Article: Flying Is Still Fun at Walla Walla's Balloon Stampede

WALLA WALLA - Tim Gale has been piloting hot air balloons for 23 years, long enough to make hundreds of perfect landings - and some not-so-perfect landings.

It all depends on where the wind takes him.

"Stay put - sit, sit," Gale said, coaxing his red-and-white checkered balloon "Checkmate" as it settled Thursday into a field of wheat stubble northeast of Walla Walla.

The landing came after an hourlong flight over the Walla Walla Valley, part of the first run of the 30 or more balloonists expected at this year's Walla Walla Balloon Stampede.

The event, now in its 23rd year, is bringing dozens of brightly colored balloons to the skies of Walla Walla through Sunday, along with a craft show, ...

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