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!