My Life in Hot Air Ballooning

McDonald's Hot Air Balloon Team

2011-06-08T20:10:00.000-05:00

If you have an event or a festival and would like to have the McDonald's Hot Air Balloon take part. Feel free to email Russ at jurg31@yahoo.com

GORDON BENNETT HELIUM BALLOON RACE

2010-09-23T15:04:00.007-05:00

My uncle takes off tomorrow to compete in his FESTO helium balloon
and hopes to win his first race for Holland.

To track my uncle's progress click on

http://www.gordonbennett2010.com/tracking

TWENTE BALLOON FESTIVAL 2010 - HOLLAND

2010-09-01T13:16:00.010-05:00

2010 Twente Ballooning - Nightglow

HOPES ARE HIGH

2010-05-09T16:35:00.002-05:00

Haven't been ballooning much at all over the last year or so.

But I am remaining hopeful for more ballooning in the near future.

FIRST TIME in 8 YEARS - NO MEXICO :(

2009-12-08T10:44:00.004-05:00

This Fall is the first Fall since 2003 that we wont be going down to Mexico for our annual Mexican adventure. But I am hopeful for next year. Im definitely going to miss being down there :(

Animoto.com

2009-10-19T15:54:00.001-05:00

TRIP to HOLLAND this YEAR was CANCELLED :(

2009-08-23T20:20:00.003-05:00

To better explain why my trip was canceled. Here are comments I posted on my facebook.com page as it unfolded:

- Looks like I'm not going to be doing any ballooning and won't be able visit my Oma and family in Holland this time. They are sending me back to Columbus cause my passport expires within 3 months :( I think I'm gonna cry. I'm sooo ...pissed and sad at the same time. This is such BULLSHIT !!!

- I guess ill have to plans things now for next summer and this fall to visit my family and do some ballooning in Europe. Still verrrry disappointed and pissed off. But I guess I should use the advice someone gave me a while back...don't stress over things we can't control.

- I keep telling myself that everything happens for a reason. but it still sucks at the time something doesn't go as planned.

- I'm unfortunately back in Columbus Ohio. But should've almost been in Holland at this time. It was a 12 hour and 30 minute round trip for NOTHING !!!! :(

ONLY 5 DAYS til HOLLAND

2009-08-17T15:59:00.003-05:00

GOING BACK TO HOLLAND in AUGUST

2009-07-25T16:37:00.004-05:00

Heading back over to Holland
in August for my uncle's balloon festival
and to visit family and friends.

August 22nd-31st, 2009

www.twenteballooning.nl

FIRST ENTRY OF 2009

2009-04-03T21:01:00.005-05:00

Havent been ballooning since December of 2008 unfortunately. So no real updates on my balloon adventures. I have a few things that could begin to develop, but I just cant seem to make any serious decisions about what next steps I should make to see my ballooning career grow to the next level. Confusion ??!?!??! :(

World Record attempt planned for 2009

2008-12-04T23:22:00.007-05:00

My uncle Rien over in Holland is attempting to break a hot air balloon world record sometime in 2009 for the longest flight. With a new revolutionary insulated balloon material that will allow my uncle's balloon to travel further and use less fuel during his flight. He is planning to take up from western Canada and travel 6-7 hours across Canada.

My Uncle's Balloon Nightglow 2008

2008-11-29T20:19:00.002-05:00

My uncle's hot air balloon nightglow over in Hengelo, The Netherlands during his annual hot air balloon festival.

MEXICO BALLOON ADVENTURE 2008 SLIDESHOW

2008-11-23T03:09:00.000-05:00

Festival International del Globos 2008

2008-11-18T21:40:00.011-05:00

2008 McDonald's Hot Air Balloon Team

PILOTS Russ Jurg and David Smuck

My former flight instructor David and examiner Phil Bryant

Matt, Marco, David and I during the nightglow

Jim, Lindsey, Kimberly, Scott, David, Matt, Scott S.
and the shadow of my in the center

Me filling up the balloon with hot air

The Balloon is ready for take off

The President of McDonald's Oscar and his family after their balloon flight

MADE it to GUANAJUATO MEXICO

2008-11-12T18:18:00.004-05:00

Welllll....I made down to Guanajuato and Leon Mexico safely. My balloon team and I left Austin Texas on Monday morning and arrived to Guanajuato last night. Tomorrow we´re going to prepare our McDonald´s hot air balloon for the four day festival in Leon, Mexico. Leon is located in central Mexico up in the mountains. We´re about 7000 -8000 feet above sea level.

Ill try to keep everyone updated. Unfortunately I wont be able to post any pictures til I get home.

Russssssssssss

ABOVE THE CLOUDS in HOLLAND

2008-10-14T08:08:00.009-05:00

RANDOM PICS of the DAY

2008-04-12T17:27:00.002-05:00

PILOT RUSS on COVER OF TIME

2008-02-26T08:08:00.003-05:00

PILOT RUSS on cover of

TIME Magazine...lol

QUOTE of the DAY

2008-02-07T11:17:00.002-05:00

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."

Albert Schweitzer

PILOT/COACH RUSS

2008-02-05T00:16:00.000-05:00

NEW PICTURES FROM MEXICO 2007

2007-12-27T23:59:00.001-05:00

Javier and I graduated from pilot school at the same time.

Victor and Sean

Thank you Victor for the photos :)

The President of McDonald's in Mexico and his two sons

2007 SLIDESHOW

2007-12-19T15:40:00.001-05:00

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BALLOONING ADVENTURE

2007-12-06T18:28:00.001-05:00

On top of LaBuffa once again. Its turned into a annual tradition for me

McDonald's Balloon Team 2007

Pena de Bernal revisited 5 years later

OFF TO MEXICO AGAIN :) 2007

2007-11-22T20:56:00.001-05:00

Im leaving Saturday afternoon for my 5th annual ballooning adventure down in central Mexico with David, Tommy and Scott for 10 days of adventure. Nothing but flying balloons and catching a few days by the Pacific beach in South Western Mexico. This will actually be my 6th time down in Mexico. But my 5th time with the David and the McDonald's balloon. Im sure Ill have plenty of pictures to share when I get back on December 5th :)

MY UNCLE's BALLOON FESTIVAL 2007

2007-09-20T15:22:00.001-05:00

Images from my uncle Rien's balloon festival this year in Hengelo, The Netherlands.

Pictures courtesy of www.hotair.nl

www.twenteballooning.nl
www.rienjurg.nl

Twente Ballooning 2007 oldenzaal

2007-08-28T21:06:00.001-05:00

Here is a video clip of my uncle's balloon festival from this year in Hengelo, The Netherlands

Twente Ballooning Festival 2007 - The Netherlands

2007-08-28T21:05:00.001-05:00

More video footage of my uncle Rien's nightglow in Holland. Wish I couldve made it this year :(

MY UNCLE's HOT AIR BALLOON NIGHTGLOW

2007-08-28T20:43:00.001-05:00

My uncle over in Holland ever year has his amazing hot air balloon night glow. The first time I witnessed one of my uncle's nightglows... i was 15 years old and had goose bump on my arms. I thought it was the cooolest thing ever !!

WATCH IT ALL !!! Obviously it would be more amazing to watch it live.

Hengelo, The Netherlands

IMAGES FROM MEXICO 2006

2007-08-22T14:03:00.001-05:00

A few more images that I just found from my 2006 Mexican Ballooning tour. Greats times !! Cant wait to get back down there in November :)

PREPARING FOR MEXICO 2007

2007-08-17T10:05:00.001-05:00

McDonald's Balloon Tour 2007

THINGS ARE BEGINNING TO TAKE SHAPE AGAIN FOR OUR ANNUAL McDONALD'S BALLOON TOUR DOWN IN MEXICO. THIS YEAR HOPEFULLY WE'LL HAVE AN EXTRA FESTIVAL TO PROMOTE IN.

With a new McDonald's in Guanajuato.....there's a great chance we'll participate in the Guanajuato and Leon Festivals. More flights = More Experience !!!

CAN'T WAIT !!! PREPARE FOR TONS OF NEW FRESH BALLOONING PICS :)

COMING....
LATE NOVEMBER 2007 - EARLY DECEMBER 2007

Visions of Ballooning

2007-08-14T20:01:00.000-05:00

AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Balloons from another time and place

2007-07-23T16:29:00.000-05:00

Found this on the internet. They kind of look like hot air balloons. Hmmm...

Possible PART 2 Hot Air Balloon ???

2007-07-06T19:55:00.001-05:00

PART 2 HOT AIR BALLOON TEAM

A possible balloon deal might happen with Part 2 Screen printing. Keeping my fingers crossed. But here is a design that was just sent to me by my good friend and former flight instructor David. AWESOME LOOKING DESIGN !!!

Thanks Phil and David for putting this together. I greatly appreciate it :)

THE BEGINNING OF MY PILOT CAREER

2007-07-05T15:10:00.001-05:00

Michigan Balloon Challenge Timelapse

2007-07-01T18:40:00.001-05:00

Reno Balloon Race 2006

2007-07-01T18:39:00.001-05:00

QUOTE OF THE DAY

2007-06-30T21:53:00.001-05:00

"Man, alone, has the power to transform his thoughts into physical reality; man, alone, can dream and make his dreams come true."

Napoleon Hill

(1883-1970, American speaker, author, "Think And Grow Rich")

QUOTE OF THE DAY

2007-06-02T10:53:00.001-05:00

"To achieve great things we must live as though we were never going to die."

Marquis de Vauvenargues

Early Morning Flight

2007-05-16T19:29:00.000-05:00

LEON, MEXICO 2006

STOP GLOBAL WARMING

2007-04-26T20:49:00.000-05:00

A Glimps of the Past

2007-04-18T17:29:00.000-05:00

Before one of my training flight with my passengers down in Mexico. Good friends Paloma and Javier. Javier was also a student pilot at the time. Sooo many great memories of my time down there training to become a pilot.

Me during a hot air balloon inflation during my pilot training down in Guanajuato Mexico 2003

This is me taking off during one of my very first solo flights down in Mexico 2003

This picture isnt very clear. But it was taken right after one of my flight down in Guanajuato Mexico. These young Mexican kids came running to the field I landed in. They ran from their homes to greet me. They later helped me pack the hot air balloon.

Taken a picture of myself while flying solo over the Mexican landscape 2003

After my flight exam with my balloon crew down in Mexico Dante, Patty, Paloma and Javier

REST IN PEACE CHEP

Just found out today that my good friend Chep passed away from his battle with cancer. My deepest condolences and respects go out to his family and close friends. He was truely a genuine sole who cared alot about his friends and family. One of the most talented artictechs and artists that I have ever met. He welcomed us with open arms every time we were in Guanajuato for ballooning.

Chep was there during my pilot training and help make my dream of becoming a hot air balloon pilot possible. May you rest in peace my friend. I'm going to miss you alot and I will never forget you. Thank you for your friendship.

IMAGINATION

2007-04-10T19:35:00.001-05:00

MY UNCLE's BALLOON FESTIVAL 2006

2007-04-10T16:01:00.000-05:00

TWENTE BALLOON FESTIVAL 2006
Hengelo, The Netherlands
My uncle over in Holland holds a balloon festival every year. Inviting pilots from all over the world to come fly balloons for 4 days. He usually holds the event at the end of August every year. Unfortunately I havent been able to make it over there since getting my pilots licience. But hopefully Ill be able to make it over there this summer.

These pictures courtesy of
www.hotair.nl

THE 50th Annual Gordon Bennett Balloon Race

2007-04-10T15:55:00.000-05:00

My uncle Rien on the right and his co-pilot Ron

This is the event that my uncle Rien Jurg races in every year. Its comparable to the America's Cup for Sailboat racing. Huge Global Event. He's some close to winning a few times. The closest he's ever come was second place. Who ever wins the event each year gets to have their country host the event the following year.

The Basket with Many Sand Bags

Pics courtesy of
www.hotair.nl

My uncle, his co-pilot and crew

2007-04-09T17:03:00.000-05:00

WETT JURG Ballooning Posters

2007-04-06T21:43:00.000-05:00

With a few of my ballooning pictures, i played around
on my photoshop to create WETT JURG Ballooning posters.
Can you tell that I was bored tonight??? lol

ONE YEAR LATER

2007-04-02T16:03:00.000-05:00

ONE YEAR LATER

Can't believe its been one year since the FESTO Balloon Tour in Mexico. Time just flies by soooo fast. I just wish wasnt as sick as I was during this trip. For most of the trip I was struggling through a horrible flu and wasnt able to socialize as I would have if I was healthy. Eventhough I was sick....I enjoyed the adventure and spending time with my cousin Miriam who was in Mexico for the tour from Holland.

2006 FESTO TOUR of MEXICO

2007-03-25T22:06:00.000-05:00

FESTO TOUR

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - March 2006

With my cousin Miriam
and my uncle's FESTO balloon team
during the
FESTO 2006 Balloon Tour of MEXICO

WHAT I AM

2007-03-22T22:55:00.000-05:00

DUTCH CANADIAN FROM FRENCH CANADA

2007-03-22T18:29:00.000-05:00

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is themysterious. It is the source of all true art and allscience. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, whocan no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe,is as good as dead: his eyes are closed."
Albert Einstein

2007-03-15T21:09:00.000-05:00

"The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences."

-Eleanor Roosevelt

2007-03-15T21:07:00.001-05:00

"Live to love life, and love to live life"

- Sammy Gouti

WELCOME BUCKEYE SWIM TEAM TO MY BLOG :)

2007-03-02T22:02:00.000-05:00

ME WITH MY OLD POINTE CLAIRE SWIM CAP ON
(Created on Photoshop)

Below is a collection of pictures from my life in hot air ballooning. I created this show all of the ballooning adventures that Ive had in the past and eventually all of the pictures I will have in the coming years. Hope you like :) If you click on "View my complete profile".... you will be able to see my other blogs.

www.jurgpets.blogspot.com
www.flyswimrun31.blogspot.com

COACH RUSS

GO BUCKS!!!

Taking a Dip in the Lake

2007-02-09T14:20:00.000-05:00

During the Leon, Mexico Balloon Festival in Leon Mexico 2006

MEXICO 2006

2007-02-09T14:15:00.000-05:00

During my first day in Mexico....hiked up the main mountain peak of Guanajuato, Mexico - December 2006

IMAGES FROM ABOVE

2007-01-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

While flying up high and looking down balloon at several balloons skimming the water in Leon Mexico 2006

SPECIAL SHAPES 2006

2007-01-26T23:57:00.000-05:00

The Special Shape Balloons featured at this year balloon festival in Leon Mexico. Mickey Mouse, Tony the Tiger and the Elephant Balloon - December 2006

NIGHTGLOW MEXICO 2006

2007-01-26T00:41:00.000-05:00

PRETENDING TO JUMP

2007-01-26T00:39:00.000-05:00

ON TOP OF LABUFFA IN GUANAJUATO, MEXICO 2006

BEAUTIFUL SIGHTS

2007-01-26T00:34:00.000-05:00

JUST A SMALL COLLECTION OF MY PICS FROM THIS RECENT BALLOONING TRIP IN LEON MEXICO 2006

THE BASKET 2006

2007-01-26T00:32:00.000-05:00

THE BASKET

Our balloon basket after a nice landing in the Leon countryside. Lots of Cactus' and thorn bushes everywhere.

PAOLA and FAMILY

2007-01-26T00:27:00.000-05:00

Paola and her family during our McDonald's Fundraising Event in Leon Mexico. It was really great to see my great friend Paola. I have known her for about 2 years plus now. I consider her a life long friend.
- December 2006

MORNING FLIGHT IN MEXICO

2007-01-26T00:26:00.000-05:00

PRE-LAUNCH IN LEON MEXICO 2006

PRE-FLIGHT CHECK

2007-01-26T00:22:00.000-05:00

PILOT RUSS

PRE-FLIGHT CHECK PRIOR TO INFLATING
THE BALLOON WITH COLD AND HOT AIR IN
LEON, MEXICO - DECEMBER 2006

FAREWELL to the BEACH 2006

2007-01-26T00:19:00.000-05:00

After packing up the van with our stuff. We took this picture in front of our Beachhouse in Southwestern Mexico. RUSS, SCOTT, DAVID, RON and TOMMY

GOODTIMES-GOODFRIENDS in Mexico 2006

2007-01-26T00:14:00.000-05:00

MY FIRST DAY IN MEXICO
McDonald's Mexico Tour 2006

MY BALLOON TEAM and GOOD FRIENDS

Hanging out on top of LaBuffa in Guanajuato Mexico my first afternoon in back Mexico

Scott (left), David (Top), Tommy (Bottom) and Ron (Right)

MORNING FLIGHT

2007-01-24T02:13:00.000-05:00

SUNRISE IN MEXICO 2006

THE PARADE IS HERE

2007-01-24T02:06:00.000-05:00

Helping Out

2007-01-24T02:02:00.000-05:00

Helping the President of McDonald Ocsar and his little girl during our fundraising event in Leon Mexico. December 2006

CHARITY EVENT IN MEXICO 2006

2007-01-24T01:55:00.000-05:00

FROM A CHARITY EVENT THAT WE DID IN LEON MEXICO TO HELP RAISE MONEY FOR A 3 YEAR OLD GIRL WHO NEED TO SPECIAL TREATMENTS THAT COST ALOT OF MONEY. HER LIFE DEPENDED ON THIS MEDICAL TREATMENT.

SO FOR EVERY PERSON WE TOOK UP IN THE BALLOON FOR A TEATHERED FLIGHT DONATED PASOS TO THE LITTLE GIRLS TREATMENT NECCESSARY FOR HER SURVIVAL

MEXICO BALLOONING ADVENTURE 2006

2007-01-12T18:26:00.001-05:00

MEXICO 2006

FINALLY !!!! I'VE BEEN ABLE TO DOWNLOAD AND EDIT MY PICS FROM MY RECENT MEXICAN BALLOON ADVENTURE. THIS YEAR ENDED UP BEING A LITTLE DIFFERENT FROM PREVIOUS YEARS. AFTER OUR BALLOONING PHASE OF THE TRIP WAS OVER, WE DROVE 6 HOURS TO THE WEST COAST OF MEXICO. IT WAS THE FIRST TIME IVE EVER BEEN THAT FAR SOUTH ALONG THE PACIFIC COAST. IT WAS TRUE PARADISE.

HAPPY NEW YEAR IN 2007

2007-01-01T17:08:00.000-05:00

WISHING ALL OF MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY....MUCH HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS IN 2007 !!!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Marianne Williamson

LETS MAKE 2007 A GRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT YEAR !!!!

THANK YOU

2006-12-26T17:29:00.000-05:00

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Greatness is not where we stand, but in what direction we are moving. We must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it but sail we must, and not drift, nor lie at anchor."

Oliver Wendall Holmes

**This quote really hits home in a deep way with what someone did to me earlier last week. I was hurt in a verrrry deep way. But I must continue to move forward in the direction that I was planning on going in, before this all took place.

Thank you to all of you that supported me in such a HUGE way !!! This Christmas was a very special one. Not cause of materialistic things, but because of my family and friends being there for me when I really needed them. Thanks !!!

Lets make 2007 a GRRRRRRRRRRREAT Year !!!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

2006-12-14T15:06:00.000-05:00

"Take a chance !! All life is chance !! The man who goes the furthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The "sure thing" boat never gets far from shore."

Dale Carnegie

** Pics from my recent Mexico trip (November 27th - December 9th) are on their way. Just finishing up some editing before I begin posting them.

The Day of My First Solo Flight - 2003

2006-11-24T15:06:00.000-05:00

A COLLECTION OF MY BALLOONING PICS

2006-11-23T22:12:00.000-05:00

MEXICO TOUR 2006

2006-10-30T21:41:00.000-05:00

I less then a month I will be on my way back to Guanajuato Mexico for the 4th consecutive year with my former flight instructor David and a few other friends for 2 weeks of flying, hiking and photography. Cant wait !!! November 23rd, 2006 - December 6th, 2006

My Future Hot Balloon Chase Truck

2006-08-25T16:35:00.000-05:00

Im loving this truck. Perfect for a hot air balloon promotional chase crew truck. Place decals all over the truck with sponsorship logos etc... Soooo BAD ASS !!!!

Another Year Goes By.....

2006-08-24T15:40:00.000-05:00

Another year goes by as a pilot and Im unfortunately unable to make it over to my uncle's annual hot air balloon festival in Hengelo, The Netherlands. 20 minutes from the border of Germany. My whole life while attending my uncle's festival I always dream of being a pilot and also being able to fly as a pilot in my uncle's festival. Welllll..... Ive now been a pilot since 2003 and I haven't been able to make it since due to serveral reasons. But once again....I will shoot for next year's festival. The festival launched yesterday...sooo its been on my mind alot lately. Hope they have good weather for flying all 4 days !!!

HEADING BACK TO MEXICO

2006-08-20T18:57:00.000-05:00

Headed back to Mexico this fall. Its official !!! Soooo excited !!! McDonald's wanted us back again. On top of that a certain special someone is coming down with me to be apart of the team. Its going to be super mega awesome seeing all of my old Mexican friends along with David and Chuck. Awesome stuff !!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

2006-08-03T16:58:00.000-05:00

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.
Earl Nightingale

Balloon Crash in Canada

2006-07-14T17:35:00.000-05:00

SURREY, British Columbia - A hot air balloon caught fire and crashed in an RV park and campground Friday evening, injuring as many as 11 people, police and a witness said. Two other people were unaccounted for.

The cause of the accident wasn't known. Weather conditions were clear at the time of the sunset flight. At least three 30-foot RVs caught fire, said Don Randall, a witness who lives in the RV park. No one was reported hurt in those blazes.

Witnesses said passengers screamed and jumped to the ground as the balloon's basket caught fire. The balloon reportedly took off from a grassy field with 12 passengers.

"The thing went up about 400 feet in the air at which point it melted enough of the balloon — it collapsed," said Randall, who saw the balloon as it was on its way up and took pictures of the fiery scene. "The basket was basically a fireball, it just dropped like a stone."

"I'm just thinking, 'Oh geez, I hope there's nobody in that thing. It's basically a burning death up there,'" he said.

People who had been riding in the balloon suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospitals in the nearby Vancouver area, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sgt. Roger Morrow said in a statement.

Fifteen ambulances, two air ambulances and eight fire trucks raced to the scene at the Hazelmere park, he said. Smoke could be seen billowing from the crash site from miles away, CTV said.

Randall said at least two vehicles were damaged along with the RVs. He said he ran to his RV and grabbed a small fire extinguisher, but it proved of little use.

The hot-air balloon, which CTV reported was operated by Fantasy Balloons Charters based in Langley, British Columbia, was one of several balloons in flight at the time.

Friday evening Aug. 24, 2007

Balloons of History

2006-07-11T14:04:00.001-05:00

Found these pictures surfing through the internet....thought they were coool to show a little history of ballooning which originated in Paris, France.

PILOT CAREER UPDATE

2006-04-26T19:56:00.000-05:00

PILOT LOG:

Unfortunately I haven't been able to purchase a good second recreational private hot air balloon. But I am hopeful that I will be able to buy one, once the MS foundation is up and running with a regular paycheck. As soon as I'm able, the new balloon will give me to abilities to get better and better gaining more and more confidence in the air. As they say.... "It take up to 100 hours in the air as PILOT in COMMAND before you can begin to change the relationship you have with ballooning." Either "You take control the balloon or it. The only way Im going to be able achieve total control is for me to gain more and more air time with my own balloon. (Confidence = Experience ) The day I have my very own balloon will be one of the greatest days of my life.

The above pic is of the ZORRO balloon.
~ The 1st solo flight Balloon ~

IMAGES FROM THE FESTO MEXICO TOUR 2006

2006-04-19T20:27:00.000-05:00

1st EMAIL TO UNCLE about Becoming a Pilot

2006-04-19T20:18:00.000-05:00

From my Uncle Rien when he first learned that i was going to begin working on my pilots licience.

DECEMBER 2002

Hello Russell,
Great news that you are going to work on getting your pilot licence as well. This means that a 3th Jurg will be a balloon pilot. Since some time now I am working on my new balloon company in Thailand. The passenger booking is going in a good direction. There is a lot to tell about this. Best look first on my website. www.orientalballoonflights.com and you will know a lot more about our activities during oktober and march. Russell , if I can help you with training or whatever, let me know ! Maybe we can meet soon. It is my dream to have a family party in the nearest future in my "balloon" house in Chiang Mai. Thailand is also a good place for training flights.Best regards to everyone. Good to hear from you say hello to David Smuck. Look forward to meet him also again.

See you soon,
Rien

MY 1st email to my uncle:

Hello Rien~

How are you? Hope all is well. My father said that you've been in Thailand alot. It must be beautiful over there. I wanted to type you a little e-mail to let youknow that I've begun to pursue my pilot's licience. Two weeks ago I drove out to Austin Texas to meet with David Smuck to see what I need to do in order for me toget my licience. David is going to guide me througheverything. I'm currently living in Houston Texas,which isn't too far from Austin. The drive isn't toofar. I'm excited, this is something that I've always wanted to do since I was 10 years old. Anyways...please say hello to the family for me, have agreat holiday & happy new year.

Take care,
Russell Jurg

WHAT STARTED IT ALL - 1st email

2006-04-19T20:03:00.000-05:00

This is one of the first emails I wrote to David Smuck about wanting to get my hot air balloon pilots licience after 20 plus years of dreaming about it:

Russell HT Jurg <jurg31@canada.com> wrote:

January 2003

Hello David~

How are you doing? Keeping busy I'm sure. I've been meaning to get ahold of you about hot air ballooning, but I've been super busy over here in Houston. I am still very interested in eventually getting my pilots licience, and would like to begin as soon as possible. Do you know of any classroom coarses that I can take somewhere to better learn the written section of the hot air balloon examinations. It's hard for me to really learn something if certain things are not explained in detail and visual. If you can advise me in what direction I should go in I would greatly appreciate it.

Some of the books & manual I have from 1998:
-Private Pilot 1998 Test Prep-Balloon Ground School Home Study Manual/Revision Oct.97-Balloon Digest
-A Publication of the BalloonFederation of America
-Computerized Testing Supplement for Recreational Pilot& Private Pilot/US Dept of Transportation

Which of these are still good to use for 2003? I hope all is well with you and Paula. I greatly appreciate your help. Thank you.

Take care~
Russell Jurg

IMAGES FROM THE FESTO MEXICO TOUR 2006

2006-04-19T11:52:00.000-05:00

FESTO MEXICO BALLOON TOUR 2006

2006-04-14T19:17:00.000-05:00

A COLLECTION OF PHOTOS OF MY TRIP MEXICO (MARCH 21ST - APRIL 1ST)

FESTO MEXICO BALLOON TOUR 2006

2006-04-05T17:34:00.000-05:00

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE PICS FROM MY RECENT TRIP TO MEXICO WITH FESTO. WE TRAVELLED TO MEXICO CITY, CHIHUAHUA AND MONTERREY MEXICO OVER A 2 WEEK PERIOD.

BALLOONSCAPE ART

2006-03-20T17:23:00.000-05:00

LEON MEXICO 2004

LAUNCH TIME

2006-03-20T17:19:00.000-05:00

A SHOT OF SEVERAL BALLOONS TAKING OFF DURING THE 2004 Leon Mexico Balloon Festival.

David Waves GoodBye

2006-03-20T17:17:00.000-05:00

My good friend and former flight instructor David Smuck watching a British balloon take off from a launch site in Guanajuato Mexico in 2004

My BALLOONING ARTWORK

2006-03-20T17:11:00.000-05:00

While playing around with yahoo's photoshop....I fooled around with one of my photos from one of my Mexican trips.

OFF TO MEXICO

2006-03-20T09:37:00.000-05:00

LEAVING TOMORROW MORNING !!!!

FESTO HOT AIR BALLOON TOUR - MEXICO 2006

Getting ready for Mexico again !! Should be a GRRRRRRRRREAT trip !! Im going down there with the above hot air balloons and my cousin Miriam. It will be the first time my cousin and I will have one on one time together without having other family members around. Miriam is 3 years younger then I am...we've known each and have been around each other for our entire lives. But due to her living in Holland and me living in Canada and now in the US....its been hard to carry on a normal family relationship with any of my relatives in Europe. Sooo this will be a trip for the history books.
Our FESTO balloon team is set to tour 5 Mexican cities over a 2 and a half week schedule. Mexico City, Monterrey, Chihuahua, Xochitla and Leon . When I get back plan on having 1000's of awesome hot air balloon and Mexican landscape pictures sent your way.
Til then.....be safe, take care and have a grrrrrrrrrrreat April fools day !!! LOL

MEXICAN FESTO TOUR 2006

2006-02-23T11:33:00.000-05:00

HEADING BACK DOWN TO MEXICO - March 21st to April 5th, 2006 with my uncle's FESTO Balloon Team. One of the special part of this trip that my younger cousin Miriam Jurg who is also a pilot will be joining to crew to Mexico from Holland. I am sooo looking forward to this...it will the first time that my cousin and I will be hanging out one on one as pilots. It should be a great great trip with lots and lots of memories.

Balloons Balloons and More Balloons

2005-12-09T17:46:00.000-05:00

During the Leon Balloon Festival December 1st-4th2005

Inside the McDonald's Balloon

2005-12-09T17:44:00.000-05:00

Inside the McDonald's Balloon from the top during cold inflation during the Leon Balloon Festival 2005

AUSTIN AERONAUTS

2005-12-09T17:41:00.000-05:00

From Below in Leon

2005-12-09T17:38:00.000-05:00