Posted on 09/23/2002 7:05:55 PM PDT by dixie sass
A misadventure that turned into a most excellent adventure happened to me this past week. It started on the 16th with train reservations to D.C. for the 18th...
My ride to the train station never showed so I missed the train. Instead of meeting my friends in D.C., I ended leaving Summerville at 10pm on the 18th and arriving in Statesville, NC on the morning of the 19th ...
At 5am...
On a bus (shudder).
I hope that I never have to take a bus on a long trip again! I can promise you this - you will meet all kinds - from young people who are exploring the US. College students returning to school or home. Other types are also visiable in the bus stations and on the buses - wino's, drunks, druggies, homeless persons, and other types. Didn't sleep the whole trip - almost lost my luggage to someone who couldn't read. GACK! Although Statesville has no bus station, per se. They did have a cab waiting though so I didn't have to hike into town.
Arrangements were made with the management of the Historic Vance hotel for me to check-in so that I wouldn't be sitting in the lobby of the hotel curled up on the luggage, sound asleep until my friends arrived.
The Night-clerk - Sue, was just the nicest lady. After checking me in and letting me take my stuff up to the room, I came back down and she had a pot of the "nectar of the Gods" - coffee waiting. She and I chatted for a while about this and that (you know how us girls can be!)until her shift ended and the hotel manager came on.
Patrick is a gentleman of the first water from the "old sod", Ireland. Very charming and interesting. Yesssss, we chatted over coffee also. Patrick told me he was driving through Statesville and heard a voice on the radio. He found out who she was and married her. It was a very romantic story, sighhhhhhhh. Oh well!
After resting and etc., I went to the Library Bar and Grill. The bartender, Darlene and her neice, Amber and a young man who's name I didn't catch were very gracious, kind and nice. They made sure that I got something to eat and (of course) more coffee even though they were "officially" closed for the afternoon.
After a short (long time in an antique shop)stroll around town, my friends = Abner, Victim of Circumstances and Taxman arrived. The four of us had a delightful dinner at the hotel prepared by Guiseppe A. and served by Augustus.
Retired early because 0 dawn thirty came early!!!! Oh brother, did it ever!!!
Day Two began even before the rooster crowed or the sun shone - it really was 0 dark thirty. The four of us, Abner and myself in the chase car and Taxman and Victim of Circumstance in the chase truck, made it out to the Statesville fair grounds. There was a meeting for the Hot Air Balloon Pilots and those who were going to crew (Melissa, Bill and Kent) for them over the weekend. Next stop was the field and choosing a spot.
Most of the morning was a blur of color and sound - watching the balloons come to life - 'cause thats just what they did! First the 84 Lumber balloon, then the Catus, and Penquin and multicolored ones and the Jack in the box and then...
THE FLAG!
All of the balloons were breathtaking, but Abner and Victim of Circumstances - well- what can I tell you - awesome, stupendous, patriotic, breathtaking. I can't even begin to describe it adequately. The pictures you can find at the website can only give you a small idea of what it is like in person!
A side bar to this is the car, chase truck and van that they use. They are all painted in a flag motif by Abner and Victim of Circumstances. There were almost as many questions about the vehicles as there were about the balloon!
Watching the balloon rise into the morning sky was beautiful. Abner and I went after the balloon in the car with stops along the way for Abner to snap pictures and talk to the the locals that we encountered.
The first gentleman that I saw that morning looked absolutely stunned at seeing the flag floating overhead. As the town woke, more and more people came out of their houses to see the balloon. We saw to old gentlemen watching and when the car went by one of them saluted. There were smiles on every face we encountered that morning as the flag flew by. The duration of the flight was a little over an hour. After the ballon came down and was repacked, everyone headed back to the field with a short stop for fuel.
Next stop after dropping the equipment off was fuel for a tired and hungry crew and then disbursement until 3:30/4:00 at the field for the second inflation.
Upon returning to the field and getting situated, a South Carolina Chapter member came by - Citizenx7 - who pitched right in with the rest of the group to get things ready for the inflation. He didn't realize that he was going to be put to work as part of the crew. He didn't seem to mind though, even enjoyed it I think.
Because of a light rain, they didn't fly Friday, but they did do the glow, which is beautiful, all of the balloons shining with light from within - outstanding!
After the balloon was stored for the night, the group adjourned to main building for a supper of bar-b-que and fried chicken, corn on the cob and baked beans and 'nanna pudding. (Still can't believe someone had never had it before.) Then it was time to head back to the hotel or home and hot showers and bed for all!
Day Three dawned before we woke up on Saturday since we didn't have to be at the field until late afternoon. So Taxman, Victim of Circumstance, Abner and myself headed for IHOP and some shopping afterwards.
I've almost caught up to LurkerNoMore in misadventures now. That's another story though.
Saturday had started out beautifully and we all were looking forward to another inflation. Taxman and Victim of Circumstance dropped Abner and myself off at the hotel while they went to the fair grounds and started setting things up. When Abner and I arrived at the field, we encountered another freeper this time it was Kayak and her husband Herb. A delightful afternoon was spent getting to know one another. A light sprinkle started putting an end to the day earlier than anticipated.
There were so many people there to help from the previous day and several new faces all ready to give a helping hand.
The crowds were fantastic and most were waiting, it seemed for the flag balloon and the glow sessions. The evenings activities were postponed.
Off to dinner with Jan and Pat, Bill and Melissa, Abner and Victim of Circumstance and Taxman. I haven't laughed so hard in such a long time.
Then day four - back to our normal lives...
Until the next flight...
The politicians don't get it until they see it in person, then they can't get enough.
It sounds like a beautiful balloon.
You are right about not being able to top the US Flag Balloon though, we can't think of anything to top it either.
It sounds like a beautiful balloon.
You are right about not being able to top the US Flag Balloon though, we can't think of anything to top it either.
:>)
Should I repeat? LOL
Great pictures abner!
Hey, whose MR-2 is that?
I still have my '86, but the engine's blown. That car was a blast.
I miss it, even though I did have to fold myself up to fit in it (I am 6'3").
I sure wish I could have made it.
Sounds like y'all had a great time!
I'm speaking more about the pols.
I will have other photos of it up later. Kayak sent me a bunch of great shots.
That is a scary thought. . .
Even though it rained Saturday evening and they couldn't even unpack the balloon, the car still got a LOT of attention ..... many people took pictures of it, some even asking permission before doing so. And all that stopped by to look at it had BIG smiles on their faces ....... :-)
I can tell you this: The media is only saying that because they don't want people to be patriotic. The people in this country love it!
That is what does it for me!
Mrs. CD has been getting on my case to sell mine, and I know I need to.
Seeing yours makes me want to get it running again.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.