Hot Air Balloon Ride

A few months ago, I purchased a Groupon for a sunrise Hot Air Balloon ride for two from Morning Star Balloons. I have always thought a balloon ride would be fun, and figured I didn't need an excuse to do it.

We scheduled our balloon ride for July 16th, and luckily, Mr. Wright was able to arrange to go into work later that day. We met at the Hotel Park City at 6 a.m., along with some other balloon riders. After checking in, we were driven in a 15 passenger van, to the launch site about 20 minutes away. Unfortunately, I was in the very back of the van. I started to feel a little queasy.

When we arrived at the launch site and unloaded, they started setting up the balloons. I realized I had to use the bathroom, even though I went before we left the hotel. I knew I couldn't wait another 1 1/2 hours, and I wouldn't enjoy the balloon ride if my bladder was full, but what could I do? We were in the middle of a huge field! Luckily, I spied a very large hill a few yards away. I snuck off behind the hill, and made sure no one was looking. Sweet relief!

The balloon baskets had to be pushed off the trailers and put onto their sides.

Next they used giant fans, and a few helpers to open up the balloon.

They add a little heat to keep the balloon inflated.



Getting excited!



When the ballon was filled with air, the pilot walked in to make sure there were no tears in the material, and that everything was safe.

Once there was enough air, they were ready to turn upright.

The other balloon was ready before ours.

This was the other balloon, not the one we rode in

Finally, we were ready for take off too!

Each basket carried twelve people, plus the pilot. The basket had a center compartment where the driver rode, and four smaller compartments on each side. Everyone loaded in. We had to share our compartment with another girl. I felt like sardines.

Please notice how close I am standing to the "hot air" part of the balloon, as this comes into play later. Here is what it looked like from the inside:

Finally, we were in the air.

The views were breathtaking!



An airplane landed just underneath us.

The hot air balloon doesn't move very fast, rather, it glides. As the sun came up it got warmer, and I was right next to the fire-breathing hot air machine. The heat started to get to me. I'm not afraid of heights, and the balloon wasn't moving fast enough to give me motion sickness. But I think the heat combined with the queasiness from riding in the back of the van did me in...Luckily, I didn't throw up on anyone below, but I had to peel off my layers, and keep my head down. I felt like such a baby.

When it was time to land, we aimed for the school field. We caused quite a stir, momentarily distracting the local cheerleading practice.

As we prepared to land, we only hovered about a foot off the ground.

After a safe and uneventful landing, it was time to put the balloon away. I thought it quite comical that they roll it up like a giant sleeping bag.

We were each given a Certificate of Ascension, which is kind of a nice touch. Too bad the pilot doesn't know Calligraphy.

I asked the pilot how many marriage proposals he got per year. He laughed and said maybe 75%. He said once he even had a whole wedding party!

On the way back, at my request, I was able to sit in the front of the van.

If you ever get a chance to go on a hot air balloon ride, DO it!!!