NOW getting up at 430AM was a kick...but it was worth it!! Our condo is actually in Cornville...about 15min south of Sedona so we had to drive to town and meet them in a parking lot at 530AM....we were early and so were they, so we headed for the launch site. There were 6 in our basket, pilot made 7....it was tight but was ok. It didn't take our pilot and helper but about 15-20 min to have the balloon attached tot he basket and blown up. They first used a fan that had a small engine on it...then they began to use the burners. The balloon is 80'....and was a gorgeous green and yellow. We were all in the basket and off in no time. Northern Lights had 5 baskets going up today and the others were still on the ground when we left. You go early so it is not hot yet and because the winds are not too strong.
These pics show them getting the balloon blown up...it went really fast........
We loaded up and had a quick lift off
Balloon #2 was not far behind us!
And then we just floated along, across this beautiful area....as our pilot pointed out things, and controlled us with the burners.
We just floated up so easily and quickly...it was just so smooth. Wish all my flying was that easy!!! Then we floated/flew across the Coconino National Forest. It was wonderful. I'm out of adjectives to use to describe this trip!!! It was so quiet until he pulled the handle on the burners to keep us floating. We saw a few deer and rabbits....but mostly the mountains. And from a vantage point I've never had before.....very enjoyable and serene. Our pilot, Doug has been flying for 38yrs.....so I felt just fine. We would go up and then he'd let us float down...one time we even scratched across a tree top!!! And before you knew it....our time was up and it was time to land. We had been warned we would get at least an hour, but if the winds kicked up and we could not get to the normal landing spot we may go for a while.....well....the winds were ok, so we landed..bummer!! We were all told to brace for landing...but it was sooooo good. We barely bumped the ground.
After the landing, the dis-assemble was quick, and it was back on the trailer in no time.
Then our Crew Chief, Matt grabbed us and skidded along with us until we stopped which was not very far. I can tell ya I've had some MD88 landings that were not that nice!! then we all climbed out. They folded up the balloon, detached it from the basket and put it in the "envelope" and put the basket back on the trailer with the balloon and off we all went to meet up with the others.
4 balloons were back....#5 had a tougher time landing but finally got there. Then we had the traditional champagne toast. You see this tradition started way back with the French and it is still done. We also had strawberries and cream and a pastry.....a lovely morning. All that and it was only 830am.
Now the only thing I needed was a bathroom!!!! We were delivered back to our car and we bogeyed for the potty inside the grocery store. What a cool way to start the day.....can't top that one!!
We have been here 3 nites and had not really seen Sedona yet....so we drive thru the town and around just a little and headed for "home".....tired was hitting and I needed to work a bit. We might be lazy the rest of the day...but it was surely a terrific morning!
Tomorrow, we will likely visit Jerome.....the ghost town........we'll see!!!
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