Tag Archives: Plymouth

Michigan’s Fall Color Tour From a Hot Air Balloon by Westwind Balloon Company

“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.

Plymouth, MI, USA (September 11, 2013) — “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.” (http://www.puremichiganballoon.com)

“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.

“We know that fall color is a result of the breakdown of green pigments (chlorophyll) that reveals pigments that already present or are accumulated in leaves such as carotenoids and anthocyanins,” said Bert Cregg, Michigan State University Extension, departments of horticulture and forestry. “Those pigments make the yellows and reds. In Michigan, maples, oaks and sassafras are among some of the trees that provide the most consistent color,” says 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. 734-667-2098 http://www.westwindcos.com/balloon Scott Lorenz, Pilot and Owner.

About Scott Lorenz

Scott Lorenz, a commercial balloon pilot since 1982, has logged 1,650 + 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. 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).

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

There’s no better way to see Michigan’s Fall Colors than from a hot air balloon. Michigan balloonists offer a stunning platform from which to enjoy this once a year feast for the eyes.

Plymouth, MI (October 9, 2012) — “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 (http://www.PureMichiganBalloon.com).

“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!!

Call 734-667-2098 or visit: http://www.PureMichiganBalloon.com.

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).

Michigan Fall Color Video: http://youtu.be/1R-QsurhW6M. Check out the flight FOX 2 Meterologist Jessica Star had with Westwind Balloon Company this spring. http://youtu.be/TdtwaDxYTjE.

Mom’s Prefer Experience Gifts Over Knick Knacks

‘Experience’ gifts like a hot air balloon ride are popular because the balloon provides a platform for a 360 degree view with once in a lifetime visual creating a vivid and lasting memory. If people really want to make special occasions ‘special’ they need to do something special like collecting experiences rather than knick-knacks to put on a shelf.

Plymouth, MI (April 18, 2012) — This Mother’s Day, many moms across Michigan will be taking a trip of a lifetime in a hot air balloon.

“Experience’ gifts like a hot air balloon ride are popular because the balloon provides a platform for a 360 degree view with once in a lifetime visual creating a vivid and lasting memory. If people really want to make special occasions ‘special’ they need to do something special like collecting experiences rather than knick-knacks to put on a shelf,” says Scott Lorenz, President and Chief Pilot of Westwind Balloon Company of Plymouth, Michigan. (http://www.westwindcos.com/balloon) (http://www.youtube.com/embed/pmMvCYJqbHA)

“It’s not just for mom either. Since two people go along with the pilot it’s a perfect experience gift that both mom and dad or other friends and family can enjoy together because each flight is for two people.”

Lorenz says nobody forgets their first balloon flight because it’s an experience that cannot compare to anything else. The sensation of flying over trees, lakes and streams, spotting deer and other wildlife is unique and inspiring. When a gift touches someone both emotionally and on a multi-sensory level they never forget it.

The balloon flight costs $695 for two people. Gift certificates for flights in the area over Kensington Park in Milford, Michigan can be purchased by calling 734-667-2098 or by visiting http://www.westwindcos.com/balloon/ or via email at: scottlorenz[at]westwindcos[dot]com. Checks, AMEX, Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card are accepted. Flights are scheduled May through October.

About Scott Lorenz
Scott Lorenz has been a commercial balloon pilot since 1982, and has logged 1,550 + hours in-flight. Scott’s memorable ballooning experiences include: Flying over Niagara Falls, The Great Wall of China, Disney World, the Olympics in Calgary, St. Wolfgang, Austria, Saga, Japan, the Grand Prix in Spain, co-piloting one of two balloons for Mike Howard’s Guinness World Record ‘balloon walk’ flight at 19,000 feet, a 20 hour-361 mile Gas Balloon flight with Gordon Boring and handling media relations for Kevin Uliassi’s Round the World balloon flights.

Media Contact: Scott Lorenz, Westwind Balloon Company (1310 Maple Street , Plymouth, MI 48170), Ph: 734-667-2098, E-Mail: scottlorenz[at]westwindcos[dot]com, Web: http://www.westwindcos.com/balloon