Balloon Rally

[Smiliesafari]

One week from today I will be in Portageville, NY for the Red White and Blue Balloon Rally. The event is held at Letchworth State Park. It would be great to see any of you guys that live in that area. This is a very cool balloon event. Great family outing. This State Park is beautiful. Lots of hiking trails. Nice camping sites. Hope to see you there.

[1Gary]

Skip-not looking good for this yr.Tell Dan sorry.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Once again I am working nights and don't have enough vacation left! One of these years we'll make it out! Have fun! Can't wait to see pics.

[1Gary]

Last I knew Skippy had reserved camping spots.

[skippy]

Yeah i have a site reserved at stoney brook but i doubt i'll be able to go that weekend . I'm just not even close to being ready to make a 4hr trip with the camper in tow , especially sense its supposed to rain all week & everything i need to do to the van & camper HAS to be done outside .

I will get there soon though Skip , debbys more bummed about it than I am .... shes loves the balloons
if not this year ... then defenatly next year .

[1Gary]

Hopefully with the winds being what they have been Skip has a window today to fly.The first yr I went didn't seem like a windy day and Skip showed me to look at the tree tops to see why they couldn't launch.There is a ton of details to fly one of those balloons with licensed pilots who skill level is just outstanding.
If they did launch this morning he is up in the air about 5:30.Morning air currents is alot different than later in the day.

[1Gary]

Called Skip today.They did get one flight in on Monday morning.He said it was a good flight.Wished him a safe trip home.

[Smiliesafari]

I'm home. The balloon event was almost a washout. We did get in one flight. It was too windy right up to Monday morning. No regrets though. I always enjoy the Northeast balloon group. They are a special kind of people. I took some great pictures and would love to post them....BUT.... on my attempt to get into the river at the bottom of the gorge I let the balloon get into a little quicker descent than I had planned and when it hit the water the basket tipped over and the camera and a radio went overboard. Don't ya just hate it when that happens. From a monetary standpoint that was a very expensive flight. Anyway...we're home safe and sound and dry. I'll be back next year.