Sierra Sunrise - Myron E. Steele

Myron has been following the hot air ballooning recreational path for the past 29 or so years. His balloon, Sierra Sunrise, is fairly well known in the northwestern and western areas of the United States. Although he was actively engaged in commercial ride ventures in the early days of his balloon activities, he terminated such work in the mid-1980’s and now exclusively participates in rallies and some fun flying when the bug bites.

Myron’s main rally interests are those classified as a fun rally, although he regularly attends Albuquerque and Reno. The Albuquerque crew has been the same for the past 27 years. Starting with four junior high school boys and then graduating to girl friends, wives, babies, parents and all sorts of relatives. It is not unusual to have a crew of 10 to 15 people. Wonderful! Less work for him.

Competitions have been won and lost, however, at the present time, if the conditions are not optimum, he does not fly. He doesn’t have to fly! His interest in hot air ballooning is to be safe and have fun and provide others with a chance to experience the adventure.

One of the things he greatly enjoys doing is making a ballooning presentation to schools with grades K through 3 or 4. The children at this age are wonderful when presented with an object as large as a hot air balloon. He intends to keep doing this as long as possible.