I went for a hot air balloon ride this morning just after dawn. I was driven out into the desert of New Mexico. I got to watch the balloon get blown up and come to life before entering the balloon and taking a ride. It was fantastic. It was so calm and peaceful and wonderful. Watching the balloon being blown up was such an experience, I’m so glad I got to see it.
We took flight and came up over a few mountains, waiting until the very last second until we cleared the cliffs. We saw jack rabbits, dried up rivers, and sun bleached cattle bones. The highest we climbed was 1000 feet, it didn’t feel very high though. You hardly knew that you weren’t on the ground it was so calm.
The pilot was fantastic. He was sharp, funny, and knew what he was doing the entire time. He explained everything he was doing and even let the passengers squeeze the burners to let more gas into the balloon. He was wonderful, and full of good jokes and amazing stories.
After we descended, we had a champagne reception and a special toast. There were snacks and water as well. We heard a few more stories and were then rewarded with certificates confirming that we took a balloon ride. He also told us the history behind ballooning and the traditions associated with it.
I highly recommend hot air ballooning to anyone interested, even those with a fear of heights. It’s an otherwordly feeling, like nothing else I’ve even experienced!
Here’s the company I flew with:
www.santafeballoons.com
