The 1999 Marysville All Ohio Balloon Rally was my first flight, which took me directly over my farm on St Rt 245. I became crew chief for the Kroger and Swan Cleaners balloon in 2000 while I began my flight instruction. My first balloon, “Topaz Balloon”, was purchased in 2004 and I was issued my Private Pilot certificate in November of 2005.

While each flight is another exciting chance to view this creation from a new perspective, my first solo flight was particularly exciting. I took off from the Marysville Union County Airport knowing the wind direction would take me toward our farm. Shortly, any nervousness went away as I concentrated on using the winds at different altitudes to position my landing on the lane going to our back field.