OPOP Aerial Pics

All - here's a few of the aerial pics I took of the show.  It was a short flight because there was very little wind (under 2mph) and the direction was ENE again.  That direction takes us  over the strip mine land that isn't accessible and thus there were not many choices for landing spots if we tried to fly on.  So I flew a whole 2/3 of a mile across the tree line to Dale's neighbor and landed in their nice back yard.  Super people who were very hospitable to us and we all had a nice visit while packing up.  I did get up to 2000 ft msl before coming down. 

Steve Barbato's better half JoAnn and my son Lucas went up.  I think I made both their days.  Thanks for the crew help from Darrell, Bob, his grandson, Steve & everyone else who helped launch.

Didn't fly Saturday evening was winds were in the same direction and so I canceled early...turned out that T-storms also popped up in the area after we left so it was a good call to go ahead and head home a little early.  Maybe next year I'll consider coming up Thursday afternoon and trying to fly Thursday evening & Friday evening.  Dale thanks for another great show - I'm 4 for 4 in getting to fly so keep doing what you are doing with ordering up flyable weather.  Can't say that about other events I go to.  Mike





















Now isn't this picture priceless?  Champagne toast afterwords...



Edited by Skyhighballoon(MO) - 20 Jul 2010 at 9:02pm

Thanks for the nice pics,Mike! Always enjoy looking at your balloon pics...or any of them for that matter! Maybe next year I'll have time to go to the OPOP show myself. And,no...I won't be getting into the balloon! LMAO!

 

Steve B....Congrats on the new lady...hmmm...she looks a tad bit younger than you though! LOL! Just kidding ol' buddy! For a moment there I thought I was looking at some photos of my wife's family! If you didn't have that mustache,you'd look just like my father-in-law's younger brother...no kidding! And,of course,he's Italian.  Rick

Thanks for the pictures Mike. Had a great time as always crewing for you and Spirit 1.

Don - that's Lucas's sixth time up I think...2nd this year too!  Can you tell he's spoiled!!!!

Fred - when are YOU going up???  Steve says JoAnn has bigger b@all's than he does that's why he stayed on the ground.  LMAO!  Mike

Hi Mike!
Thanks for the great ride!  I really enjoyed the experience.  The pictures were nice, too!
Next year, we'll have to shove "Chicken Little" into the basket!!!  We'll blindfold him...you grab one end & I'll grab the other & throw him in!!!

It was so great to meet everyone and chat with so many of you at the show.  I can see why Steve enjoys this hobby so much!  Hope to see everyone next year.
Best to all of you,
JoAnna

OK, got it Mike. Here I was thinkin he must have a GPS tracking device hanging on JoAnna. LOL If I can make it down next year,I have to take lessons from Darrell and sign up for the chase crew.  

Steve! what the .........How come the ugly guys always get the good looking women?.......Hey, wait, my wife is pretty good looki.........Uh...never mind

maybe steve figured if he got into the basket he wouldn't be able to see out over the top..........alan

Howdy Mike,

Harvey - Steve couldn't afford the rate Fred would charge to hold him up to look.  I carry a folding step stool in the balloon trailer he could use though!  LOL!  Mike

Mike, enjoyed viewing your pictures.  I have always wondered about the view from up in a balloon.  Great photos!!  Just curious, what heated air temperature range does it require inside to lift the balloon?  How much does the fabric, propane tank, & basket weigh?  Sure is beautiful.  Thanks.