We have a “birthday” flight today for Brian and the whole family is here to celebrate. I call for the airport in the Brooks area and the “test balloon confirms that this site will work well. The boys get the balloon out of the bag as the sun peaks through the trees to the east. We get the cold air added to the envelope and Cecil adds the heat for us. We call for the passengers to board and we are off the runway heading south at an easy pace. We head toward the ponds at Knife River’s gravel operation then over a large hazelnut farm and toward farm country on the edge of Keizer. I get a chance to get a shot of the “birthday” then another of the wife and kiddies as we drift toward our LZ for today the parking lot in front of the Target Store in Keizer Station. The “gang” is on the lot as we approach and I drop a line for the catch. We get the balloon deflated and back in the bag then head back to Finney Lake for the picnic.
I get the story started, the toast is done and the certificates are presented.
PASSENGER COMMENTS:
Katherine: “What a beautiful ride this morning! This was an amazing experience! Thank you.” Brian: “Outstanding experience, thank you so much!” Blake: “Thank you for the amazing hot air balloon ride.” Chloe: “Thank you.”
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: 3.0 MPH
Distance Flown: 4.5 Miles