Hot Air (Part of the Wyoming Adventure)

In the course of the last four basketball seasons, I have gotten acquainted with Kristen Newlin’s parents—at least enough to know that during the summer, Pat Newlin balloons—goes to rallies, trains new balloonists, and takes people up in Riverton’s club balloon.

The Newlins were the only people I knew in Wyoming—albeit Riverton, not Laramie—when I decided to spend the summer there. Thanks to them, I met their niece, who does live in Laramie and who helped me find lodging.

I thought I’d like to visit the Newlins while I was in Wyoming and go up in Pat’s balloon. Fellow Stanford basketball fans Robie Bushnell and C.J. Greene came to visit me; both were also enthusiastic about experiencing a hot-air balloon ride. Riverton is about 4 hours away from Laramie—a trifling distance when you live in Wyoming.

What a wonderful experience! Interesting to be high, but still be able to see the houses and horses below. Quiet flight, but with dogs barking at us from below and the hissing of air heated periodically to keep the balloon at the desired elevation. Drifting across the city and river.

Another part of our experience was being able to help set up the balloon and, when we were done, take it apart and put it back into its containers, as shown on the left.

Fun quiz:The first hot-air balloonist lived in what country? (answer next week)

Last week's question: List the produce for sale at the first farmer’s market in Laramie on June 22.

Answer: Although potted plants, cut flowers, and frozen buffalo meat were available, I couldn't find a even leaf of lettuce! Produce--especially from Colorado--got better in July though.