Winter Luau 2010
What a great start to 2010! We had perfect weather for our winter luau this morning (Jan. 10) in Lancaster. We filled the normally empty dirt lot by 6:30 and commenced with a hare and hound competition by 7. Ernie Buckley served as the hare balloon and drifted of to the east slowly as the rest of us got ready to chase. I had a family of four (neighbors of our crew) who had never flown before. Thanks to the chilly temps, around 33 degrees at launch time, I was able to fly both parents along with two teenaged boys. Dad was a little tense in the beginning, but everyone relaxed within a few minutes of launch time and were marvelling at the sight behind us as a dozen balloons took flight in the early morning light.
After a nice flight we joined the luau tailgate hosted by Don and Debbie Oswald. The Hawaiian theme was well represented with Palm Trees (inflatable), coconuts, leis, grass shirts and a plethora of Hawaiian shirts. Belgian waffles, breakfast burritos, pineapple upside-down cake and much much more! We served ‘drunken pups’ and my famous margaritas.
All in all it was a fantastic morning with great friends, good food, new passengers and gentle breezes. Oh, and we didn’t land at the forbidden Skunkworks, despite heading in that direction. I will post pictures soon. Hope you can join us often this year as we fly around the southwest in 2010.
Next month David heads out to Chile for three weeks for a balloon event there. He will arrive a few days early for promotional flights, including a tether at the presidential palace! STAY TUNED!
