Blog Posts Across Aunty Monkey

Hello to all

Hope all are well. I write live from Mancos, Colorado this afternoon. This town is home to a balloon event i've attended for the past couple years. I hauled the Z120 down from Ridgway to go flying tomorrow in the gorgeous Mancos Valley. We have been doing alot of flying in Ridgway and also Salida, CO which is where I'm calling home now for the summers as I begin "Endeavor Ballooning West". Check us out online at www.salidaballoon.com I am continually posting new images on my picasa page, which… Continue

Posted by Colin Graham on July 3, 2008 at 9:48am — 1 Comment

I have an idea!!

I was recently at the Charlotte, Mi event and most of the crews went to dinner together. We all gathered at a local pizza place to do the two things pilots and crew do best ... eat and tell stories. Boxing up my leftovers, Mark dared me to steal the pizza spatula ... I put it in my box and it's still with me. The spatula made it to Howell with me and that's where I came up with the idea. Let's send it all over the world. Let's take pictures and send them to pizza place. I know it's weird but it… Continue

Posted by Megan Avery on July 3, 2008 at 7:13am — 9 Comments

I'll be a Monkeys Aunty!!!!!!

check this video out from the history channel. Monkey Balloon Race - What Were They Thinking? Monkeys have been around for a long time. So have hot air balloons. So have adorable costumes. It was only a matter of time until someone decided to combine all three, forcing the little monkeys to wear costumes of various countries and sending them off into the wild blue yonder. Do the monkeys ever land or do they just sail away forever? The clip leaves it up to you, the viewer, to decide. http://www… Continue

Posted by Justin Galbraith on July 1, 2008 at 10:27pm — 6 Comments

wear the fox hat

Paul is my language teacher. Today's new word is, "wear the fox hat. " for eg, "Saga? wear the fox hat." Aussie language,,,, still difficult for me,,,, Continue

Posted by Mizuho Oku on June 29, 2008 at 11:32am — 8 Comments

Balloon Video Challenge

Hey Everyone. as you all may have heard Andy is making a balloon video. I saw that he was making a video and commented him, i challenged him to a balloon video challenge. he has accepted my challenge.

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Posted by Michael Toulson on June 28, 2008 at 10:30pm — 4 Comments

Black Sheep Member to Graduate High School

Man this makes me feel old but.... My oldest daughter, Amanda, is graduating from High School this weekend and will begin her college career at SUNY Potsdam on August 22nd. Mom and I are extremely proud of her and are thrilled that she is able to attend the college that was her 1st choice. It seems like only yesterday when she was getting on her first school bus ride to kindergarten while her mom and I watched with tears in our eyes. I write this with tears in my eyes as I have had the pleasure… Continue

Posted by Mike Hernandez on June 27, 2008 at 2:00am — 10 Comments

2008 China Hot air balloon Elite Race In Changchun City, China

The photos from 2008 China Hot air balloon Elite Race In Changchun City, China

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Posted by China Made Balloon on June 24, 2008 at 1:48pm — No Comments

Destination: Battle Creek, Michigan

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The question most frequently asked is, “Why go to Michigan in December?” The simple answer is to fly in the Holiday Balloon Festival, held every year the first weekend in December. If only it were just that simple… What other festival gives you the opportunity, as Mark Sh… Continue

Posted by Dawn Chase on June 24, 2008 at 12:30pm — 11 Comments

BSS July Issue

Hey there Sheep. Any input for the July issue? Gettin started here so that I can get it out first week or so. If anyone wants the June copy I have a few left. Continue

Posted by Mandalynn on June 24, 2008 at 12:20pm — 1 Comment

Black Sheep On the Road

The "Black Sheep" Squadron has hit the road this year sharing our story with other pilots at nearby festivals. It all started last year with the Adirondack Balloon Festival raising their hours yet keeping most local pilots out! Well, We decided to stay together and fly a… Continue

Posted by SunKiss Ballooning on June 24, 2008 at 8:01am — 39 Comments

2008 China Hot air balloon Elite Race Hold In Changchun City, Capital of Jilin Province

2008 China Hot air balloon Elite Race be hold in Changchun City, capital of Jilin province from June 21 to June 25. 22 balloons from Beijing, Hebei, Jiangsu, etc will take part in this race. Race period is 5 days. News provided by Beijing Airdriv… Continue

Posted by China Made Balloon on June 23, 2008 at 12:08am — No Comments

Thankful for the small things

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Posted by Kevin Kamp on June 22, 2008 at 8:30am — 3 Comments

2008 Annual Aunty Monkey Awards

Now that Aunty Monkey (The Balloon Network) has been up and running for over a year now, I think it is time we celebrate and recognize the high achievers (tall poppies) of the network. So let me introduce the “2008 Annual Aunty Monkey Awards”, otherwise known as the “Monkies”. Below are this ye… Continue

Posted by Andrew Robertson on June 21, 2008 at 10:11pm — 10 Comments

Has anyone seen my Cinderella?

I was out on the town the other night having a few quiet one… Continue

Posted by Kiff Saunders on June 20, 2008 at 5:14pm — 5 Comments

Travel to Daylesford

I went to Daylesford with Pete to visit Simon and Jo. On the way to there, we sto… Continue

Posted by Mizuho Oku on June 16, 2008 at 8:00pm — No Comments

Beechworth-Adam is in trouble!

Adam says; 'I'm in trouble!!' but nobody helped him. hahaha. ( in this photo, Geoff is jast watching.) Continue

Posted by Mizuho Oku on June 16, 2008 at 8:00pm — No Comments

Brooks and Dunn

Tonight I had the opportunity to do one of the coolest things ever . . . . crew for the Brooks and Dunn hot air balloon before their concert at Blossom Music Center in Cleveland. Cindy met me at my house at 2:45pm and Mike and Debby picked us up around 3:15. We made our way to Blossom and arrived at around 4:10. We met Joe (the pilot of the B&D balloon) by the truck and started talking about the weather. It was beautiful and sunny with some large clouds in the sky, but nothing looked to omin… Continue

Posted by Brandon Hood on June 16, 2008 at 12:00am — 1 Comment

Thurston Classic Balloon Festival

This past weekend was the Thurston Classic Balloon Festival in Meadville, Pennsylvania. The weather looked like it was going to be so - so and we were not expecting anything for the weekend. After only about an hour and fifteen minute car ride, we arrived at the Days Inn on Friday @ around 3:00pm. We checked into the hotel, registered, and then made our way to our room. We got ourselves ready for a flight, met Aaron, (our local crew) and headed for the field. There were storms all over and thing… Continue

Posted by Brandon Hood on June 15, 2008 at 11:30pm — No Comments

Thursday, June 12th, 2008

I added a video montage of ballooning in Phoenix & Monument Valley. Enjoy! Gentle breezes, ~Capt'n Brian Continue

Posted by Brian Holmes on June 13, 2008 at 7:30pm — 2 Comments

New wives balloon crewing duties

Three commercial balloon pilots, sitting together bragging about how they had told their new wives what their balloon crewing duties were: Terry had married an English girl, and bragged that he had told her that in addition to retrieve driving, she had to do all the navigating by herself and refueling too. He said that it took a couple of flights before he saw any results, but on the third flight he landed and she was already there, she then refueled, and everything was done satisfactorily. Ji… Continue

Posted by Justin Galbraith on June 11, 2008 at 11:08am — 5 Comments

Cluster Balloon Flight North of Raleigh with Jonathan

I helped with the cluster balloon flight yesterday north of Raleigh with Jonathan. Here are the links to the news coverage. http://www.newsobserver.com/news/photos/story/1100150.html http://www.newsobserver.com/front/story/1100481.html Congratulations Jonathan! Susan Continue

Posted by Susan Brothers on June 9, 2008 at 7:29am — No Comments

Coshocton County Hot Air Balloon Festival

This past weekend I traveled with Debby Young to Coshocton, Ohio to compete in the Coshocton County Hot Air Balloon Festival. The weather looked like it was going to be decent, with the possibility of rain on Saturday. The drive down was quick and painless and when we arrived we were the first ones to register. It looked great, but breezy and we weren't convinced there was going to be a flight that night. Sure enough, the flight was canceled and after enjoying a hog roast dinner we went back to… Continue

Posted by Brandon Hood on June 8, 2008 at 2:30pm — No Comments

our new website www.nationalballooning.org

Hello everyone! Please check out our new website at www.nationalballooning.org. You will have type the exact address in your browser or link it from my page as I am still struggling with getting it to pop up in misc browsers like google ect. So any of your web designers have hints for me please reply back! ps. I am using front page and already have used keywords and meta tags . Thanks for taking a look at the new page! Brooke Gray Sales and Marketing Director National Balloonin… Continue

Posted by National Ballooning L.T.D on June 8, 2008 at 12:03pm — No Comments

The Gorge @ Letchworth- Memorial Day Wknd 2008

The Gorge @ Letchworth By Colin Graham endeavorballoon@gmail.com It has been some years since I first set eyes upon the photos of the Letchworth, New York. The images had been posted somewhere online I just had to find out where this place was! Sure enough, the balloons I saw flying in those photos were part of a small get together put on by the local commercial pilot, Sean Quigley. Sean owns a ride-company that offers scenic flights over the gorge and some 17 different waterfalls; talk abou… Continue

Posted by Colin Graham on June 7, 2008 at 3:19am — 3 Comments

2008 (2nd Annual) Ameri Glow in Lake George, NY

The Black Sheep Squadron teamed up with the Americade Motorcycle Rally for the 2nd year of Ameri Glow. The winds were calm and I would have to say that around 300 people showed up to enjoy a Moon Glow performance to music by the balloon teams of Friendship Too, Sunkiss Ballooning and Carried Away. I was fortunate enough to have local pilot BJ Sullivan do the honors as pilot for Team Carried Away so I could be the Master of Ceremonies and do the announcing for the evening. After inflation all 3 p… Continue

Posted by Mike Hernandez on June 5, 2008 at 11:58pm — 2 Comments

It's baby time!!!

Well we went and did it! The Rayburn/Liberti clan will have a new little baby to corrupt and completely destroy in January of 2009! That's right!! Dan and I are pregnant! But not to worry, we have our priorities in line and we will defintely be out at Fiesta. It may put a damper on some of the years balloon rally's, but I think the gas prices are doing a good enough job of that anyway! Super excited!!! See you all in Ocotober when I'll have a nice and round belly!! Continue

Posted by Michelle Rayburn on June 5, 2008 at 2:08pm — 11 Comments

Today is Hot Air Balloon's 225th Birthday

Google Special Logo for Hot Air Balloon's Birthday Jacques and Étienne Montgolfier

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Posted by China Made Balloon on June 4, 2008 at 6:08pm — No Comments

My weekend

I went to Avenel last weekend. Do you know where Avenel is?? I think nobody knows. It's 1,5 hours by V-line train from Melbourne. the population is only 400. there is a lot of winery and beautiful landscape!! I love mountain ranges! I don't have any friends in Avenel, but I know I'm good… Continue

Posted by Mizuho Oku on June 4, 2008 at 4:16pm — 3 Comments

Crew!

I cant get any love here this summer! I am hoping to crew over the summer and *possibly* earn some pilot learning time. At the very least - if you are looking for someone to help crew in the south jersey area (cherry hill/maple shade etc) contact meeeeeeee Continue

Posted by colleen voiles on June 2, 2008 at 4:51pm — 1 Comment

Balloon & Wine 08

Can't wait for it to be here, like this next weekend my friends and boyfriend are comming out. Yes I will have pictures as you all know I love taking pictures. Sooo I got to go but be online later Kris Continue

Posted by Krissy on June 2, 2008 at 4:54am — 2 Comments

2008 Colorado Balloon Classic Pilot Invitation

Looking for a fun event in a beautiful location? Why not consider flying at the Classic. If you are new to our event, the 2008 Pilot Registration deadline has been extended to July 1st. Please call 719-471-4833 or email balloonclassic@ballonoclassic.com for an invitation packet. Continue

Posted by Colorado Balloon Classic on May 31, 2008 at 9:30am — No Comments

Flying in Iowa

I will be in the Des Moines / Indianola area June 23-25 (Monday - Wednesday) with my balloon. I have an annual scheduled for Monday and would like to fly or crew up there if anyone is going to be doing anything. I've made a couple of contacts up there but would like to have more than I know what to do with. Any other suggestions on things to keep my wife and I busy in the area for a couple of days would also be appreciated. Post here, post on my page, email me, whatever. Thanks! -Tony Continue

Posted by Tony Goodnow on May 28, 2008 at 5:12pm — 1 Comment

Seven Chinese balloon fans make a milch cow shape balloon by themselves

Seven Chinese balloon fans make a milch cow shape balloon in TianJing City,China. The heigh of the balloon is about 20 meters, total volume is about 3000 cube meters. The leader of the 7 fans became interested in hot air balloon when he took part in a balloon wedding several… Continue

Posted by China Made Balloon on May 26, 2008 at 5:45pm — 2 Comments

Crappy photos

I don't mean to offend anyone ,but what's the crack with all the crappy non ballooning photos going up on the Monkey. Lets keep it ballooning baby....... Continue

Posted by matthew scaife on May 26, 2008 at 1:20pm — 4 Comments

Friday, May 23rd

Just returned from Monument Valley, which straddles the Utah / Arizona stateline, in the heart of the Navajo Indian Nation. We have been flying there since 1999, and getting ready to begin our 9th season of balloon flights over this ICON of the Southwestern United States. Check-out our website (Monument Valley Hot Air Balloon Company) @ www.monumentvalleyballooncompany.com
For more information on this amazing bit of geography and t… Continue

Posted by Brian Holmes on May 24, 2008 at 3:30am — No Comments

NM State Championships this weekend

Well it's finally here. Friday night is the registration party, and Saturday the pilot brief is at 5:30a.m. Hopefully the weather will be good for all three days of flying. We will post the results next week. Stay tuned. Continue

Posted by Top Gun on May 23, 2008 at 9:06am — No Comments

Carried Away Ballooning Festival Schedule

Our team has a very healthy Event schedule this year. We have decided to go to the Festivals scheduled and then when the season winds down my wife and I will make decisions based on how things went this year. Hopefully the Festivals that we will attend will offer exactly what we are hoping for. June 20-22nd: Camp Waubeeka Rally in Copake, NY July 10th-13th: Kinsmen Lift Off in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada July 25th-27th: Quick Chek Festival in Readington, NJ August 8th-17th: International Festival… Continue

Posted by Mike Hernandez on May 19, 2008 at 8:46am — 8 Comments

Damn.

I was looking for to go to Benalla again this weekend, but the flights were cancelled due to the bad weather. ,,,,,,,,(crying) I really love Benalla. I want to settle down there if I can. U think I can get a Benalla boy?? Hey, Benalla boys, if you are reading this article, please contact me!! hahaha!!! Continue

Posted by Mizuho Oku on May 16, 2008 at 3:29pm — No Comments

China earthquake:paratroopers jumping for rescue

At 11:47 AM, May 14, 2008. Chinese paratroopers were jumping out of the airplane. They will land to earthquake disaster area to start rescue task. Their altitude is 4999 meters. Because of bad weather of the disaster area, there is no ground guidance, no grou… Continue

Posted by China Made Balloon on May 15, 2008 at 10:30pm — No Comments

Ned is my hero!!

I went to Glenrowan last weekend ( 20 minutes drive from Benalla) I was not interested in Ned Kelly very much, but now, he is my hero!!! He is sooooooooo cool even he is a murderer and robber ;-) Continue

Posted by Mizuho Oku on May 15, 2008 at 2:40pm — No Comments

Ned is my hero!!

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Posted by Mizuho Oku on May 15, 2008 at 2:30pm — No Comments

China earthquake disaster, 14866 people died, please help us

On May 12, 2008, 7.8-magnitude earthquake happened in Sichuan province(the hometown of panda),China. The confirmed national death toll rose to 14,866 by 2 pm WednesdayMay 14,2008, two days after killer quake jolted Sichuan. The earthquake make the Sichuan Province become the hell. We hope you… Continue

Posted by China Made Balloon on May 15, 2008 at 3:30am — 3 Comments

Monday, May 12th

Another nice flight this morning, with visitors from Missouri and some local folks. A bit of a tussle for the inflation, but nice & steerable for the flight, with a 6+mph landing. Good times!! ~ Capt'n Brian Continue

Posted by Brian Holmes on May 13, 2008 at 5:08am — No Comments

Beautiful Benalla!

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Posted by Mizuho Oku on May 12, 2008 at 2:31pm — 1 Comment

Zacarecas Mexico

has anyone ever attended this rally???? any info would be much appreciated!!! thanks Continue

Posted by michelle swinton on May 11, 2008 at 2:07pm — 7 Comments

New to Blogging!

Guess its time to dip my toes into the world of social networking! I will attempt to add blog notes from time-to-time, so stop back by!
Gentle breezes and soft landings, ~Capt'n Brian Continue

Posted by Brian Holmes on May 10, 2008 at 1:30am — No Comments

flyin

Just wanted to say we got two morning flights in a row this week. I guess the weather might be getting better. YEAH, Lets get flying. Continue

Posted by Jeremy King on May 6, 2008 at 3:01pm — 5 Comments

1979 Avian Pull Test Part 2

Ok... quick update. 3 weeks ago I allowed my dad (who convinced me he knew what he was doing!) to perform a pull test on the white fabric of my aquired 1979 Avian. It tore. We thought that all we had was a dead envelope and some parts to sell. But wait! Keith Sproul looked closely at my pictures and asked me a bunch of questions... he concluded that my dad did not know what he was doing and did the test with the wrong vise clamps. SOOO... Yesterday afternoon, before our balloon club meeting, in… Continue

Posted by Dawn Chase on May 6, 2008 at 11:30am — 2 Comments

Tinker Top Adventure

The Tinker Top Adventure May 4th, 2008 Tinker Mountain, Roanoke, Virginia By Colin Graham With special guests, “DQ”, Ron G. Foster & Jim “Pa” Graham As you may know we’ve been flying the Botetourt County area now for nearly seven years. On the west side of our county lies a ridge line called “Tinker Mountain”; the main part of which looks like a small volcano with its top blown off, though I do not know if that is the case or not. The mountain is heavily forested but many years ago a l… Continue

Posted by Colin Graham on May 6, 2008 at 4:30am — 1 Comment

1st GPBC Club Flight

In an effort by myself and fellow Monkey Member (Hey Bubba - there's another name!) Brain Carlson, who has yet to name his new balloon, to revive the dying ballooning community around here we put together the first Great Plains Balloon Club Monthly Club Flight. Until this weekend Topeka has only seen 3 different balloons in it's skies this year but we were actually able to make a little spark under a few more pilots and we had 6 local balloons get together and fly this morning. A small feat in s… Continue

Posted by Tony Goodnow on May 5, 2008 at 3:45pm — 13 Comments

Paper Airplane Garage

A few years ago we created a paper airplane builder for our annual Air & Sea Show. The event was canceled this year so we posted the old project. You can design, print and build six different kinds… Continue

Posted by Len De Groot on May 3, 2008 at 8:51am — No Comments

It is hard to soar like the eagles

I seen this saying and thought of a few folks I know. It is hard to soar like the eagles when you are surrounded by turkeys! Continue

Posted by Susan Brothers on May 3, 2008 at 8:03am — 1 Comment

Freedom Flights

I am the supporter of Freedom Flights. A folded 3 X 5 American flag, a photo of a fallen soldier and certificate is carried aloft in a hot air balloon. I have several pilots that have dedicated these flights to the cause. The flag is presented to the family of the fallen soldier at a later date. This is to remind the family that they are not forgotten and to draw attention and support for the troops still serving overseas and on our soil. If you would like to contribute, all you have to do is d… Continue

Posted by Susan Brothers on May 2, 2008 at 2:54pm — 6 Comments

Wow, what a ride! My favorite quote!

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body—but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "Wow, what a ride!" Continue

Posted by Susan Brothers on April 30, 2008 at 2:19pm — 2 Comments

More pictures of balloon building

I have added some more pictures to the balloon building blog, one shows the colours of the balloon really well, and the other one below give you a bit of an idea about how we go about cutting. The batter… Continue

Posted by Angus Peart on April 26, 2008 at 2:30am — No Comments

2008 Beijing Olympic Games News: balloon ride free of charge for overlooking the 'Bird's Nest'&'Water Cube'

'Bird's Nest'&'Water Cube'

Beijing Olympic Sport Center will be opened for free to the public from June 6,2008 to June 8,2008. During these 3 days, the public not only can participate sports activity in each stadium, but also can take hot air balloon ride free of charge for… Continue

Posted by China Made Balloon on April 22, 2008 at 6:00pm — 1 Comment

What a GREAT Sport!!

After probably the best flight yet (with Eric Hodges, Andrew Avon, and Mike Hernandez), I have realized how much ballooning has brought to my life: I wouldn't have the great friends I do now, be getting up at 5am with them, and learn how to enjoy the company of others in the short time we get to spend together. The Black Sheep have been a group of Pilots who enjoy the sport of ballooning as much as I have! It is rare to find such people around and we have them right in the Upstate NY area. We sh… Continue

Posted by SunKiss Ballooning on April 22, 2008 at 12:59pm — 2 Comments

My article!!

I have started to write an article and drewing for Japanese newspaper ( Saga newspaper) ! My friends and family back in Japan are so excited! I will write about ballooning next time ;-) watch out, everyone! Continue

Posted by Mizuho Oku on April 18, 2008 at 7:45pm — 3 Comments

Fly a balloon game

One of my staffers created her first Flash game on how to fly a balloon. She did it to accompany a full-page graphic on a balloon race near Miami. We would love some feedback, since this is her first game. Yo… Continue

Posted by Len De Groot on April 18, 2008 at 3:00am — 8 Comments

Nuw Zulunders

There are a number of AM'ers who attended the BOW event this year. Any chance that some of you could post pics as it looks like the weather was fantastic! Continue

Posted by Adam on April 14, 2008 at 4:56pm — 3 Comments

Singapore Sling

Hi everyone I have been lucky enough to go on yet another trip, this time to the jewel of the Orient, Singapore. Highlights of the trip were a visit to the famous lion on the waterfront and seeing one of those fancy big balloons on a string that people pay money to go up in. A bit scarey for me. I also took the opportunity to taste the World famous Singapore Sling cocktail at the equally famous Raffles Hotel. It was a lot of