2008 archive | Forest Winds Inc. Blog

A Birthday Present to Remember!

September 21st, 2008 | 0 Comments | Uncategorized |

Today (9/21/08) was Diane’s birthday, and her husband Forrest knew exactly what he wanted to do to celebrate this special day. You may recall that Diane and Forrest celebrated their wedding on June 6, 2008, and Forest Winds was there to lift the wedding party high aloft the private grounds via a tethered hot air balloon (see our 6/8/08 blog entry). Diane was so taken by the experience that Forrest wanted her to experience a true free flight experience for her next birthday…..so today was the day!

The morning was cool and clear….the ground still moist from the morning dew. As the sun began to rise in the east, we launched a small pilot balloon to ascertain the wind direction and speed. It appeared wind would not be much of a factor, so we decided to launch from Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.

Ready for launch at TJ Elem.

At 7:45 AM, The Pride of Forest was airborne and drifting to the southeast towards the Lynchburg airport. Slowly we climbed into the blue sky above….the world below seemed to be very much still asleep.

Over Forest looking NW

At this early morning hour, the only noise you could hear was the occassional dog bark instigated by the “whoosh” of the balloon heaters. Forrest and Diane didn’t talk much, but you could tell they were messirized by the incredible scenery below.

Forrest & Diane

As the sun continued to warm the land below, The Pride of Forest carosel-ed up and down, using the winds to navigate itself down Waterlick Road. As we passed over Poplar Forest Golf Course, you could see early morning golfers below working to improve their game.

Early morning swing…

Slowly the world below began to come to life. As we passed over neighborhoods, folks that were out fetching the the daily newspaper or on their way to church would wave to us overhead. Of course we would wave back and continue on our way to where the wind would take us. The wind however was becoming increasingly harder to find and it appeared however that The Pride of Forest would be hard pressed to find a nice field to land in. After a little discussion between the co-pilot (Ed) and pilot (Ken), we elected to ascend to a higher altitude to find enough of a little “kick” to move the balloon over an open field off Waterlick Road. The “kick” was just enough, and with great precision, Ed set The Pride of Forest down for his first “jungle” landing.

Getting ready to deflate…

With a little help from the ground crew we were able to walk the balloon out of the “jungle” and conduct a safe deflation. The flight had been a success and a wonderful beginning to Diane’s birthday celebration. Rumor had it that Forrest was planning on a big private breakfast for two afterwards, but we weren’t absolutely sure.

Forest Winds would like to say “Happy Birthday Diane”! May all your birthdays be as memorable as this one.

For more pictures of Diane and Forrest’s flight, go to:

http://picasaweb.google.com/forestwindsinc/Diane_and_Forrest_Flight

Forest Winds to be Featured on Blue Ridge PBS!

September 14th, 2008 | 0 Comments | Uncategorized |

Today the Forest Winds Hot Air Balloon Team took the film crew from Blue Ridge PBS for a hot air balloon adventure across the skies of Bedford County. The filming was part of an upcoming series entitled Adventures in the Blue Ridge that will be airing October 2nd, 2008. Be sure to tune in!

Celebrating 37 Years Together!

September 7th, 2008 | 1 Comments | Uncategorized |

Joel and Barbara got up early this Sunday morning and drove all the way from Moneta to celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary with the Forest Winds hot air balloon team. And what a great morning it was. Early morning fog that had blanketed the countryside was beginning to burn off and the skies above were crystal clear. With light winds from the west, the balloon team laid out The Pride of Forest just off Goode Station Rd. to prepare for inflation. In no time, the balloon was brought to life and Joel and Barbara climbed aboard.

Barbara & Joel ready for take-off!

Slowly The Pride of Forest climbed into the skies over Goode, VA and began to drift to the southeast.

See ya later!

The world below was still asleep, except for an occasional bark of the dog and the sunrise to the east began to warm the land.

The beautiful Virginia countryside!

Joel and Barbara’s journey has just begun.

Celebrating 37 years together!

It wasn’t too long into the flight when The Pride of Forest came in low over some train tracks, when about that time the 8:00 AM train came clacking down the tracks (almost as if on cue). As the train passed underneath, we continued to drift to the east. Then we passed low over some tree tops. For a moment, the balloon just hovered there. Joel took the opportunity to reach out and pick a bouquet for his bride of 37 years.

The bouquet!

In an hour Joel and Barbara got to witness all the beauty the Central Virginia countryside had to offer. We floated over train tracks with the train passing underneath, we floated over the treetops and gazed at the ground below, and even glided over a lake to see our reflection looking back. It was all so very cool.

Over Bedford County

Joel and Barbara’s journey in a hot air balloon took them from Goode to Forest, and it was in Forest The Pride of Forest found its landing spot. With a textbook landing, The Pride of Forest came to rest in the Brookstone subdivision off Everett Road. Oh what a morning….

With glasses raised high, we toasted to a great flight and a wonderful Sunday morning journey. Happy anniversary to Joel & Barbara!

Congratulations Joel & Barbara!