Second Sunday in a Row!

Billy is a great crew member, but he's a busy guy! It's tough to find him in town when the weather is favorable for a flight. Last week, he helped crew for my flight with Patty. After the flight, he mentioned he was around this weekend, too. I told him my truck would be out of town with Jill this weekend to which he replied, "I have a hitch."

If Billy wants to crew and the weather's good, I'm game to fly!

Billy recruited a passenger, his brother Ryan, and we met at the Y (where the balloon was) bright and early this morning. I had hoped to fly in West Little Rock, but the winds just weren't right to fly there, so we set out for Vilonia. I hadn't flown there since the small town north of Little Rock was hit by a tornado last spring.

We launched from a school west of town and flew east, landing on the east edge of town. From the air we could see quite a bit of storm damage, especially some of the tornado's track through wooded areas.

The flight was almost perfect. The only problem was that I needed to fly high through most of the flight to get where I wanted to. I like to get down on the treetops a sometimes, but the winds just didn't allow that. It was nice to have some good "steerability," and it was really calm on the surface, making for a very gentle landing!

Thanks to Billy and Ryan for making it a great morning!

Flight With Patty

When I first started working at the Y in Little Rock, one of our board members, Patty, told me she'd like to ride in the balloon. Patty is very adventurous and outgoing, so I knew she'd be a fun passenger. When I needed an attorney to review my passenger and crew waiver, I asked Patty if she'd trade me that service for a balloon flight, and she was all for it. After a couple years of trying to find a time (she travels out of town often), we finally settled on a flight this morn

Patty, her husband Witt, our mutual friend (and my regular crew member) Billy, and I all assembled in Gravel Ridge, then drove north of the air force base where we inflated at an elementary school. A nice inflation, a gentle launch, and Patty and I were headed to the northeast.

The winds aloft were quick, exceeding 20 mph at times, and carried us northeast. The winds down low were much slower and took us north. Those are the perfect wind conditions for a great flight! The only thing wrong with this morning's flight was that it was a little hazy due to some rain yesterday. That precipitation also concerned me because I don't like to get the balloon wet when we pack it up.

It was a nice flight with a terrific passenger! Thanks to everyone who took part!

Bryant Family Fest

David Hoover e-mailed several weeks ago, and asked if I wanted to do a flight and a glow for Bryant's Family Festival. It sounded like fun, so I agreed. It also sounded hot; afternoon flights in July can get kind of steamy around here, but you can't always avoid the heat when your favorite hobby is an outdoor one. The flight was July 3rd, and the glow on the 4th, in coordination with the Fest's fireworks.

It was a bit difficult recruiting crew on a holiday weekend, but Paul Henry came through (and were we glad he did!) We met up with David, Mike Hickey and everyone's crew/passengers, and headed into the fest. Bands were playing and food booths were set up, but few crowds. I think everyone was avoiding the heat and waiting for fireworks tonight.

It was early, so we waited for the winds to die down before we inflated. As I was standing my balloon up, it got a little breezy again, so as the other two balloons launched, I deflated for another attempt. Sometimes I really wish my balloon had a scoop instead of a skirt!

Our second attempt was successful and away I flew. I had to go solo so Paul could help Jill chase me. It's a bit boring flying solo, but the scenery was good, and lots of people came out of their homes to say, "Hi!"

I knew from studying the maps prior to the flight, that my path was taking me toward some good landing areas, so I enjoyed the ride. Soon, I found myself headed for a nice lawn, and dropped right in. The landowner came out and gave us permission to drive the truck in to the balloon. We visited with the spectators that came along, then packed up and headed back to Paul's car.

We'll be back tonight for a glow during the 4th of July fireworks. If you're in Bryant, stop by!