Have a “private flight” today (just 2 passengers) and I call for our Brooks site as the forecast call for some north to south drift today. The pi-ball (test balloon) confirms a light wind to the southeast so we get the gear out and start to pressurize the envelope with cold air. We have a beautiful sunrise and the balloon is ready for the passengers to board. We are off the tarmac and in the air heading out over the hops toward the lake and a possible dip? Not today but do get a good reflection as we pass by. We cross over the van cruising down Brooklake Road as we proceed toward the Keizer urban area. I have been staying pretty high for most of the flight trying to keep us on a westerly track but as I drop lower for a shot at the first LZ we get that same east push we had earlier. This left turn puts us on track for the Volcanoes baseball stadium. We swing over the BPA station and drop into the parking lot with the gang right on the spot. We get the balloon down and ready for the bag and get all loaded up and head back for the picnic.
I get the story started, the toast is done and the certificates are presented.
PASSENGER COMMENTS: Dell: “Loved the sideways land and walking us out of the basket, very exciting. Great narrative by the pilot and a Great crew.” Richard: “Beautiful morning & great views! Jim did a great of landing us in the volcanoes stadium parking lot.”