Huff 'n Puff, Topeka, KS - Sept 11 - 13, 2009
Sept. 19, 2009 Back to Index Sept. 5, 2009 (PM)
We've been coming to Huff 'n Puff in Topeka for about 18 years, and have made
some good friends here. The rally benefits Topeka's Ronald McDonald House.
Our sponsor this year was Propane Central, who provided all the propane
for the whole weekend's 25-balloon event.
Watching Brian Carlson inflate Tropical Sunrise on Friday night, September 11.
Brian flew the flag overhead while the Star Spangled Banner was played and sung.
Michael Scott in Spirit In The Sky.
Part of the crowd of over 10,000 on Friday night.
Ken Kelly, in his motorized paraglider trike, flew from a nearby field.
Watching as Chris Tantillo inflates Windbreaker.
Chris waves to the crowd as he ascends with his sponsors.
We gave tethered rides for 90 minutes on Friday night, then on Saturday morning it was our turn to fly.
Stacey and Scott, our sponsors from Propane Central, are ready to fly.
Jack Neal's crew walks Rainbow Rider out to launch.
Waiting our turn.
We're ready, as soon as Jack takes off to our left.
And away we go, following Rainbow Rider into the morning sky.
Later, back at Reynolds Lodge, we toast Stacey and Scott, our new aeronauts.
Cheers!
We were assisted this weekend by Don, local crew from Topeka (at left), and Anita and Duane (at right).
Saturday night's winds calmed in time for the balloon glow while we packed up from that evening's flight with Kiane and Ryan.
Ryan and Kiane were thrilled by the flight (or maybe the cold champagne on their backs).
Ryan is still flying high, an hour after landing.
Cheers to aeronauts Kiane and Ryan.
Sunday morning brought clear skies and brisk winds.
The pack of hounds chasing after the hare balloon in a competition flight.
Everyone was hunting landing sites after finding the target.
We found our spot in the empty lots between these houses.
Talking with Thomas and Tiffani and their daughter, after dropping in on their house.
Sept. 19, 2009 Back to Index Sept. 5, 2009 (PM)