Kevin Uliassi's balloon The J. Renee, is inflated in a rock quarry in Loves Park, Illinois December .....
Kevin Uliassi's balloon The J. Renee, is inflated in a rock quarry in Loves Park, Illinois December 31 prior to take-off. [Uliassi launched his balloon hours after U.S. rival Steve Fossett launched his craft from a St. Louis stadium.] Both adveturers are attempting one of aviation's most elusive records - a nonstop balloon trip around the world.