Hot Air Balloon Events Fill Michigan Skies This Summer of 2007

They glide effortlessly over the Michigan countryside, floating in baskets made of rattan and wicker suspended beneath a colossal seven-story bag of hot air. The occasional blast from their burners is the only sounds from these magnificent creations which seem to defy gravity. Up there, balloonists hear deer sprinting through the woods before they see them. They spot fish swimming in the lakes and ponds just outside the reach of anglers who desperately seek them. It's an incredible experience. And those who operate hot air balloons in Michigan love to share it with anyone daring enough to take flight. As an avid hot air balloon pilot since 1982 and fan of Michigan's natural wonders, I've been fortunate to see the beauty of Michigan from a slightly above the treetops.Just about every year we fly directly over a great blue heron rookery located on an island in Kensington Park's Kent Lake near Milford. It's pretty incredible to see dozens of these giant birds with their six-foot wing spans hovering around their nests. We've peered down directly into their bushel basket sized nests with one or two eggs. I flew an Ornithologist from the University of Michigan a few years ago and he helped me identify dozens of birds by sight and sound. Now I recognize the sweet call of Sand Hill Cranes half a mile away and tell my passengers to keep an eye out for them. I am fortunate to meet some incredible people in my business and learn something from every flight. In fact, I flew the Chief Meteorologist from Ann Arbor's Weather Underground. Considering hot air ballooning is 100% weather related I thoroughly enjoyed our discussions about the nuances of Michigan weather at sunrise and sunset. Last year I had the pleasure of flying local FOX-2 Detroit TV personality Lila Lazarus along with a passenger whose last wish was to fly in a balloon, all of which was all caught on tape by the FOX-2 helicopter in hot pursuit. Legendary Detroit guitarist Josh White even brought his guitar along for a concert in the air. There's never a dull moment in this business.What's the best time to go? Hot air balloons fly in Michigan May thru October, springtime is nice, but summer's pretty cool too and you can't beat the fall colors in October. So, I'd say, Spring, Summer and Fall!Most balloon rides last about one hour and I fly over the woods and streams of Kensington Park along with several other pilot friends who all meet at a Park 'n Ride area off Milford Road and I-96 (exit # 155) about 2 1/2 hours before sunset. From there we'll launch helium balloons, determine the wind direction, then take a short drive to one of nine launch sites in the area that give the best views and best landing sites downwind. Oh yeah, the landing. Sometimes the landing can be like taking an elevator ride and others can be a little more exciting that's why great care is taken in making the 'go' or 'no-go' decision on each flight based upon the weather. What to wear? I suggest passengers wear tennis shoes and jeans. The air temp "upstairs" is within a couple degrees of ground temp so its not a factor. Cameras and video cameras are highly reccomended to preserve the once in a lifetime moments while flying over the countryside. Flights cost $695 for a private ride which is two passengers and the pilot. All flights are pre-paid. Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover and PayPal are accepted. Gift certificates are available. For large parties and families I recommend the Wicker Basket Balloon Center of Wixom, Their balloon basket is able to accommodate up to 6 passengers with special group rates. Balloonist and owner Gordon Boring is one of the most experienced commercial pilots in Michigan and has trained dozens of pilots, including me.To really appreciate all that Michigan has to offer, call a balloonist and schedule a flight today, because if you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you … the view is better from above.Westwind Balloon Company- Plymouth, MI, Flying over Kensington Park, Brighton, South Lyon and Milford. 734-667-2098 www.westwindcos.com/balloon Scott Lorenz, Pilot and Owner.Wicker Basket Balloon Center - Wixom, MI Also flies over Flying over Kensington Park, Brighton, South Lyon and Milford. 248-624-5137. Gordon Boring, Pilot and Owner.Here's a 2007 Schedule of Michigan Hot Air Balloon Events for this summerJune 16 -17 Celebrate Charlotte Festival 2006, Charlotte, MIContact the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce at: 517-543-0400 www.charlottechamber-mi.orgJune 22 - 24th Michigan Challenge XXII, Howell, MIContact: Howell Area Chamber: 517-546-3920 www.howell.org ( Look for pilot Gordon Boring at this event)June 29-July 4 Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival Contact: 269-962-0592 www.bcballoons.com Featuring 60 Balloons and the Blue Angels ( Look for pilot Scott Lorenz at this event)July 14 -15 The 25th Jackson Hot Air Jubilee, Jackson, MI Contact: 517-782-1515 or www.hotairjubilee.com July 21 - 22 Balloon Classic Seven Lakes State Park, Fenton, MIContact: Balloon Quest, Inc.: 248-634-3094 August 10 - 12 Groveland Oaks Miracle Network Balloon Event, Holly, MIContact: Christian Amundin: 248-866-4417August 24-26 Portland, Michigan (between Grand Rapids and Lansing) Contact: Tom Bergeon: 517-676-1444 September 14 -16 RE/MAX of Midland 2007 Balloon Festival, Midland, MIContact: Tom Bergeon: 517-676-1444 November 30 thru December 2nd The 9th Annual Holiday Balloon Fest Battle CreekContact Derrick Jones 269-209-1792 -END-