Photos taken April 1, 2007 of the first inflation of "My Bag"

So! Displayed here, are photos of the very first inflation of my new balloon, which I call "My Bag."

It took place on April 1st, 2007 at a local school yard just a couple blocks from my house. I borrowed the basket from some very good friends to whom I am forever grateful to. (*)

 All went pretty well. At the time of these photos there were still a few minor adjustments I needed to make before the balloon could actually fly. Mostly internal rigging. Something that is a MUST though, is a scoop on the mouth. I had quite a bit of trouble keeping the balloon inflated (with fairly light winds and some gusts) and had to take it back down after only a few minutes of being up the first time. The second inflation went much more smoothly and the wind died to near calm, so I was able to keep the balloon up for over an hour.

*Quick side-note. Do you ever say a word enough that it starts to not make sense and you seem to forget its meaning? "Grateful" is one of those words for me at the moment. "Must" is too. Hmm...