– February 2004
Have you ever felt like you were going to be voted off the Island? The Vernon
Winter Festival gave us that opportunity!!
By attending the Vernon Winter Festival I discovered one of the most fun
balloon events. I had heard many stories about Vernon but had been reluctant to
make the trek over the rocks to get there. This year things came together and
the decision was made to go. But, we were a late entry and it was only after a
‘no-show’, that we were officially in the fiesta.
The organizers gave us three crew (Karen, Serge and Darin) who were fantastic
at crewing and participation. The first morning (Friday), we were off to
Bearisto schoolyard where the whole elementary school came out to watch. Tight!!
The twelve balloons laid-out streamered, side by side and alternated for
inflation. Being in the second wave, gave me the chance to brief the crew and
tell them, that my intention was to be safe and have fun. If we happened to see
the field where the target was – bonus!!
The crowds cheered as we lifted off, drifting north to Swan Lake where Dave
Gleed, the hare, had set a target. We eventually came close to the target and
threw the marker. What a great start to the weekend. Back at the hotel the
results were posted and turned out to be a first place. Hmmmm!!
On the second morning, the launch was from Bearisto School again, but with a
drift towards the east this time (hills, trees, forest). We held our altitude
and progressed slowly toward the hare and the target. This time we were off the
target but got a marker into the field at least. The retrieval took a while due
to slow winds that kept us over horses.
Back at the afternoon briefing; Oh, Oh, we got another first! Well, now there
were serious threats to vote us off the Island (and other things). But we
produced an ugly plaster immunity idol as protection.
The third task launched from Swan Lake and headed south. Off ahead we could
see the hare playing and maneuvering to test our skills. As the first balloon
approached about 500 metres from the target, the winds shifted taking all of us
south away from the target, so that no one was in a position to score.
This set up the fourth flight as a fly-in for both a flag grab and a target.
The chaos of finding a launch site is always amusing as vehicles meet each other
as they travel in opposite directions. Stan Wereschuk was first off and began
heading away from the target. This confused everyone. So we just got in the air
and hoped for the best. Well Stan worked hard; eventually grabbing the flag for
the big prize. The rest of us just had fun.
Memories:
- Jokes and more jokes.
- The ‘best wishes’ after getting two first places.
- Making and drinking "Ta kill ya’s".
- A weekend of laughing until it hurt.
- Great crew.
- A very proud Stan.
- Jamie getting the "Moose Award".
- A super event.
Vernon is a great event with a lot of fun. It is definitely on the calendar
for next year.
