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Article #204: Hot Air Balloon Events Fill Michigan Skies This Summer of 2007

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They glide effortlessly over the Michigan before sunset. From there we'll launch
countryside, floating in baskets made of helium balloons, determine the wind
rattan and wicker suspended beneath a direction, then take a short drive to one
colossal seven-story bag of hot air. The of nine launch sites in the area that
occasional blast from their burners is give the best views and best landing
the only sounds from these magnificent sites downwind. Oh yeah, the landing.
creations which seem to defy gravity. Up Sometimes the landing can be like taking
there, balloonists hear deer sprinting an elevator ride and others can be a
through the woods before they see them. little more exciting that's why great
They spot fish swimming in the lakes and care is taken in making the 'go' or
ponds just outside the reach of anglers 'no-go' decision on each flight based
who desperately seek them. It's an upon the weather. What to wear? I
incredible experience. And those who suggest passengers wear tennis shoes and
operate hot air balloons in Michigan love jeans. The air temp "upstairs" is
to share it with anyone daring enough to within a couple degrees of ground temp so
take flight. As an avid hot air balloon its not a factor. Cameras and video
pilot since 1982 and fan of Michigan's cameras are highly reccomended to
natural wonders, I've been fortunate to preserve the once in a lifetime moments
see the beauty of Michigan from a while flying over the countryside.
slightly above the treetops.Just about Flights cost $695 for a private ride
every year we fly directly over a great which is two passengers and the pilot.
blue heron rookery located on an island All flights are pre-paid. Visa,
in Kensington Park's Kent Lake near MasterCard, AMEX, Discover and PayPal are
Milford. It's pretty incredible to see accepted. Gift certificates are
dozens of these giant birds with their available. For large parties and families
six-foot wing spans hovering around their I recommend the Wicker Basket Balloon
nests. We've peered down directly into Center of Wixom, Their balloon basket is
their bushel basket sized nests with one able to accommodate up to 6 passengers
or two eggs. I flew an Ornithologist from with special group rates. Balloonist and
the University of Michigan a few years owner Gordon Boring is one of the most
ago and he helped me identify dozens of experienced commercial pilots in Michigan
birds by sight and sound. Now I recognize and has trained dozens of pilots,
the sweet call of Sand Hill Cranes half a including me.To really appreciate all
mile away and tell my passengers to keep that Michigan has to offer, call a
an eye out for them. I am fortunate to balloonist and schedule a flight today,
meet some incredible people in my because if you seek a pleasant peninsula,
business and learn something from every look around you the view is better from
flight. In fact, I flew the Chief above.Westwind Balloon Company- Plymouth,
Meteorologist from Ann Arbor's Weather MI, Flying over Kensington Park,
Underground. Considering hot air Brighton, South Lyon and Milford.
ballooning is 100% weather related I 734-667-2098 Scott Lorenz, Pilot and
thoroughly enjoyed our discussions about Owner.Wicker Basket Balloon Center -
the nuances of Michigan weather at Wixom, MI Also flies over Flying over
sunrise and sunset. Last year I had the Kensington Park, Brighton, South Lyon and
pleasure of flying local FOX-2 Detroit TV Milford. 248-624-5137. Gordon Boring,
personality Lila Lazarus along with a Pilot and Owner.Here's a 2007 Schedule of
passenger whose last wish was to fly in a Michigan Hot Air Balloon Events for this
balloon, all of which was all caught on summerJune 16 -17 Celebrate Charlotte
tape by the FOX-2 helicopter in hot Festival 2006, Charlotte, MIContact the
pursuit. Legendary Detroit guitarist Josh Charlotte Chamber of Commerce at:
White even brought his guitar along for a 517-543-0400 22 - 24th Michigan
concert in the air. There's never a dull Challenge XXII, Howell, MIContact: Howell
moment in this business.What's the best Area Chamber: 517-546-3920 ( Look for
time to go? Hot air balloons fly in pilot Gordon Boring at this event)June
Michigan May thru October, springtime is 29-July 4 Battle Creek Field of Flight
nice, but summer's pretty cool too and Air Show and Balloon Festival Contact:
you can't beat the fall colors in 269-962-0592 Featuring 60 Balloons and
October. So, I'd say, Spring, Summer and the Blue Angels ( Look for pilot Scott
Fall!Most balloon rides last about one Lorenz at this event)July 14 -15 The
hour and I fly over the woods and streams 25th Jackson Hot Air Jubilee, Jackson, MI
of Kensington Park along with several Contact: 517-782-1515 or July 21 - 22
other pilot friends who all meet at a Balloon Classic Seven Lakes State Park,
Park 'n Ride area off Milford Road and Fenton, MIContact: Balloon Quest, Inc.
I-96 (exit # 155) about 2 1/2 hours






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