The high flying story of Larry Walters.

In 1982, Larry “Lawnchair” Walters in the midst of boredom strapped 42 helium balloons to a lawn chair, expecting to hover 30 feet above his backyard. Instead, he shot up a whopping 15,000 feet - into airline flight paths. Yes, oddly enough pilots did spot this very unusual citing, the daring dreamer, Larry Walters.

Traffic Alert!

Pilot, “You’re not going to believe this, but we just passed a guy in a lawn chair at about 16,000 feet.”

Larry was prepared, though, he had, in fact, hatched a rough strategy in anticipation of a planned descent. But not before enjoying a snack and a beverage, of course. He packed a six-pack of beer, some sandwiches, a CB radio, and pellet guns to shoot the helium balloons when it came time to come back down. Mission accomplished.

And descend he did, safely, and rather unscathed, though he landed amidst some power lines.

His longtime girlfriend (now wife), Carol Van Deusen, assisted with the setup. She served as his ground crew, CB radio in hand, and one can only imagine what was going through her mind as her partner disappeared into the sky. Carol later remarked that she had always supported her partner’s dreams, even when they seemed reckless. Still, she admitted to being a little exasperated by the unexpected turn of events. Understandably so!

“Let’s be honest—Carol absolutely earned the 1982 ‘Wife of the Year’ award.”

Fast forward to today, and Larry’s original lawn chair, with the 42 balloons, nicknamed “Inspiration I,” is now part of the collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

It stands as a symbol of fearless navigation, visionary pursuits, and the simple comfort of a mid-flight beer. I’m sure Larry would approve.

I must say, like Larry, I’m no friend of boredom, but there’s something in quiet surrender that opens the imagination to its most fantastical, even outlandish, ideas.

Is it time to take the hot seat and let an idea you have been sitting with take flight?