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[[underscore]]BACK TO BALLOONING[[/underscore]]

   Los Angeles was having some "Unusual" weather.  For several days it had been raining hard.  It seemed doubtful if Sunday would be clear for a demonstration.  However, the weather was beautiful with an overcast sky and a brisk wind.  It was cold on the ground and I saw a number of over coats in the crowd.  To clear the wires it was necessary to rise quickly.  I discharged forty pounds of sand balast, and when released the balloon [[strikethrough]]and[[/strikethrough]], fairly shot up into the air.  In less time than it takes to tell it, we pierced the clouds and came out and into the warm sunshine.  A curious effect was produced by the speed of the balloon through the clouds, a hole had been made and on looking down I was able to see the park and the crowds, then the hole closed and shut the earth from view.

   Looking about, I saw the shadow of the balloon clearly outlined against the clouds with the basket and cordage showing.  Around the shadow was a large ring composed of all the colors of the rainbow.

   The sun was hot, and I became sunburned.  They only land I could see were the tops of MT. Wilson, Mount Baldy, and a snow capped in the distance, which I was later informed was San Antonia.  As I seemed to be drifting in that direction, I was content.  Although I admired the scenery, I felt it was time to look about for a landing but since I could see nothing but clouds in every direction, I decided to go down.  Then I heard a band playing slowly "Nearer My God To Thee" in