Creston, IA - September 16-18, 2005

October 1, 2005  Back to Index   September 9, 2005


This is a "racing balloon" - the first one I'd seen in person.  
The tapered shape allows it to ascend and descend twice as
fast as a standard balloon.


Friday night's winds were quite strong.  Both balloons were knocked over after
being fully inflated; the one at left smoked the skirt.


Around half the balloons flew from the Creston airport that night, flying northward right over town.


The next morning, we gave Gary and Kathi, our sponsors from Crest Haven Care
Center, their first balloon ride.


DiamondJake shared our launch site.


Away we go, bearing the "Crest Haven Care Centre" banner.


Sunday morning was Glenda and Cole's turn.  This was their first balloon ride, too.
Rob got his first ride a couple of weeks later, then bought his own balloon.  We're
not kidding when we warn, "The first ride is free; the second ride costs 20 grand."


Stephanie, Cole, Glenda, Rob, Tom and Gary, all out standing in their field.

October 1, 2005  Back to Index   September 9, 2005