You have to believe that you are going to succeed with this flight because a water landing would be very dangerous, ... I'm using the same capsule I've used for seven balloon flights, and it's seaworthy.

Whereas my falling in the Coral Sea almost killed me -- because that was in a thunderstorm in a ruptured balloon -- the most dangerous thing in the world,

I would think in Kevin's case that he has to be very pleased. He's making one of the finest balloon flights ever, and he had not previously made a long balloon flight. It's outstanding so far.

The good thing about flying solo is it's never boring.

As a Scout, I learned how to set goals and achieve them. Being a Scout also taught me leadership at a young age when there are few opportunities to be a leader. Scouting values have remained with me throughout my life, in my business career and now as I take on new challenges.

So far there have been few problems. A broken winch was readily repaired by the crew, as was a batten problem in the mainsail. Sailing winds have been excellent and at one point we were flying a hull,