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The Adventure of Sun ‘n Fun

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author, an enthusiast for simple aviation experiences, participated in the annual Sun 'n Fun hot air balloon sunrise launch and "Hare and Hound Competition."
  • As part of a "Hound" crew, she experienced the quiet awe of silently floating at low altitudes, observing the landscape while chasing a lead balloon to target a specific ground spot with a beanbag.
  • The 40-minute hot air balloon flight was described as a peaceful yet exhilarating experience, akin to "walking through the air on air" with subtle sensations of movement.
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My last day at Sun ‘n Fun was Saturday. And what a day it was. It might be that my colleagues here at Flying, who, between them, have thousands of hours logged in fancier airplanes, many type ratings under there belts and incredible wealth of knowledge about flying — heights, granted, that I will never be able to achieve in my lifetime since my re-entry into aviation has come at mid life — chuckle at my eagerness and enthusiasm for the small stuff. Heck, if they didn’t come in their own airplanes, they could get a ride home from Sun n Fun in a CJ4! Again, an envious status I humbly acknowledge that is out of my reach. That said, in many ways, it’s probably a good guess I’m closer to the average person interested in aviation in that I’m easily thrilled with the simple things.

Case in point: During the week of Sun ‘n Fun 2010, I had some pretty cool adventures, two of which I had never experienced, and one of which I had, but with, let’s say, some new modifications. I’ve already blogged about my Aventura seaplane flight at Splash In at Fantasy of Flight and what a kick that was. But on Saturday, I added to the list, first with participation in the annual Sun ‘n Fun hot air balloon sunrise launch and competition and then a ride in a Waco. What a job!

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