Hot Air Balloon Excitement

I was part of a team that helped set-up, chase, recover, and put-away a hot air balloon yesterday. And a friend actually got to ride in it! Was a really captivating experience for all. I was surprised to hear the passengers say that it wasn’t windy — even as they traveled at heights of 1,400 feet! The pilot explained that the sensation was due to the fact that they were moving with the wind, so there was no wind to feel. How cool is that?! Maybe life is like that. Maybe when we don’t want to feel life’s resistance, we simply have to move with life. This experience also reminded me how helpful it is to have friends. The riders could not have flown had it not been for us following after them in a car. I learned that a hot air balloon can only be controlled to go up and down, but not left or right, so each ride ends at an unknown location. Without some ground support, the riders would be stuck wherever they landed. Thank goodness for friends who watch out for us and have our back — allowing us to soar when it’s our turn! Life is such a team effort.

Inflating the balloon

A view inside during inflation, while standing on the ground at the top of the balloon

Preparing for flight

I took this pic on the ground. I was helping to hold down the basket as the pilot was making some final adjustments. The heat and the sound of the burner was startling and incredible…as was the view looking up into the giant balloon.

Those of us standing on the ground and helping to hold onto the basket were instructed to let go. As soon as we did the balloon ascended so quickly and effortlessly!