Free Flight hits high note for community

We couldn't have asked for a better weekend for the High Plains Freedom Flight. Highs in the 70s, light winds -- it was weather made in heaven for balloonists, photographers and spectators alike.

Hundreds of people turned out for each of the three ascensions, Saturday and Sunday morning, and Saturday afternoon.

Those new to ballooning were able to learn a lot about the sport, whether it was by watching, walking up and asking a balloon pilot in person, or pitching in with some of the strenuous work involved with lofting a hot air balloon.

Saturday morning, more than a dozen colorful craft lifted off and headed to the east, giving pheasant hunters something to watch and talk about as they watched the balloons alight in stubble fields south of Indianola or Bartley.

Saturday evening, the winds caused the participants to drift to the south, where many landed after only a few miles before the approaching darkness and hills created extra hazards.

Sunday morning's liftoff was also an education, with balloons lifting off straight into the rising sun before rising to catch a northerly breeze.

The High Plains Freedom Flight was an inspiring event, whether experienced from the ground or a wicker basket high above the Republican River valley.

We would like to see it as an annual event, but realize that would require much sacrifice and hard work, as well as the cooperation of the weatherman.

Whatever its future, the High Plains Freedom Flight was a success to be remembered, one that brought the following poem alive for many more:

The Balloonist's Prayer

The winds have welcomed you with softness.

The sun has blessed you with his warm hands.

You have flown so high and so well,

that God joined you in laughter

and set you gently back into

the loving arms of Mother Earth.