Michigan's Fall Colors Are Spectacular from a Hot Air Balloon

"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."

"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.

As for the 2012 fall color forecast, "There is some good news for leaf-lovers," says Bert Cregg, Michigan State University Extension, Departments of Horticulture and Forestry. "The recent rain, cool nights and sunny days are working in favor of prolonging the color, it's an ideal situation as it enables trees to hang on to their leaves and give us a longer show," said 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. Tel: 734-667-2098 / Web: http://www.PureMichiganBalloon.com. Scott Lorenz, Pilot and Owner.

About Scott Lorenz

Scott Lorenz, a commercial balloon pilot since 1982, has logged 1,550 + 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. Balloon rides make terrific gifts!!

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).