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Flying to the "Great Texas Balloon Race"

Longview, Texas

July 4-11, 2005

Ted and his brother Gary flew in Ted's RV-6, flight time 6.6 hours. Above is Gary looking cool as the co-pilot. They departed from Pontiac, Michigan at 6:00am and landed in Longview, Texas at 2:00pm.

Below are photos taken of Bill Adlers 31,000 cubic foot hang balloon. This is an experimental balloon built by Ted's brother Guy in his balloon shop. B.R.E.T. Balloon Repairs of East Texas. Bill was kind enough to allow Ted to fly his balloon and boy was it a "BLAST". Ted said, "flying this balloon was as much fun as my first solo flight almost 30 years ago". Ted still has a big grin on his face every time he thinks about this balloon.

The fuel tank has 20 gal. of propane on one side and another 6 gal. in the other side for reserve.

The envelope weighs about 60 lbs and the turning vents allow you to spin the balloon so the pilot really can get a 360 degree view anytime he wishes. Ted landed on the Greg County Airport but he did not need much of the runway. (The runway is 10,000 feet long, large enough to land the space shuttle).

Guy is relaxing in the hammock chair and F.A.A. certified repairman Joe Paddy making adjustments to the chair, in the shop.

Testing the pull strength on one of Ted's hot air balloons proves to be strong enough to reach 45 lbs, meeting the tear strength requirements for airworthiness. From left to right...brothers Guy, Joey and Gary Gauthier.

Now these are HOT AIR BALLOON BASKETS. These 12-16 passenger baskets are in Guy's Balloon Shop B.R.E.T. Balloon Repairs of East Texas. for the annual inspection. A forklift makes moving them around the yard a breeze. Someone needs to give Joey a boost to inside on of these baskets. Actually, if you look close, the four holes on the side are the steps you would use to climb in.

Mark Coleman loaned Ted his hot air balloon for the week to fly in the balloon race. What a beautiful balloon. I think you agree.

B.R.E.T. Balloon Repairs of East Texas. sponsored a breakfast for all of the balloon pilots and crew. Waffles were served to more than 300 people. It is nice to have 12 waffle irons. This was a breakfast the everyone is talking about. Thanks, Guy for a great way to top off a beautiful morning after flying our balloons.

Crew and Chase Vehicle photos

Mark Coleman owns Texas Farms & Ranches. Not everyone can say that their chase vehicle is a Hummer. We really enjoyed this setup.

Mark & Jenifer

back row. Mark, Jenifer, Gary, Colby Robertson, Tony-Hillary & Missy King.

front row. Lynn & Ted Gauthier

Dr. Dustin, Guy, Sherrie and crew.

Jean and Bill Adler and their crew.

Mike, Colby, Kathy and Conner Roberton - Hillary, Missy and Tony King

This is the best crew in Texas and they are not available during the G.T.B.R. so don't ask.

Ted and Lynn Gauthier, Hillary King standing by for take-off.

Each night 75 hot air balloon pilots lit their burners to glow the balloons. This is spectacular sight. If you ever have the opportunity to view one of the balloon glows you will always want to come back for more.

We hope you enjoyed the photos.