Gone Ballooning
Pilot Martin Philpott attaches support framing to the basket before his flight over Claremore on Aug. 4, 2011. The annual Gatesway Hot Air Balloon Festival moved to Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs for this weekend's event. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
First time ever up in a hot air balloon. Everything was running late and behind schedule, but the experience was awesome. I’m really thankful to Martin for allowing me up into his balloon for our brief flight, even if we did end of more than a mile off of our target. Be sure to check out the video at the end of the post!
Martin Philpott surveys the inside of his balloon envelope while it is inflated before a flight on Aug. 4, 2011. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
Hot air balloons fly over Claremore during a practice flight on Aug. 4, 2011, prior to the Gatesway Hot Air Balloon Festival this weekend. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
Jerry Hudson and Pedro Munoz help steady the basket before the balloon is deflated as other hot air balloons land between houses in Claremore on Aug. 4, 2011. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
Martin Philpott refuels the tanks in his basket with propane from a truck parked in the infield at Will Rogers Downs in Claremore on Aug. 4, 2011. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World