My Flight Panel

For those of you wondering what it looks like when I fly, here is a picture of my "flight panel".



This board sits on a tank in the corner of the basket. From left to right I have my Flytec instrument which includes my altimeter, envelope temperature, and variometer. In the middle is my Panasonic toughbook laptop which is hooked up to my top right GPS, this provides a moving map while I fly. The bottom right GPS is a backup and is also used in Multiple Judge Declared Goals.

The End of the Iowa Trip

Well, the trip went well. I've definitely had my fair share of riding in a car for a while! On the way home, we did happen to stop by Iowa 80, the largest truck stop in the world!!

Iowa Update

Well...after some internet difficulties, I am finally able to give an update as to what is going on in the world of Iowa.

We arrived in town last night at 12:30AM local time (1:30AM for you people back in Michigan). We got checked in to the Embassy Suites in downtown Des Moines, IA and quickly hit the pillows after a long 8 1/2 hour drive.

We were up and at it this morning just after 7am. We grabbed some breakfast and headed off to the National Balloon Museum in Indianola, IA.








I asked if they just wanted to go ahead and get my picture now for this wall :)

After the museum, we went and grabbed a bite to eat at what was "supposedly" a legendary place in Indianola...let's just say that their idea of legendary and mine are a little different. (sorry, no pics mom...wasn't worth it)

After the lunch experience, we decided that we'd better head back to Des Moines. On such a perfect day (60-65 and sunny), we couldn't just sit inside. Sooo....we decided to visit the capital building which was only a stones throw away from our hotel.


Gorgeous looking exterior.

Supreme Court.

Spiral staircase inside the library.

We also were able to walk in and see the House and Senate "areas". It was a neat little trip!

After all of this, we decided that there is nothing left to do in Iowa, so we are back at the hotel relaxing for a little bit. Paul and Erica are driving into Newton, IA today,which is about 45 min away. Paul is speaking at a safety seminar tomorrow. It is currently 4:45 here and we will probably leave in a few hours to meet up with Paul, Erica, and a few Iowa pilots for dinner and socializing. Then it is back here to rest up so we can head to Nebraska bright and early to pick up some Kellogg gear. Then it's on to the exciting 12 1/2 hour drive home to Battle Creek...yay!

Probably won't be back on to update until I get back home...but as you can see, it has been a busy, but fun little day.

Till next time.....

Iowa Trip

Today is a busy day! Trying to finish up a few things around the house here, then leaving around 5PM with Derrick, John, and Ken to head out to Iowa. The trip will consist of visiting the BFA museum, meeting up with a few Iowa pilots, and picking up some Kellogg gear. Be sure to check back throughout the weekend and see what we're up to!

2009 Ballooning is Here

Well, I decided that I would create a blog so that family and friends could follow my adventures during the 2009 ballooning season. I will be posting any and all things that I do this year pertaining to ballooning, whether I am flying in an event, or lending a helping hand to another pilot.

It is now the beginning of March, which means that Balloons Over Bavaria is long gone. Since this blog was not created during that time period, I will just state that it was a great weekend and we were able to fly once.



We also had a fun time walking around Bronners, the biggest Christmas store ever!



Cute, I know! :)

Hope you enjoy my adventures this year and be sure to check back often!!