Frankenmuth Update 5 - The last from Frankenmuth

It's about 3:15pm here in Michigan and I just pulled in about a 1/2 hour ago from the 2 hour drive home from Frankenmuth. I didn't get a chance to update last night on the days festivities, so here goes...

After catching a couple hours of sleep after breakfast, a few of us went outside to check out some more of the dog activities. We first decided to go and try out a mirror maze. It's hard to get good pictures, but here ya go.





This was quite an expierience....very difficult to determine which way to go...the gloves are to keep all of the hand prints off the mirrors. They say that if you don't feel where you're going before you go there, you will smack right into a mirror...it's true.

After the maze, we went and check out the dock dogs and saw some incredible jumps, the longest being around 26 ft! After the dock dogs, we watched a few of the wiener dog races. While watching the races, this is what passes by.



Next, we went and watched a border collie sheep herding demonstration.



This was very neat to watch. Amazing the instinct that these dogs have.

Next to the sheep herding, there were disk dogs. Check it out!



After checking out all of the dogs, it was 3pm and time to watch the Red Wings play...6-1 win!

We had evening briefing at 6pm. The weather ended up working out for us as we were able to fly a 1 part multiple judge declared goal task. Only 3 people were able to score, I unfortunately was not one of them. I did however land in one of the best landing places to date. As I was approaching to land, I hear people hooting and hollering, and when I landed all of them ran back to greet me. First question being...want a beer?! (I think they may have all had a few themselves). They were a great group of people who were very entertained by me landing there...and I was very entertained by them :)

After the flight, we headed back to the hotel to refuel and head for our awards dinner. Mom, this pictures for you!


(mashed potatoes, noodles, carrots, stuffing, chicken, beef, and breadsticks...delicious)

And to finish up the meal...cherry strudel, YUM!



After we were all done eating, a few of us all hung out and chatted for a bit before heading to bed. We woke up at 10:30 this morning so we could be checked out by 11. After we packed everything up we hit the road back to the Battle Creek. A few minutes into the ride, we tossed around the idea of getting some lunch. Since I can never make decisions, we drove a little while until we saw a sign for a restaurant that we have no where near Battle Creek., so we had to go. And it was...none other then White Castle!



We grabbed a couple of burgers and got back on the road. Now at home, I am avoiding unpacking everything from the truck...but I suppose it must be done.

All in all it was an awesome trip as always when we visit Frankenmuth. Can't wait for next year to come around so I can go back! The next event I fly in is Howell, MI in a month, but I will try to post some pictures of flights here in town between now and then.

Till next time....

Frankenmuth Update 4 - Rain Rain Go Away

When going to bed last night, all looked well for this mornings flight so the rain covers stayed off of everything. After waking up this morning and walking outside, no sooner did I arrive at the truck did something wet hit my arm...then another. Not being very observant at 5:45 AM, I didn't notice the dark skies overhead on my way out there. I quickly covered up the basket and envelope before the rain really started. Turns out that we were on the northern tip of some rain showers that were covering most of Michigan. After being on hold for an hour, the rain passed, but the winds were still strong. The flight was canceled so we all grabbed some breakfast at one of the hotels' restaurants. Most people are catching a bit more sleep before the afternoon dog activities....and I think I may just do the same.

Lets hope for some good weather later...

Frankenmuth Update 3 - Michigan Weather

You have to love Michigan weather...the 10% chance of rain this morning came through and canceled our flight, however, the 60% chance of thunderstorms this evening we never saw! We ended up flying a "fun" hare and hound . The word "fun" meaning that it was not towards overall or BFA scoring.



The winds changed complete direction on all of us in flight, so nobody was able to get to the hare balloon (intended target).

We were also able to do our glow tonight....this was probably the most calm winded glow I've done in a while.



All of the kids walk around with sheets of paper with all of the balloon pictures on them and ask for autographs....I think I signed about 100 tonight!

The weather looks pretty good for tomorrow, so hopefully we are able to get a couple of task in. Well, briefing in a few hours so sleep is a must right now.

Till next time...

Frankenmuth Update 2 - Afternoon Fun...

After breakfast we took the time to catch a quick nap. A few of us then decided to walk out and watch a little wiener dog racing and some dock dog jumping.





Just sitting around right now waiting for the evening briefing which starts at 6. Things still don't look too great, but we'll just have to wait and see. We have another glow scheduled for tonight, but again, will just have to wait and see what the weather does.

Till later.....

Frankenmuth Update 1

Well, we got in to Frankenmuth right around 7pm last night just as the master briefing was starting. After quickly running things upstairs to the room, we went out and were able to do a glow.





This morning we had a 1 part task called before being put on hold due to a couple of rain cells in the area. Long story short, the rain covers went on and we headed to Birch Run and ate at Tony's I-75.

The weather doesn't look too good for the rest of the day but we are hopeful that tomorrow will work and that we are able to fly. Wiener dog races are set for today at 3pm...hope to catch those given that it's not thunder storming out.

More updates to come....

The New Additions...

Ok, so I am finally able to post these pictures! Pictures of the new lift and waterproof covers that were picked up yesterday from Cameron Balloons.


View from passenger side.


View from drivers side (don't mind the camera wristband in the photo ha).

Stay tuned....I'm currently preparing myself for the voyage to Frankenmuth, MI and right now the weather looks like we may be able to do a bit of flying. I also hope to sneak in a flight tomorrow morning...thanks mom and Laura for helping :)

...and the countdown begins!

The time is finally here! Friday I leave to head up to Frankenmuth, MI for Hot Air Hounds. Weather pending, we'll have a glow Friday and Saturday nights with flights Saturday and Sunday morning and evenings. 15 balloons will attend the event this year as well as many dogs from around the country. Last year they had all sorts of dog activities, including the Cabela's dock dogs which run and jump off a dock into a pool of water...furthest distance wins. Also, last year we were very entertained by wiener dog races...if you've never seen one, they're hilarious and I hope to post a video on here during the weekend.

Be sure to check in often this week as I will be posting various pictures of "new additions" to our ballooning expierience prior to leaving on Friday.

2009 Competition Schedule

Here is the list of competitions that I will be flying in this year. Now that you all know the dates, you will know when to expect updates and pictures from them.

January 23-25 : Balloons Over Bavaria - Frankenmuth, MI
May 22-25 : Hot Air Hounds - Frankenmuth, MI
June 26-28 : Michigan Challenge - Howell, MI
July 1-5: Battle Creek Field of Flight - Battle Creek, MI
July 17-19 : Boats, Balloons, and BBQ - Port Huron, MI
July 31-Aug 2: Pro Football Hall of Fame - Canton, OH
Aug. 26-30: US National Championships - Battle Creek, MI
Sept. 18-20 : Re/max of Midland Festival- Midland, MI

Sorry for not having much new stuff on here, but the balloon has been at the repair station for the last month having a cable repaired. I ordered a hitch lift for the truck this past Friday so that we are able to ditch the trailer and load everything into the back of the truck during events/competitions. To keep everything dry, I am having waterproof covers made. When I picked the balloon up from the repair station today I drove over to the Cameron balloon factory in Ann Arbor, MI and dropped everything off so they could properly fit the covers. It'll be a couple weeks until I get everything back so hopefully I'll be able to sneak in a flight before heading up to Frankenmuth, MI for Hot Air Hounds.

To keep everyone entertained, here's a picture of my first turkey that I got yesterday.



It had an 8 1/2 in. beard and 1 in. spurs.

And here's a random picture of my balloon.

Summer Flying

Well, its beginning to be about that time again. The weather is getting warmer and the weather a little nicer here in Michigan. With Hot Air Hounds just around the corner (May 22-25 in Frankenmuth, MI), it's time to get the balloon out and do a little flying!

Yesterday I also received an email from the BFA (Balloon Federation of America) stating that the 2009 National Championships will be held in Battle Creek, MI August 26-30. I was already planning to attend the Nationals, and now will enjoy the short drive (last year the Nationals were in Anderson, SC...about a 10 1/2 hour drive from MI).

Keep checking back as I will probably post a few pictures from some local flights in town.

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!!