Top of the world: Enjoying the view from on high courtesy of a hot air balloon

Hot air balloon flying takes place early in the morning at the Thurston Classic, where pilots including Mike Emich, Mike Lorentz and Greg Miller welcome passengers just before 6 a.m. on Friday. The article describes how gusty winds prevented the night glow the previous evening, while conditions nine hours later were described as near ideal. Emich, who says he built his balloon and that it is considered experimental, operates from a basement workshop with industrial sewing machines used to assemble the balloon envelopes. Before lift-off, passengers complete liability waivers and receive a safety briefing, including guidance to spot power lines and a landing command of “Prepare to land.” With straps on a collapsible Kubicek basket and propane tanks onboard, the flight is likely to be short due to wind expected later. Around 100 spectators watched the nearly cloudless skies as sunrise approached.