Between 1996 and 1999 we must have launched over 100 balloons, mostly from the triangle-shaped grassy area next to Dead Road. Dead Road runs alongside the East side of Sheep's Meadow (the big field you see in the center) and to the West of the Bandshell. It has no outlets, only paths. Hence its name.
We mostly flew after sunset, after things quieted down. Had some wonderful flights. When the winds were light, the balloons would go almost straight up, then just stand there, high in the sky, like pillars of fire When the clouds were low, balloons would fly right through them, then reappear. When they flew towards the skyscrapers we could see their reflections in the glass. One balloon got a police helicoptor escort out of Manhattan. Another balloon made a big triangle in the sky, then flew almost right overhead.
By Thomas Taylor -- balloons@overflite.com