Chevy & GMC Vans

was just outside working on the new yorker and heard this weird whoosh noise... then again.. then again.. turned around and looked up ... ran in and grabbed the camera.

Thanks, Rob. Just terrific aren't they?

In `08, I met my family in Orlando FL, they flew over from London England, and I flew down from LA, and we Balloon-ed with Skip (Smiliesafari) and his buddies at http://www.orlandoballoonrides.com/about.htm and we had the Most Fantastic time Ever....!

My family and I cruised in the "Cadillac" 14 seater balloon, while watching Skippies Smaller, 'race-car' handling SmilieFace balloon darting high and low and cruising in all altitudes in between.... Which was very fun to watch.

And Crash, I can totally relate to the " Brrr-WhOOOOSH" noise, because that is how the gas burner jets sound, (it is right next to your head when you are in a balloon)...... haha!

I would Highly recommend Everyone into taking a Hot Air balloon ride, as it is ABSOLUTELY Awesome..... But I really recommend taking your balloon trip in Central Florida.... Because Skip hooked us up with his mates, who made our first flight a true experience that I will NEVER forget....! ( I have killer vid of our flight that I need to post....)

This is Skip unloading and blasing up the hot air into his Smilie "race-car handling" Sport Balloon.



And gettin` inflated with the hot air from the burners. His balloon was so awesome to see, with the big huge smiley -face.... > Everyone was drawn to it....

Did you know that he built this balloon by himself....

Great pics, Darren. My two favorite toys in the same place at the same time. It was a special time to meet with Darren and his family. The weather was perfect for a great flight and when you get the opportunity to share that it becomes unforgettable.

WoW Skip! You must have to pack that thing down pretty tight for everything to fit inside the van. How much does a ride in one of those typically run, price wise?

The whole system fits in the "Smilievan". My balloon was the inspiration to get the van. Just amazing how one great toy led to another. Life is good. The commercial ride guys are getting $185.00 per person. That's here in the Orlando area. It's a little pricey but then some occasions are worth it. For me it wasn't an occasion but just another adventure. LORDY........I don't even want to think about how much this hobby has cost. But worth every penny. Going on 30 years and I still get excited every time I start the preparations to fly.

Hey Smilie, I've seen you mention travel to other balloon rallies in the past.Ever been in the Northeast area ? They hold a Speidie /Balloon Fest every year near us in Binghamton,NY. Not sure how many years its been going on,but it's been several. My wife and I have always wanted to take a balloon ride,but haven't as of yet! But I'm positive we will one day.Hmm... maybe this year! Awesome pics of your Smilie Safari & balloon!

I do the Red, White, and Blue Festival in Portageville, N.Y. It is on Memorial Day weekend. It's held in the Letchworth State Park. If you are familiar with that park you know it has a gorge. 600 ft deep and 17 miles long. We actually get to fly in the gorge. I can't say enough about how incredible those flights are. It's also by invitation only and limited to 30 balloons. You don't dare miss it. There's a long list of pilots waiting to get in. If you lose your spot you might not get back in. And if you do anything goofy the promoter will throw you out.

Smiliesafari wrote:I do the Red, White, and Blue Festival in Portageville, N.Y. It is on Memorial Day weekend. It's held in the Letchworth State Park. If you are familiar with that park you know it has a gorge. 600 ft deep and 17 miles long. We actually get to fly in the gorge. I can't say enough about how incredible those flights are. It's also by invitation only and limited to 30 balloons. You don't dare miss it. There's a long list of pilots waiting to get in. If you lose your spot you might not get back in. And if you do anything goofy the promoter will throw you out.

Wow! I know exactly where your talking about,and I'm sure that is a incredible ride!
My wife and I camped there almost 20 years ago(Geesh....hard to believe it's been that long). We were actually on our way to the Grateful Dead show at Buffalo,NY! (Thought I'd throw that in for Skippy).
You going to Letchworth this year,Memorial Day weekend?

I'll be there. That's one event I don't miss.

Smiliesafari wrote:I'll be there. That's one event I don't miss.

I did a little research,and that event looks so cool!
I was originally planning to remodel the bathroom that weekend,but I'm looking into a camping trip.Would love to do some hiking and its a great photo op with all you ballooners being there! Would love to get your balloon in a nice panorama of the gorge and or waterfalls!
Seems like a great family outing,would be great if we could hook up .Always cool to meet a fellow ASV'er! I'll drive the AWD Astro ,then you can check out the superior model of our vans! Then maybe you could take a peek underneath and determine if your rack & pinion mod will work on the AWD's too.

Good plan, Snapple. I look forward to meeting you and your family. The bathroom will still be there when you get home. My motto "Don't ever let work interfere with play".

Smiliesafari wrote:Good plan, Snapple. I look forward to meeting you and your family. The bathroom will still be there when you get home. My motto "Don't ever let work interfere with play".

Definitely sounds like a motto to live by!
Thanks to you twisting my arm... ,we now have a campsite booked all weekend!
As you can imagine, sites at Letchworth were booked up. So I got us setup at Stony Brook state park about 20 miles East of Letchworth. Look forward to meeting you!

COOL!!!!!!!!! I got a reminder from the promoter about a month ago about getting reservations. Everything in that area books up quick. I have standing reservations at the Colonial Motel. It's only 10 minutes from the park. It's going to be fun. See ya there.