Last September Amanda took a balloon ride in the hot-air balloon Starship with three friends, Vicki, Kathy, and Mary,  and of course the pilot, Jim.  She had to get up very early since the balloon flight began very early.  Amanda went to the launch site in Keizer, Oregon and watched as the balloon crew set up and inflated the balloon.  She thought all of the bright colors were beautiful.  She couldn't wait to ride. 

     The balloon ride lasted about an hour.  The balloon floated over Keizer, the Willamette River, and into a park along the Willamette River.  Jim took the balloon down to touch the river, and drifted on it for a short time.  This is called a practice emergency water landing or a "splash and dash." The balloon flew over farmland and a large city park.  Then it landed in a wheat field.

     Amanda thought this adventure was a great delight.  She has many pictures to share with you in a book that was published in 2004.     

     During the spring and summer of 2004 Amanda has been riding the sternwheeler Willamette Queen.  She has been learning about how the riverboats moved people and freight along the Willamette River.  Amanda will tell about this adventure in a book called  Amanda on the River.  It will be published in 2005.  She had a great time and has many pictures to share.