Brandon and Tyler fly

We had to wait for the wind gusts to die some last night, but eventually a pole grab was called at the field. Balloons went out into the country side east of the balloon field to find a launch location that would allow the winds to steer them back into the field. Brandon flew with Mark and made it to the field just as the targets were closing. Tyler flew with Max and landed just north of the field in property that was previously owned by Fay King.

This morning a five part task was called. 33 pilots scored on the first target (a maximum distance double drop), but no one was able to make it to any of the other targets. Attached are a picture or two from the launch site.

Playing in the Pasture

Sitting down on the job...


Last night they divided the competitors, half flew into the field and half flew off. Had a squirrelly inflation with the gusty conditions. Landed in a pasture and had to go through three locked gates to fetch the balloon.

This morning we had a three part task to fly. Took off to the southeast of the field (in Milo) and flew in. First target was on a dike, second target was on the field, and the third was off to the northwest. We opted to land at the field since there are limited amounts of landing opportunities after the third target before the Des Moines airport.

Another hazy morning

Had another hazy flight this morning. Matt Fenster called a 4 part task: a fly in task, maximum distance double drop, fly on task and a multiple judge declared goal. There was a decent left on the surface, but it mixed out with time making the last few targets much more difficult.

Went to the hall of fame after the flight to see both Malcom Forbes and Deke Sonnichsen get inducted into the ballooning hall of fame.

Looks good for a flight this evening with winds out of the east. More to come...

And their off!!

Easterly winds throughout the afternoon were gusty but dropped off nicely for the flight. Had a few virga showers around 10 thousand feet, but did not have any lasting affects on the flight.

Had a hare and hound from the field, with three hare balloons (Todd Isley, Jeremy Rubin, John Jensen). Ready for competition in the morning.

Hazy Morning

Although hazy, had a good flight this morning. Attached are a few photos. Mass ascension scheduled for tonight with competition officially beginning tomorrow morning.

Classic 2007 begins!

Made it down to Des Moines early this afternoon for the next balloon event. Weather was looking fairly marginal all the way out, with strong northeast winds along the way. However, when I got here winds were much lighter than I expected. There were some tall cumulus clouds in the area, but none of them were tall enough or efficient enough to produce precip and we were able to fly. Had a night glow after the flight as well, but I didn't get very many good photos. Will have to do better job on photography as the week goes along.

Indianola Event

In two days from now, I will be headed to Iowa for the National Balloon Classic. The weather for the event looks fairly favorable, so I am expecting lots of flying. If there is wireless internet available, I will try to post pictures on the blog...stay tuned.