We reserve every memorial day for family and friend flights. This morning we got the opportunity to take my sister-in-law, her boyfriend, and our crew chief on a fantastic hot air balloon flight.
We arrived at the [Evergreen Sky Ranch Airport](http://www.51wa.org/) at 5:30 am and met up with David Lawrence, the manager of the airport. The Evergreen Airport is a close-knit private fly-in community of aviation enthusiasts. We're very excited to have the opportunity to be part of their community, and launch balloons from their beautiful property.
At 6 am, We launched from the Southwest side of the expertly maintained 2600ft turf airstrip and headed North toward the Green River. After floating over some exquisite ranches and gardens, we were blessed with a wonderful treat... a beautiful valley filled with low laying fog two hundred feet above the river. Although I have flown over low laying fog while hot air ballooning 30 or 40 times, it never ceases to amaze me.
After spending ten minutes playing around the river, we jumped up to 2000ft and headed Southwest back into the Enumclaw Valley. As we lifted above the river valley trees, Mt. Rainier came in full view.
From 2000ft, while heading Southwest, we spotted a perfect landing spot. A beautiful property directly across from a buffalo farm on 170th.
We couldn't have asked for a hot air balloon ride with better weather, direction, and company. Have a happy memorial day, and enjoy the photos!
