Frame II Productions, Inc.
Copyright©1996-2006
Morning Star Hot Air Balloon Company
2304 NW 209 Street
Ridgefield, WA  98642
360/887-2388
Email: Captain Crystal

CAPTAIN'S WEB BLOG 2007 SEASON - JULY
Captain's Blog, Friday, June 23, 2007 - "Wedding of Elizabeth and Ben Rivera"   The weather prognosis was daunting at best.  Best case scenario...we have a very short flight with no visible mountains.  Worst case...don't fly and the couple marry at Lewisville Park during the reception.  However, as luck would have it, we were able to tether the balloon at Goheen's Airport in LaCenter (just north of our flight area).  Libby was beautiful in a white wedding ensemble while Ben had his best tux for the occasion.  Ben's sister  Bridget, was the officiator and married the happy couple at 25 feet off the runway.  Ben Moore, of Dream Capture Video, and I provided witnesses for this blessed event.  After a beautiful ceremony, Ben and Libby flew solo (with The Captain, of course) and waived to family and friends.  We then tethered the balloon and gave rides to all who attended...long dresses and all.  As the crew of David, Steven, Ronah, and Dr. Don packed up the balloon, I served a beautifully prepared "tailgate" reception with chocolate cake, our home grown deviled eggs, fruits, meats and cheeses.  With a combination champagne and sparkling cider toast and more pictures, we wished Libby, Ben, and the group God Speed.  We'll see Ben and Libbie in the skies later this season to make up for the fact we couldn't fly. 

Captain's Blog, Sunday, July 1, 2007 - "First Flight of the Season"   Finally, weather has improved and we are ready for our first flight of the season. Melissa bought a flight for Andrew for his birthday in May and it was time for their day in the sun.  Winds were unseasonably up from the south so we met at the Albertson's in Battle Ground, WA and drove south for a launch site.  We were able to fly from our friends' field (Lisa and Garrett) in Battle Ground and gently lift into the clear blue.  With a memorable view of a heart-shaped pond, we flew 1  hour 10 minutes and landed in LaCenter, just 5 miles north in a cut field next to an old barn.  Remember, we are currently in hay and it was great to find a cut field.  After tethering Scott, Ronda, and Jaimie (our landowners), it was time to pack up and party.  Our volunteer crew consisted of Ronah, Brette, and Rick.  Ronda invited us to stay for coffee so we brought out munchies and had a great talegate party with new friends. Thanks Andrew and Melissa for having a fun time with us.

Captain's Blog, Wednesday, July 4, 2007 "Independence Day" -  Can you say light and variable?  How about calm and clear.   Wow!  What a great flight for the Fourth of July!  Wayne celebrated a birthday while Mona celebrated a Mother's Day.  This was our 2nd flight of the season and we also asked our volunteer crew, Rick, to join us.  At 2,000' the the inversion layer (layer of hot air) made it difficult to go any higher, so we sat and enjoyed all the mountains from our perch in the sky.  A little hazy due to the heat of the morning and the inversion layer.  After our flight, we landed and asked the kids who where part of Wayne's family celebrating his birthday to hop in the balloon for a little tether ride.  volunteer crew member Ronah and Dr. Don headed up the chase team once again.  Thanks!   And then there was cake....

Captain's Blog, Thursday, July 5, 2007 "Independence Day" -  Our first "blow out" of the season.   We have had three consecutive days of high, high pressure with increasing temperatures (today to be 92 degrees).  We this in mind, we were kinda thinking we might have some winds.  The day before we had absolutely calm, calm conditions.   So, we decided to meet anyway just in case the weather wasn't as it was predicted to be...windy.  So Marlaina, her kids Phillip and Hannah, her father-in-law Bill, his wife Midge met with us and watched the pilot balloon (a helium filled balloon which we use for surface winds), sail away.  Of course, we were also watching the tops of the alder trees moving in the winds.  So, with a smile on our faces, and since our riders were local folks, we drove down the road to Julie's Restaurant and enjoyed a chance to get to know each other and have someone else cook breakfast.  We will meet again at the end of August so stay tuned to the next chapter of the Renton Family Fly-out.

Captain's Blog, Sunday, July 8, 2007  -  I received