ground without’um) Tim & Tim 2
TRACK
Average Speed: 5.0 MPH
Distance Flown: 5.1 Miles