The Wishing Chair for real!

You may have heard of some unique dreams in your time.  Enid Blyton is the British author who wrote a child's fantasy The Wishing Chair. In case you missed it, this tale is about a flying rocker that was wished to destinations.  But, did you ever know anyone who aspired to travel high into the sky on a regular lawn chair? The weekend of July 7th, this is what really happened.  And no, this really isn't a whopper...

Ken Couch decided to fly this way from Oregon to Idaho.  I'm unsure if he was a boyscout, but he didn't float up unprepared.  He took instruments to measure his altitude and speed, a global positioning system (GPS) device in his pocket, and four plastic bags holding five gallons of water each to act as ballast (he could turn a spigot, release water and rise).  He also took a parachute.  Never can be too careful?   Almost nine hours later, the 47-year-old gas station owner came back to earth in a farmer's field near Union, short of Idaho but over 193 miles from his home.

Couch was inspired by Larry Walters, who, in 1982 rose three miles above Los Angeles in a lawn chair lifted by balloons, just to prove he could. Walters surprised an airline pilot, who radioed the control tower that he had just passed a guy in a lawn chair. Walters had to pay a $1,500 fine for violating air traffic rules.  Would you say this leisure activity is for those as crazy as the birds?

As it happened, this was Couch's second flight.  Back in September 2006, he had a trial run where he floated off the ground for six hours.  Modeling Walters, Couch used a B-B gun to pop the balloons, but he went into a rapid descent and eventually parachuted to safety.  Apparently, that experience wasn't enough for the thrill-seeker that dreamt about a far more challenging dream. 

He clocked a time of ~25 miles an hour.  Below him, a three-car caravan filled with friends, family and the dog followed him and watched his peaceful journey in awe.  He said later he could hear them from his serene vantage point.  He made a wish to reach safety and, it worked!

When he decided to land, he popped enough balloons to set the craft down.  He only suffered minor rope burns. Yet, after he jumped out, the wind unexpectedly grabbed his chair, along with his cam recorder, and the remaining balloons and swept them away. He's hoping to get them back.  If by chance you know anyone who saw a mysterious lawn chair floating along videotaping  backyard, or you have any information that could lead to its wherabouts, do let Ken know.  Although people in planes and control towers filmed some of his record-breaking flight, he likely captured the most incredible footage himself! If only he could find it?

His wife hasn't decided if she'll accompany him next time. And yes, he's already suggesting there will be a next time, destination to-be-determined.  It may depend if he can rig a floating love seat? Now, if you had the choice, would this adventure interest you, to be swept away on a lazy afternoon?