My husband and I have a bucket list things we want to do (just like anyone else). So far in the three years we have been together we have crossed off parasailing, wine tasting and now hot air ballooning. We are also crossing off in October a trip to Italy where we will travel to Venice, Florence, Pisa, Tuscany and Rome.
This weekend we woke up bright and early at 4:30am (well I did, a girls got to look cute) and off we went into foggy back lane of wine country to meet up with the flight crew. The whole experience was incredible as we watch them fill the balloon with air to hopping in the basket. Standing in the basket feeling the heat of the burners above you and seeing three men putting there whole weight on the outside of the basket so it stays grounded makes you feel an anticipation for flight. Taking off was such a trip! I can only equate it to how you feel watching the movie UP, as you see him float away up into the sky. You literally feel like your floating on thin air and it's overwhelmingly peaceful. Knowing there is only a wicker basket between you and a 6000 foot drop gives you quite a thrill. We watched the sun fully rise through the clouds and watched the fog recede, revealing miles of orchards winery's and family farms. One of the most amazing moments was looking out on the horizon and seeing at least six other hot air balloons taking flight, all at different altitudes. After about an hour of flying high and drifting a few miles we began our decent which I assumed would be the scariest part which it was. It was quite surprising how quickly we floated back down but that wasn't the scary part, it was the question of where do we land? Gliding over houses, lakes, cattle pens and vineyards, we came to a farm where our pilot literally shouts to someone standing outside in there yard "Is it okay if we land here?" they yell back "Sure". Coming in to land we bent our knees and held on tight...thump, slide, bump, slide, bump, slide and then the same three guys come running and jump on to the sides of then basket, finally we are grounded!
Ungracefully existing the basket we end our flight with a glass of champagne (or three), the pilot recites an old Irish flight prayer that is tradition after safely taking a balloon ride and hearing a little history of hot air ballooning.
Wow, what an experience that everyone would should try.
Ungracefully existing the basket we end our flight with a glass of champagne (or three), the pilot recites an old Irish flight prayer that is tradition after safely taking a balloon ride and hearing a little history of hot air ballooning.
Wow, what an experience that everyone would should try.
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