Snowmass history: Balloon adventures

In an article from The Aspen Times Sept. 1, 1977, Chris Cassatt recounts his adventures in ballooning. “Cassatt had worked for three weeks with Aspen balloonist Don Ruggles to arrange a ride during the second invitational Snowmass Balloon Races … There were 25 balloons from about eight states taking part in the weekend events. Because of the high winds, however, the ballooning on Saturday was limited to the free, fun sort with no competition. Ruggles introduced Cassatt to John McLain of Wheat Ridge, Colo, the head of the ‘The Flying McLains.’ John and his wife, Ruth, and their sons, Russ and Scott; and daughter Lorrie, are the only entire family group licensed as hot-air balloon pilots in the nation.” Chosen as the lucky passenger to ride in the “Crystal Lady,” Cassatt soon learned that the winds were “stronger than they should be. Inflation and landing is risky when they’re over 12 knots. A few balloons went up anyway, and the Crystal Lady was among them. ‘I had been up 150 feet in a tethered balloon,’ Cassatt said, ‘but this was my first free flight. I was amazed. It feels really safe. I’m afraid of heights, but I had no fear.'” As they began to drift toward the Snowmass Wilderness, they decided to put down, dropping fast at about 15 miles an hour. Basket and passengers alike tumbling. Cassatt was then anointed into the flying club with a bottle of Cold Duck poured over his head. And then showed up for another ride the next morning.

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