by Dianne Prothro with photographs by Mark H. Prothro
The signs say that Windsor, California is the "Gateway to the Wine Country", but on June 28-29 it was the showcase for over 40 hot air balloons. They came from as far away as Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Utah to fly in the 9th annual balloon classic.
Wednesday evening all participating pilots and crew were invited to attend the local balloon club meeting. Although sparsely attended, Balloonmeister EstherSue Sykes gave a very good presentation for instructing new crew members. Club president, Howard Sowers, gave the visiting pilots some helpful hints for flying the area, and discussed landowner relations and red zones.
The launch field was located in a small pasture just a short 1 5-minute drive from the hotel. We assembled at 6 a.m. on Thursday morning for the first media day flight. The conditions were perfect and after recruiting crew members and noting that "splash and dash" was not permitted on the adjoining golf course, everyone had a successful flight. It was a good chance for new pilots in the event to practice. We were all ready for competition to begin on Saturday morning.
Following registration on Friday night, we were all treated to a wonderful reception at the Rodney Strong Winery, where we had the opportunity to meet fellow pilots, sponsors, and anxious passengers. Not all balloons had sponsors, but the festival, which is sponsored by the Windsor Rotary Club, did a great job of obtaining volunteer crew as well as passengers. When crew wasn't available, husbands and wives of the organizers were always ready to step in.
A "hare and hound" competition was the task on Saturday morning. A cool morning with light winds, the balloons were carried east toward a hillside of many wineries. The hare balloon, piloted by Jeff Ross, placed the target in a field that looked to be easily accessible. Several pilots scored and all quickly found a landing spot, as the winds were beginning to change. A few pilots were seen in or near trees. One pilot found it necessary to use a tree to slow down before having a safe landing. After the flight Gary Michalek from Lafayette, California was in first place, with Rob Green from Carlsbad, California in second and local pilot Carl Holz in third.
We were all entertained by activities that took placed back at the field. There were bands, merchandise booths, and children' s activities, but some pilots and crew took to the road to investigate the many local wineries and beautiful countryside. Saturday evening we were treated to a wonderful dinner and dance.
Day two of competition was once again a "hare and hound" event with box winds. The target was placed south of the field, and several pilots scored. Mike Bauwens of Park City, Utah was in a close race with his wife Betty, pushing her to second. Jerry Guenther of Tarzana, California placed third.
At the club meeting, the pilots had been advised to land by 8:30 to avoid the changing winds which might take them to one of the many red zones or wineries. As the time grew near, one pilot found what he thought was the perfect spot because he had landed there on Media Day. What he forgot was that it was Sunday and that the business access his crew had used on Thursday was locked. His crew was able to get his fan to him so that he could reinflate and fly on to accessible open fields.
After a truly wonderful weekend of flying, everyone gathered for brunch and awards. Prizes consisted not only of money, but beautifully etched wine bottles for the top three finishers. Overall winners were Gary Michalek taking first place, with Rob Green in second. Lonnie Pagh of Sonoma, California took home third.
EstherSue Sykes did a wonderful job as Balloonmeister. Although she was unable to fly, she was seen everywhere doing numerous jobs. From pilot briefings, launch directing, emceeing, and many jobs in between, she was always available. Thanks to EstherSue for all her efforts, and to the Windsor Rotary Club, for a well run and fun event.
