Yesterday I watched the tv reports, totally captured by a human interest story. It seemed a young boy, six years old, had become involved in a family project with scary result. I'm sure you all followed the unfolding drama too.
But just in case you were exploring a deep underground cave or were off the planet or something I'll quickly sum-up what happened.
- A Colorado family were working on a science ( ? ) project They are amature storm-chasers and were planning to use the balloon in that hobby.
- The balloon is large about 20 feet across, the boy was small 38-45 pounds.
- Interestingly the balloon was saucer shaped, it looked like a UFO
- It has a plywood "cabin" or compartment on the bottom for holding cameras and instruments.
- The six year old's two brothers saw the boy climb into the compartment.
- The balloon broke free from it's moorings. Quickly rising into the sky, and floating away.
- The balloon climbed to a height of between 6000 and 8000 feet. Drifting 50 miles at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.
- Police, fire, rescue and even the National Guard were called. They responded with two helicopters to "follow" the craft.
- Passing just north of the airfield the balloon disrupted air traffic at Denver International airport for around 15 minutes.
- The Balloon slowly deflated and landed gently in a field about 20 miles northeast of Denver
- Rescuers were shocked on the scene when they found the "cabin" door ajar and the compartment empty. Raising fear the boy had fallen out during the twisting, turning flight
- Happy Ending. The boy was found safely at home. The brothers had not seen him exit the craft
- Afraid he was in trouble the little boy had hidden in the his attic
- So after a two hour adventure and thousands of dollars for the rescue efforts and disruptions the whole story ends with a smile.
I guess you can't turn your back nor drop your guard for even one second when you have three young boys.
Oh BTW the six year old little guy ..... His name is
FALCON.
FALCON.
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