2009-09-05 13:53:13 - StayCation: ‘The act of staying near home and enjoying the local sites and activities’ is making a comeback this Labor Day weekend in Michigan.
Plymouth, MI – StayCation: ‘The act of staying near home and enjoying the local sites and activities’ is making a comeback this Labor Day weekend. Some are splurging on a hot air balloon flight over Kensington Park in Milford or Island Lake State Park in Brighton, Michigan says Scott Lorenz, President and Chief Pilot of Westwind Balloon Company of Plymouth,
Michigan.
www.westwindcos.com/balloon
“With the Michigan economy in its current state, people are rediscovering the fun stuff to do near their homes, “ says Lorenz. Why drive 4 hours when you can enjoy the nearby parks with lakes and streams and wildlife right here in Oakland County.
"Passengers love taking photos from the balloon especially when we fly over Kensington Park, it’s fabulous, it’s ten times better than people imagine. I just flew a couple the other night who said they decided to stay home, get a baby sitter and go flying with me over Kensington Park. They had canoed the park’s Huron River and had picnic in one of the dozens of cozy picnic areas. They just enjoyed each other’s company and the entire park. And they were 15 minutes from home if they had to check in on the kids.
Most balloon rides last about one hour and Lorenz flies over the woods and streams of Kensington Park. He and several other pilot friends meet at Park 'n Ride area off Milford Road and I-96 (exit # 155) about 2 1/2 hours before sunset. From there he’ll launch helium balloons, determine the wind direction, then take a short drive to one of nine launch sites in the area that give the best views and best landing sites downwind.
“Sometimes the landing can be like taking an elevator ride and others can be a little more exciting that’s why great care is taken in making the ‘go’ or ‘no-go’ decision on each flight based upon the weather.”
What to wear? Lorenz suggests passengers wear tennis shoes and jeans. He says the air temp “upstairs” is within a couple degrees of ground temp so its not a factor. Cameras and video cameras are highly recommended to preserve the once in a lifetime moments while flying over the countryside.
Flights cost $695 for a private ride which is two passengers and the pilot. All flights are pre-paid. Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover and PayPal are accepted. Gift certificates are available.
To schedule a StayCation Balloon ride, call Westwind Balloon Company of Plymouth, MI, Flying over Kensington Park, Brighton, South Lyon and Milford. 734-667-2098 www.westwindcos.com/balloon Scott Lorenz, Pilot and Owner.
About Scott Lorenz
Scott Lorenz, President of Westwind Balloon Company, has been a commercial balloon pilot since 1982, and has logged 1,450 + hours as pilot in command in a hot air balloon. Scott’s memorable ballooning experiences include: Flying over Niagara Falls, The Great Wall of China, Disney World, the Olympics in Calgary, St. Wolfgang, Austria, Saga, Japan, the Grand Prix in Spain, co-piloting one of two balloons for Mike Howard’s Guinness World Record ”balloon walk” flight at 19,000 feet, a 20 hour-361 mile Gas Balloon flight with Gordon Boring and handling media relations for Kevin Uliassi’s Round the World balloon flights. Lorenz and his balloon exploits have been featured by FOX-2 News, Hour Detroit and The Detroit Free Press. A balloon flight on Westwind Co. was named "most creative date" by It’s Just Lunch. Westwind Balloon Company is a member of the Detroit Chamber of Commerce and the Southeast Michigan Balloon Federation (SEMBA). www.westwindcos.com/balloon
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