Take a trip in a hot air ballon


Hot Air Balloon Events Fill Michigan Skies This Summer of 2007

They glide effortlessly over the MichiganI-96 (exit # 155) about 2 1/2 hours before
countryside, floating in baskets made ofsunset. From there we'll launch helium
rattan and wicker suspended beneath aballoons, determine the wind direction, then
colossal seven-story bag of hot air. Thetake a short drive to one of nine launch
occasional blast from their burners is thesites in the area that give the best views
only sounds from these magnificent creationsand best landing sites downwind. Oh yeah, the
which seem to defy gravity. Up there,landing. Sometimes the landing can be like
balloonists hear deer sprinting through thetaking an elevator ride and others can be a
woods before they see them. They spot fishlittle more exciting that's why great care is
swimming in the lakes and ponds just outsidetaken in making the 'go' or 'no-go' decision
the reach of anglers who desperately seekon each flight based upon the weather. What
them. It's an incredible experience. Andto wear? I suggest passengers wear tennis
those who operate hot air balloons inshoes and jeans. The air temp "upstairs" is
Michigan love to share it with anyone daringwithin a couple degrees of ground temp so its
enough to take flight. As an avid hot airnot a factor. Cameras and video cameras are
balloon pilot since 1982 and fan ofhighly reccomended to preserve the once in a
Michigan's natural wonders, I've beenlifetime moments while flying over the
fortunate to see the beauty of Michigan fromcountryside. Flights cost $695 for a private
a slightly above the treetops.Just aboutride which is two passengers and the pilot.
every year we fly directly over a great blueAll flights are pre-paid. Visa, MasterCard,
heron rookery located on an island inAMEX, Discover and PayPal are accepted. Gift
Kensington Park's Kent Lake near Milford.certificates are available. For large parties
It's pretty incredible to see dozens of theseand families I recommend the Wicker Basket
giant birds with their six-foot wing spansBalloon Center of Wixom, Their balloon basket
hovering around their nests. We've peeredis able to accommodate up to 6 passengers
down directly into their bushel basket sizedwith special group rates. Balloonist and
nests with one or two eggs. I flew anowner Gordon Boring is one of the most
Ornithologist from the University of Michiganexperienced commercial pilots in Michigan and
a few years ago and he helped me identifyhas trained dozens of pilots, including me.To
dozens of birds by sight and sound. Now Ireally appreciate all that Michigan has to
recognize the sweet call of Sand Hill Cranesoffer, call a balloonist and schedule a
half a mile away and tell my passengers toflight today, because if you seek a pleasant
keep an eye out for them. I am fortunate topeninsula, look around you the view is
meet some incredible people in my businessbetter from above.Westwind Balloon Company-
and learn something from every flight. InPlymouth, MI, Flying over Kensington Park,
fact, I flew the Chief Meteorologist from AnnBrighton, South Lyon and Milford.
Arbor's Weather Underground. Considering hot734-667-2098 Scott Lorenz, Pilot and
air ballooning is 100% weather related IOwner.Wicker Basket Balloon Center - Wixom,
thoroughly enjoyed our discussions about theMI Also flies over Flying over Kensington
nuances of Michigan weather at sunrise andPark, Brighton, South Lyon and Milford.
sunset. Last year I had the pleasure of248-624-5137. Gordon Boring, Pilot and
flying local FOX-2 Detroit TV personalityOwner.Here's a 2007 Schedule of Michigan Hot
Lila Lazarus along with a passenger whoseAir Balloon Events for this summerJune 16 -17
last wish was to fly in a balloon, all ofCelebrate Charlotte Festival 2006, Charlotte,
which was all caught on tape by the FOX-2MIContact the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce
helicopter in hot pursuit. Legendary Detroitat: 517-543-0400 22 - 24th Michigan
guitarist Josh White even brought his guitarChallenge XXII, Howell, MIContact: Howell
along for a concert in the air. There's neverArea Chamber: 517-546-3920 ( Look for pilot
a dull moment in this business.What's theGordon Boring at this event)June 29-July 4
best time to go? Hot air balloons fly inBattle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and
Michigan May thru October, springtime isBalloon Festival Contact: 269-962-0592
nice, but summer's pretty cool too and youFeaturing 60 Balloons and the Blue Angels (
can't beat the fall colors in October. So,Look for pilot Scott Lorenz at this
I'd say, Spring, Summer and Fall!Most balloonevent)July 14 -15 The 25th Jackson Hot Air
rides last about one hour and I fly over theJubilee, Jackson, MI Contact: 517-782-1515 or
woods and streams of Kensington Park alongJuly 21 - 22 Balloon Classic Seven Lakes
with several other pilot friends who all meetState Park, Fenton, MIContact: Balloon Quest,
at a Park 'n Ride area off Milford Road andInc.



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