Vernon 2005

The pilgrimage to Vernon, Mecca of beautiful scenery, fun people and good weather (OK 2 out of three) begins with an early start from Calgary for a great 8-9 hour drive through the mountains. That trip is spectacular.

The weather, rain and snow, this year in Vernon was more the story than the flying. Briefings were on time but short.  Plenty of kibitzing was heard but no good news for the prospects of flying.

On Friday afternoon, Glenn Ulveland was one of two balloons that went to a school and did a tether for the children. At least the kids were able to see and enjoy the balloons.

Friday night in the sportsplex parking lot the decision was made to just do a burner glow.  Within minutes the skies opened up with rain.  For more than an hour, over 15 balloons lit the sky with a dance of flames.  During the event, Stan was "arrested" by the local carnival constabulary and held in jail for a charity fine.  While some balloonists wanted to take a collection to keep him in jail, he was eventually released.   

In an effort to try a flight, one briefing was reconvened at the park where we hoped to launch. It was humorous to see over a hundred crew standing in a stiff wind watching the snow swirl around.  Many offers of "I'll help you launch!!! were heard. Everyone declined.

We kept ourselves amused on Saturday by eating, visiting Surplus Herby’s, as well as various hardware and antique outlets, eating and watching the weather. Then in the evening a bunch of us put on our dancing shoes and headed to the Rock & Roll dance which was part of the carnival activities. A good time was had by the entire group.

Sunday morning saw our one and only flight.  Taking off north of Swan Lake, the gusty but light and very variable winds took us south towards the targets.  Del managed to get closest to the ‘X’ but no one got to the pole.  Dale Ritchie, John Klempner and Dave Gleed were also in the prize money.

Following the flight there was a brunch and awards ceremony. Marvin Schultz received the infamous Moose award for having the flame a little too close to the fabric of his balloon. There were numerous contenders for this prestigious trophy this year.

It was time for most everyone to head out and some of the Calgarians began their "speedy" journey back across the mountains. Craig Westcott who arrived sporting a beard was clean shaven when he left for home - who knows, had this been some form of disguise?!

As is true of every Vernon event, it is the people and fun activities that keep everyone coming back. During all the rain and waiting we always had fun.  Thank you to all the organizers and those who came to Vernon.

Richard Clark