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What a great day for a balloon ride. The weather has finally let us out into the sunshine and gentle breezes, which means its time to fly!

We took off from Butterfield Park in Marion and thought I should take along some of my fabulous crew. But instead I took Ryan and Julie.

Thing are not yet greening up, but should be taking off by next week.

It’s early in the balloon season and some of the crew get tired quickly.

Everybody “Ms Maggie” want in on the action of packing up the balloon.

We landed in the field just across from one of our favorite places to eat Edith Lucille’s as you can see in the background.

Thanks Crew! now let’s eat.

~ Susan

We tried to fly last Friday night. The wind did not want to cooperate. It was Mathew’s 17th birthday. So we celebrated at Edith Lucille’s

 

~ Susan

Mischievous Maggie and I were out and about today when we received photos from Lisa at the Lindstrand Balloons factory. She sent a couple of pictures of the new Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust balloon.

They were rigging the envelop and it needed to be partially inflated. Rigging is where they fasten in the parachute top, red line pulleys as well as the red line and load cables. The picture above is looking inside the balloon from the bottom.

Here is the outside of the balloon. It is really a big beautiful balloon that we are looking forward to flying over and around Cedar Rapids  SOON! darn weather.

Look for this and our other balloons.

~ Susan

 

3/19/2018 Maggie and Susan are off to Galena to visit the Lindstrand Balloon Factory. 

This will be the first of many visits for Maggie to see friends at the factory.

While Maggie was getting some good scratching Susan was checking on the new balloon being custom built for her.

Here is the “N” number so we must be getting close to done!

This is what it will look like when completed.

~ Susan

It must have been the luck of flying on St. Patty’s day that gave us another great day to fly in March.

PIT Chris was again at the controls as we lift off and look back as Matt and Adam inflate each of their balloons.

After launching from Antioch Christian Church we made out way to the northwest landing in Squaw Creek Park.

After a great flight and safe landing Pilots and crew finish up the day at Edith Lucille’s.

Susan

~ Susan

March 17th Saint Patrick’s Day

Excitement mounts as pilots and crew ready for the first flight of the year.

New to the Crew this year is Maggie.

Adam Lau  aka “Auntie Loo”

It was a short distance as the crow flies however it was a hot air balloon and PIT Chris did two donuts and a bow tie prior to making a drop line landing.

Fun was had by all.

~ Susan

We are busy getting ready for the upcoming balloon season. Working on equipment, going to safety seminar and finding a new friend to ride along!

When the weather settles down we look forward to taking you aloft for a ride on the gentle breezes. See you soon.

~ Susan