photo:  Kellie Garris

As the sun was setting the Mahalak’s received a surprise visitor.  A hot air balloon set down in their back yard.  Why?  Pilot David Seekell says with evening approaching, they had to land. Not only is that a good idea, but it’s also an FAA regulation.   In darkness, hazards multiply—tree branches, powerlines, and other obstructions can be dangerous or deadly.  If you hit something you didn’t see, it’s too late to take corrective action.  So, before venturing out over the water this evening, he looked for the best open area, and that turned out to be the Mahalak’s.

Wind direction and velocity is everything when it comes to piloting a balloon, says David.  Just like sailing, those conditions can vary significantly from the forecast, and you must be ready to deal with it.  He took off from Ackerson Lake.  Given conditions at launch, he planned to fly over Clark Lake.  But that plan was cut shore because Mother Nature had other ideas.

You may have seen his balloon before.  Other times, he has launched from Columbia Central and headed north.  David comments, “Balloonists like Clark Lake.”  You sometimes see a balloon dip into the water before resuming altitude.   “People here are supportive and friendly.”

Photo: Joan Mahalak

The chase vehicle picked up David and equipment as he called it quits for the evening.

David has been at this for a long stretch.  He’s piloted balloons since 1993.