moonglo

Nope, that's Guil in a V2 Edit: it's early, I know an Atom is a container, not wingsuit! It might be an Atom or other non-TSOed rig since he's French, I'm not sure. When Markus visited from Germany we had an Atom in TX.

You are welcome to jump smoke or streamers at Ballunar but must provide your own supplies and let me know you wish to do so.

I'm looking for bigway wingsuit pilots who are interested in jumping into NASA the weekend of Oct 23-25, 2009. The event is Ballunar Liftoff Festival, the aircraft will be a CASA, the flock will be up to a 30way formation in an attempt to set a TX state flock record, and the cost is TBA but usually around $125 for registration, admission to the festival, and 5-6 jumps (and huge Sat night pool party). You must have at least a C license and meet the other USPA requirements for an open field demo to participate. We're starting so early this year since Ballunar will be bigger than ever to make up for last year being cancelled due to Hurricane Ike! If you are interested in receiving an official invitation (sent out in summer) please let me know, and please include your e-mail address if I don't already have it. Everyone who was invited last year is already on my list! I'm also looking for a few wingsuiters for free demo jumps into Ellington Field the following weekend at Wings Over Houston Air Show. This is geared more towards Houston locals as we will be doing a 4way or 5way out of Al's 206. Unfortunately, this is the same weekend as the San Marcos Halloween Boogie. However, this will be the first time wingsuits are jumped into this event!! For more info on these events check out their websites at www.ballunarfestival.com or www.wingsoverhouston.com Let me know if you have any questions! -Jenn

Here's the official bad news: To All Ballunar Liftoff Skydiver Registrants and Invitees, Due to the destruction caused by hurricane Ike in the Bay Area Houston region, and NASA's desire to focus it's resources on recovery and completion of its immediate space exploration objectives, the Ballunar Liftoff Festival, will be canceled for 2008. The Ballunar Liftoff Festival's Board of Director's prioritized the needs, well being of the members of our community, and their homes and businesses, as a first concern. In addition, the Board recognized that the generators, lights, and infrastructure that the festival would require, would be best utilized meeting the critical needs of our communities. I expect the formal announcement to be posted on our web site, www.ballunarfestival.com, shortly. I would also expect that plans will begin in the very near future to announce the dates of our event for next year. All Skydivers who have registered for the event, can expect a full refund. On behalf of the Ballunar Liftoff Festival, thank you for your on going dedication to Space Exploration, Aviation, and Education of our youth, through your support of the Ballunar Liftoff Festival. I hope you and your families are safe and secure and you will make plans now to join us next year in this great event, bringing skydiving to the general public. Blue Skies, Al Saylor

They haven't had hot air balloon rides any of the years I've been there (02, 04-08) but I'm still trying!

Did he say who won "dead tree bingo?"

I live just north of 290 near Holister and we're still without power and currently enjoying the generator at my husband's office. We had some large branches down, one punched a hole in our gutter, but no major house damage. Our neighborhood lost a lot of big tree branches and fences, and a house one road over had a tree fall on it an bust the natural gas line! Traffic lights and power lines all over the main roads, as well as the tree debris and a construction trailer on it's side! Everyone I've talked to that stayed is fine, but one lost a house and fence to a big tree and most are still without power. We are in need of ice for our warm drinks!

That's great! We heard a few big thumps outside from the wind, but all the nearby dead trees are still standing. Power is starting to blink, but dinner's cooked...and still no rain at 8pm...

Conroe is well north of Houston, they'll most likely be getting less winds and slightly later hurricane than we do. If you have the capability, try texting; I've had no problems sending lots of texts around Houston recently.

It looks like some of the beach homes are already making it up the road a little bit... well, at least parts of the homes.

We're hunkering down in NW Houston too. The winds are getting gusty, the sunshine is going away, and the cats are skittish and refuse to go back outside. We're all cleaned up outside and well stocked inside as always. Guess we're ready for a hurricane party.

Flyin Bob told me he made reservations at the LaQuinta in Webster, not the Hilton with the group rate. No prob, we'll get everyone in to the pool party anyways! What was the group rate at hilton?? Oops, guess there is no group rate this year. My bad. From the invite: "Our host hotel is the Hilton Hotel, 3000 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058. For reservations call (281)-333-9300. The room’s aren’t cheap but it’s a great place with a pool and a bar!"

Flyin Bob told me he made reservations at the LaQuinta in Webster, not the Hilton with the group rate. No prob, we'll get everyone in to the pool party anyways!

So when are we going to get you in a wingsuit?

Me!

Big thanks to my hubby and friends for the surprise b-day party last night! Thought you guys might like my cake...

Thanks to everyone who came out to SDH this weekend to enjoy the beautiful weather and fun flocks! And thanks to Todd and the SDH staff for all their work.

Mike Smith is flying this weekend. Does anyone want to do some flocking with the otter? See ya'll bright and early tomorrow!

wow, thanks for posting those old pics of Hutch...I think I see some current SDH jumpers in there too!

He can't count past 10? What about the guy Tyler that was at one of the recent Z-Flocks? Doesn't he live around here? oh yeah, forgot I've never seen Tyler away from Spaceland...and I think he bailed on Z-flock 4 at the last minute. Where are you jumpinfly? Your e-mail bounced.

Jeez Voodew, get with the list! 1. Jenn Hinson 2. Matt Hoover 3. MadMax 4. Harry Potter 5. Susanjumps 6. Frenchy (Guil) 7. Brokeback Dave 8. Crazy Dave (if not busy w/tandems) 9. Jason Romero (jarhead) if not offshore! 10. Flying Bob (who will NOT be leaving his pc cables in the hotel for Jenn to pick up AGAIN) 11. Ted 12. Voodew

Just got an e-mail from Bob, he'll be out minus one rig and his biggest suits due to some deployment issues with his Stealth last weekend. 1. Jenn Hinson 2. Matt Hoover 3. MadMax 4. Harry Potter 5. Susanjumps 6. Frenchy (Guil) 7. Brokeback Dave 8. Crazy Dave (if not busy w/tandems) 9. Jason Romero (jarhead) if not offshore! 10. Flying Bob (who will NOT be leaving his pc cables in the hotel for Jenn to pick up AGAIN)

Do tell!!! Yes, do tell!

Don't forget the locals who aren't on here much but are always out: 1. Jenn Hinson 2. Matt Hoover 3. MadMax 4. Harry Potter 5. Susanjumps 6. Frenchy (Guil) 7. Brokeback Dave 8. Crazy Dave (if not busy w/tandems)

Sorry for the short notice, it's been a busy month! Skydive Houston has new owners, and is now a very wingsuit-friendly dz again! (They even promised me they'd leave the benches in for us this weekend; then they'll be changing our otter over to straddle seating.) I hope everyone can make it out this weekend for some flocking. We'll also be holding free first flight classes (pay just instructor's slot) and free coaching for anyone who would like to learn to fly and is qualified or who would like to be wingsuit-current again. SDH will also be having a crawfish boil at sunset Saturday, so bring your beer and come suck some heads! Check out our new website coming soon www.texaswingsuitacademy.com for our monthly TX flocking dates or to find an instructor near you! Jenn Hinson PFI#21