Plymouth,
MI, USA (September 11, 2013) -- "Michigan fall colors are
spectacular flying OVER tree tops in a hot air balloon," says
Scott Lorenz, President and Chief Pilot of Westwind Balloon Company
of Plymouth, Michigan.
"The
palate of colors just takes your breath away," says Lorenz "I
love taking photos from the balloon especially when we fly over
Island Lake State Park, it's fabulous, it's ten times better than
driving. People just have no idea how pretty it is until they get
above it." (http://www.puremichiganballoon.com)
"Want
to get a preview of a flight?" asks Lorenz, "I put together
of some of our fall color flights. The views are incredible as we
glide over canopy of trees. There's no better way to enjoy Michigan's
fall colors than from a hot air balloon." Check it out at:
http://youtu.be/1R-QsurhW6M.
"We know that fall color is a result of the breakdown of green pigments (chlorophyll) that reveals pigments that already present or are accumulated in leaves such as carotenoids and anthocyanins," said Bert Cregg, Michigan State University Extension, departments of horticulture and forestry. "Those pigments make the yellows and reds. In Michigan, maples, oaks and sassafras are among some of the trees that provide the most consistent color," says Cregg.
Most
hot air balloon rides in Michigan last about one hour and Lorenz
flies over the woods and streams of Kensington Park and Island
Lake State Park. He and several other pilot friends meet at Park
'n Ride area off Milford Road and I-96 (exit # 155) about 2 1/2 hours
before sunset. From there he'll launch helium balloons, determine the
wind direction, then take a short drive to one of nine launch sites
in the area that give the best views and best landing sites downwind.
What
to wear? Lorenz suggests passengers wear tennis shoes and jeans. He
says the air temp "upstairs" is within a couple degrees of
ground temp so it's not a factor. Cameras and video cameras are
highly recommended to preserve the once in a lifetime moments while
flying over the countryside.
Since
fall color balloon flights are popular Lorenz suggests people call
now to reserve a spot. Flights cost $695 for a private ride which is
two passengers and the pilot. All flights are pre-paid. Visa,
MasterCard, AMEX, Discover and PayPal are accepted. Gift certificates
are available.
To
really appreciate all of the fall color that Michigan has to offer,
call a balloonist and schedule a flight today, the view is really
better from above!
Westwind
Balloon Company - Plymouth, MI, Flying over Kensington Park,
Brighton, South Lyon and Milford. 734-667-2098
http://www.westwindcos.com/balloon
Scott Lorenz, Pilot and Owner.
About
Scott Lorenz
Scott
Lorenz, a commercial balloon pilot since 1982, has logged 1,650 +
hours in-flight. He has flown over Niagara Falls, The Great Wall of
China, Disney World, the Olympics, Austria, Japan, Spain, Red Rock
Canyon NM. He co-piloted a Guinness World Record flight to 19,000'
and a 20 hour-Gas Balloon flight from MI to KY. Westwind has been
featured by FOX-2 Detroit, WDIV, WJR, The Detroit Free Press, Oakland
Press to name a few and was named "most creative date" by
It's Just Lunch. In 2012 Westwind was name one of America's Most
Romantic companies for the balloon engagement flights. Scott's
Westwind Balloon Company offers unforgettable rides over Michigan's
breathtaking countryside. Westwind Balloon Company is a member of the
Detroit Chamber of Commerce, The Balloon Federation of America (BFA)
and the Southeast Michigan Balloon Federation (SEMBA).
