A Message From Rich

Here it is five days later after the record flight and the days are not getting any longer.  There still isn’t enough time in the day to cover all the planned actions, like putting together this letter summarizing the Saturday flight and answering the question, “What’s next?”

Was it really 13 hours of flight?  Was it really -8°F at launch?  Was that the moon over Omaha?  Did the crew really chase for 13 hours??  So much happened so fast that I am delighted with every new picture or reminder of the flight that I am thankful to live a part of it over again, seemingly for the first time.

Everyone on the flight team and operations staff contributed 110%.  The balloon performed faultlessly.  The flight went as planned and without major difficulties.  Thanks to everyone who contributed their knowledge, hands, and hearts to making this project a success.

So what is next?  It looks like more waiting.  It would be nice to have the chance to make another flight this year but warmer temperatures of spring seem to be rapidly approaching.  We waited through January and most of February for the one cold day to fly.  We may have to wait through spring, summer, and fall for the next cold day to pursue different events and our next adventure.  Check back with us later.  And thanks for sharing our adventure with us.

Rich Jaworski
February 23, 2006