Summary

Five Hot air balloons preparing for a race from Catalina Island, to the mainland, California. Views of gas tanks and flames that create the hot air for the balloons. Participant, Barbara R. Keith,a 42 year old grandmother, from Hartford, Connecticut, seen wearing an inflatable life jacket and donning her helmet. She boards her balloon and tucks her goodluck mascot (a stuffed toy dog) into the gondola. she is seen rising in her balloon. Brief view of the ground and sightseers from a balloon about 50 feet in the air. Famed balloonist, Donald Louis Piccard, is seen igniting his heater and leaving the ground aboard his balloon. (Note: This was an ill fated venture. Only one balloonist successfully reached the mainland, California. The rest had to be rescued from the water. Mrs. Keith lost her life and her body was recovered days later.) Location: Catalina Island California USA. Date: January 19, 1964.