Crewing For the Canadians

The 2005 Gordon Bennett is now little more than memories, but oh what memories they are...

My co-driver, Andre Charpenter, with the van we'll be using for the chase.

The tubes running horizontally in the background are on a trailer, one of several that brought the helium and hydrogen in from NJ.

Before the balloon comes out of the bag the inflation crew receives their instructions from the ballloon's owner, Rusty Elwell of Amarillo, TX

While the inflation crew recieves their instructions the 2 pilots, Leo Burman and Danielle Francoeur, start the preparations to ready the basket for the long flight ahead.

Walking the bagged envelope out to the awaiting tarp.

Unbagging the envelope is only the beginning of getting it ready for inflation. Slowly it reveals itself and allows for being spread out and filled.

Like a queen with her courtiers holding her train, Rusty works with the top of the envelope.

The foundation work continues...

A look around the basket as Danielle continues with preparations.

Side 2...

Side 3...

Side 4...

A conference between pilots, owner and others.

A 'ballooning groupie' looks on.

As the inflation progresses the hooks connected to the sandbags are slowly moved down the net, diamond by diamond, allowing the envelope inside to fill with gas.

A view of the surrounding field.

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As the days go by I will continue to add pictures to this page.
Right now we are dealing with the afermath of the passing this last Friday night of one of my brothers-in-law.


God speed, George William Startz
(1930-2005)