4 Years and Going Strong!

November 16th, 2009 | Uncategorized |

For their 4 year anniversary Butch wanted to do something really cool for his bride Laura, so he called Forest Winds. We immediately sent him through the mail a classy gift certificate that he could present to her in his own unique way. And according to Laura, it was indeed pretty unique. You see, Butch pulled all the stops out and put together a very impressive PowerPoint presentation. The date was set, and all was good….except one little problem. Laura was planning a very special celebration for Butch’s birthday, which coincidentally conflicted with the flight date. Our phone rang, and it was Laura. She explained the situation and pleaded that we call Butch and tell him anything, just so long as the flight date was any day but Saturday. Hmmm, this was going to be tough, but the call was made. We explained that the weather wasn’t ideal for Saturday and would need to postpone the flight until Sunday afternoon. Without fuss, Butch completely understood.

Sunday afternoon (11/15/09) arrived and seemed to be shaping up for a pretty good flight. With surface winds reported from the SSW at about 5 mph and the temperature at 73°F, we were going to make a go at it. Butch and Laura met up with the Forest Winds crew at 2:00 PM. While the paperwork was being completed, the crew released a pilot balloon to ascertain the wind direction and speed. And off to the SE it went. Based upon that direction, we selected a launch location to the NW, just off Goode Station Road. So we all got into the car and drove out to the site. Once there, we launched another pilot balloon. Much to our dismay, the wind direction had changed and now was coming from the SW. So we got back into the car and drove out to our launch site just off Rt. 460 near Owen’s Market. It didn’t take too long though before we inflated and ready to go.

Inflated and ready!

After the pre-flight checks were completed, we added heat and were on our way at 3:15 PM.

Up and headed NE!

The Pride of Forest hot air balloon quickly climbed out to the northeast, rising above the tree tops and into the clear blue skies above.

Looking north

With light winds aloft, we elected to climb higher…ultimately reaching an altitude of over 3000′ MSL. There we were, slowly drifting to the east at about 5 mph….and then the moment struck. Butch turned to Laura and asked the question…”Will you Laura take me for another 4 years?” And without hesitation, she said “yes”!

Butch & Laura

We continued to drift easterly back towards Forest, not really sure where we ultimately going to land. Having flown for almost an hour, it was time to begin setting up for the final approach. We communicated with Lynchburg tower our intent to land off Rt. 811 and then slowly began our descent. Surface winds were still about 5 mph, so the landing was going to require some skilled manuvering. Just off Fox Ridge Road seemed to provide the best option, so that’s where we headed. After toping the trees, we performed a quick vent and brought The Pride of Forest down to the ground where our ground crew chief could assist with “weight on” to bring the balloon to a safe stop. Once secured, we walked the balloon back up to the road and commenced deflation procedures. Once down, it was time to party…so party we did…champagne and all!

Happy Anniversary!

Forest Winds says happy anniversary to Butch and Laura! Best wishes on the next 4!

For more pictures of Butch and Laura’s flight, go to:
http://picasaweb.google.com/forestwindsinc/Butch_and_Laura_Flight_111509#

 

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