Monday, October 31, 2016
by:Ken Jones
The ride began at a launch site, Mount Pleasant Park, which is located in the north east part of Regina near the Co-op refinery.
With very little wind and a brilliant clear sky the balloon launch took place at 7:15 and would take a full eighty-five minutes of flying time.
The airport in Regina is 1,895 feet above sea level and the balloon flight reached a cruise altitude of 3,400 feet which is actually 1,505 feet above the surface of the city and fields below. After departing from Mount pleasant they drifted South East to a point above Park Street and Broadway Avenue. Then they travelled in a south easterly direction along highway 33 and landed near Richardson. (you can trace the flight route out on the map posted below.) A breathtaking eight-five minutes of time in the air.
Ken described the experience as something, “Out of this World” drifting above the busy roads in the clear blue sky with no wind, completely peaceful.
We have posted Ken’s twenty-three pictures of the adventure below, full size for you to view.
The route map for the trip.
The company truck and trailer.
Inflating the envelope of the balloon with hot air.
The balloon launched from Mount Pleasant Park at 7:15 AM here it is nearly inflated.
Lifting off from Mount Pleasant and rising over the Ring Road.
This is the Winnipeg Street overpass looking South East.
This is a view of Downtown Regina with Wascana Lake stretching out from Albert Street past the Legislature building.
Ken Jones in the balloon’s gondola with Wascana Lake visible past his left shoulder.
Looking South West across the city with the downtown area on the left and Regina airport in the middle of the picture. The new Mosaic stadium is clearly visible near the centre of the picture.
Looking almost South you can see the Ring Road going diagonally to the right. The overpass is for highway #34 which is Areola Avenue in Regina.
This dramatic shot shows the Legislature building looking at it from the East side and you are looking due West with a good view of the Regina airport.
Looking due South across the Regina Plain from 1,500 above the ground.
Looking straight down at Southeastern Regina neighbourhood from 1,500 feet.
Looking South West across the plains.
The propane flame is barely visible in this shot looking up into the balloon’s envelop. It is that hot air which consumes more space than the cold air outside the envelope that gives the balloon the bouncy to rise above the ground.
Flying over south east Regina neighbourhood.
East of Regina looking due South.
A farm yard with a pool and the farmer cutting hay.
Highway #33 looking South.
East of Regina looking West.
A Champagne Toast to celebrate another successful adventure.