The flight today is for a couple from Portland way celebrating their 7th anniversary today. We meet at Vic’s as that is where we will party at after the flight (cold winter months dictate we picnic inside) We kick out a pi-ball to check the winds and we pick the school parking lot for the launch site today. The gang and I get the balloon up and I call for the passengers to join me. We are off the ground just before 8AM heading out to the south. Our speed above 500 feet is a steady 5 MPH and the drift is to the southwest. We cut across Keizer and proceed toward the river which we cross over by the berry fields. We cross over the gravel pits and get a nice reflection shot off the water. I call the gang on the radio and they are on the bridge into West Salem so I call for the LZ today at the manufactured home park off Wallace Road. The gang is waiting in the field as we cross over the tree line and drop into the field with a perfect catch. We get the balloon back in the bag, load up the gear and head back north to Vic’s for the party.
I get the story started, the toast is done and the certificates are presented.
PASSENGER COMMENTS: Kaitlin: ”Amazing trip, great crew and wonderful views. Had a really great experience and would go again in a heartbeat!!!” Justin: “Breath taking views, great crew and will be back for sure! Lots of laughs!”
A BIG thank you to today’s Crew (I can’t get in the air or back on the ground without’um) Cecil, Tim, Ed
TRACK
Average Speed: 5.0 MPH
Distance Flown: 4.5 Miles