launch in order to get as close to that target
as possible, taking into account different variables such as wind, weather, and time of day.
“We don’t fly the balloon typically during the
day,” says Mr. Parr. Thermal activity occurs
when the sun heats up the ground, causing
hot air to rise faster and affect the balloon.
Because of this unpredic tabilit y, they
usually fly in early morning and late evening.
Mr. Justice has a different sort of challenge as a member of the crew. He is responsible for following the hot air balloon and its
passengers from the ground and arranging
for a safe landing. He (along with another
member of the crew) has to multi task, keeping contact with Mr. Parr in the balloon and
estimating where they will be able to land the
balloon in a space free of power lines, animals,
and with the permission of the landowner.
Another appeal of hot air ballooning
is the view, which is excellent from the low
altitude of a hot air balloon. “In the spring,
winter, and late fall, it is clear and you can
see a great distance,” says Mr. Parr. On a
clear winter day, from Chatham County he
can see as far as Pilot Mountain. He also gets
a bird’s eye view of wildlife around the area.
Mr. Parr and Mr. Justice spend some
of their time traveling to balloon festivals
and competitions. Locally, they attend
Carolina Balloon Fest which is held in
Statesville, NC. “There are typically 50 to
60 balloons there,” tells Mr. Justice. You
can go to www.carolinaballoonfest.com
for more information on Balloon Fest.
I f yo u a r e in t e r e s t e d in e x p e r i encing f ir s t-hand t he t hrill of hot air
ballo oning , you c an s che dule a ride
with Mystic Venture, Mr. Parr’s business.
Go to w w w.mystic venture.info or
email Mr. Parr at Richard@mysticvent u r e . i n f o f o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n .★
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www.ultrapowersports.com
P: 919.533.6633
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5830 US 64 East Pittsboro, NC 27312