Alderbrook Park - June 11, 2011

2011-06-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day at Alderbrook Park in Brush Prairie WA on Saturday, June 11 for their Grand Opening. Diamond Sun looked wonderful in the meadow next to the inflatables. At first we weren't sure the weather would bring. Partly sunny was called for and we got everything. From cloudy to windy to partly sunny and then the sun shone and it went from cold to warm. Not the day to wear my black leather pants. But, in the Northwest you never know what the weather will bring. Especially when it is still June.

Ashley (Coordinator Extraordinaire) provided us with hospitality and a smile to boot. Wow, can that girl run. We met with her the week of the event and she provided a first class tour of Alderbrook Park. Wonderful. You should give it a try sometime. It has it all...fishing pond, paddle boats, open fields, hiking trails, concessions, lodging, and friendly staff.

Before the event we visited with co-owner Rod and viewed his wonderful six door truck (you gotta see this to believe it). We also visited with Cindy and Dennis (Horse Extraordinaire). We determined that horses and balloons can co-exist when Dennis showed more than a tad bit of interest in a 80' hot air balloon. Even the burners didn't bother him. We were very excited to meet both Cindy and Dennis.

We had wonderful crew and even gave a "wish list" for one. Ed and Carol came out and crewed for a bit. It was their first time. We also had Lonelle and her daughter, Kebron, and their friend Earl lend a hand. It was their first time crewing for the balloon as well. Loren joined us as a first time crew and added just the right amount of ballast in the basket. Ronah and son Gage and friend Ryan came for a short while, left, and then came back again.

We got off the ground a couple of times, however winds made it impossible to sail up to 50' so we loaded the basket with crew and had a wonderful time getting to know each other.

One final note: I was disappointed to have lost my video camera at the function. I was excited on making our Alderbrook Balloon video for youtube. Here's hoping a good hearted person picked the case and all off the front of the van and will call or drop it back at Alderbrook for me to pick up before Tigard Festival of Balloons next weekend.

Thanks to all who showed. We gave smiles to 1,700 faces in the crowd. Wahooo.

Morning Star Balloon Co.

Alderbrook Park - June 11, 2011