Howell

Sorry for not having any updates over the weekend, but things were just a bit hectic. However, we were able to have a great flight on Friday evening (mom got to go up). Saturday morning we flew a three part task: a fly in, a watership down, and a multiple judge declared goal. Saturday evening was a 2 part task: a hare and hound and a multiple judge declared goal. I didn't fly well and didn't finish anywhere in the top 10, but hopefully I've got that all out my system now and will do well during the Field of Flight here in Battle Creek that starts tomorrow. I have some pics from Howell and will try to post some in the next day or two as well as competition updates.

3 1/2 days and counting...

The Michigan Challenge Balloon Fest starts Friday. We'll be heading up there at some point Friday afternoon with the first flight scheduled for Friday evening. Additional flights will be flown Saturday morning and evening and Sunday morning, weather permitting. There is also fireworks scheduled for Friday night and a balloon glow scheduled for Saturday at dark.

For more details visit http://www.michiganchallenge.com/

In the next few days I will be attempting to create an up-cover for the basket so that it will be covered during the heat of the day to prevent fading due to the sun. It should be an interesting experience, so be sure to check in to see the progress.

...and here's a random picture to keep your interest since everyone likes pictures :)



...this is what the balloon looks like from above while in flight.

Till next time...

Pics

Here are a few pics from a couple of flights in town.


Dave Emmert and Mike Moore as they approach St. Mary's Lake.


Dave Emmert and Mike Moore over St. Mary's Lake.


Myself and Derrick Jones in the Great Tony Balloon right before launch.


Ms. Baily (boss's daughter) in my basket after the flight.

The Michigan Challenge Balloon Fest is less then 2 weeks away (June 26, 27, 28) with the Battle Creek Field of Flight starting 2 days after, so stay tuned for many more updates as ballooning season is starting to hit full stride!

Battle Creek Flights

There has been a little bit of flying going on since my last post from Frankenmuth. Unfortunately, the first time I didn't have my camera with me, and the second and third times I have pics from, I just don't have my camera with me currently to be able to post them (hopefully I'll be able to do that at some point tomorrow). The first flight I flew with Amanda Kijek in her balloon while Steve flew our balloon (was actually the first time I've seen our balloon in flight from the air). The second flight in town I again rode with Amanda in her balloon and had another great flight. She was able to do her first spash and dash in St. Mary's Lake. On this particular flight we had 3 other balloons flying with us. The third flight in town I actually flew our balloon and took my boss along with me. We had a great flight...took off from Kirby Rd and landed at Liela Arboretum.

The weather looks good for a couple of flights this weekend in which Steve will be doing the flying. I will try to post a few pics from the weekend on Sunday.

Till then....