Well, here we go!
Katie and I went to Newberg, Oregon for our balloon trip. Sunday morning, 7:00 a.m., cool, crisp, totally clear.
Expert balloonist Craig holds the tie wires, just like he was told
The balloon was first inflated laying on the ground, using a high volume air fan. When it was about 1/2 full, they started the propane burners and lifted it to full volume.
Katie and Craig, ready for lift off!
There were 4 balloons...ours was named Magic. The other three were groups of 4-6 people each.
Just after lift-off...you can see the airport just off to the right.
Katie, while still unengaged
Approaching ground zero proposal point! Coming up on a curve in the Willamette River.
Craig checking to see if he's getting cold feet...NOPE!
KATIE SAID YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pilot radios the other balloons and makes the announcement....Craig blushes all over the place, but proud that he didn't drop the ring overboard.
Approaching landing point, or so we think. Magic kept getting caught in mild winds that kept the pilot busy! Each balloon had it's own ground "chase" team. When the pilot finally found a likely landing spot, the ground team rushed over to the house and asked permission to land.
Safely back on ground, our hearts still in the sky!
Off to champagne breakfast.
So, then...meet Katie and Craig, newly engaged and now exposed to the WHOLE BOARD! LOL
Craig