Above the clouds in a Balloon

 I try to live life by the bull horns so to speak, and often just want to look out at the world. That is hard to do when you are walking on it. I fly, but it is hard to see when you are looking out at a small window. This is how my dream of flying in a hot air was born.

 

Watching the balloons fill up was actually kinda cool, it was interesting to find out that Balloons Above The Valley ran some of the largest balloons in the nation. They looked so nice next to each other as they fill up.

 Then it was our balloon "Freedom's" turn, and in moments it was up right. Then the organizers are hustling us into the balloon and with in the minute we are being lifted slowly.

Once in the air, it hardly felt like we were moving. You were just suddenly aware of the difference in height and spent most of the time looking around every which way. The views are amazing, it is a completely different view of Napa Valley.

  

Lucky for me, my hunny has a great eye and took some incredible pictures, all of which are included in here. We did manage to get someone in the balloon to take a picture of us. Then it was back to the views!

 Our company was not the only one who was out there, there was a bit of traffic. Seeing balloons fly around us was majestically. The whole ride puts the world and yourself in perspective. More often than not, it was just serene.

Other than when the flame was going on, the balloon ride was really quiet. There was no noise or pressure, it was not even cold for being 7AM! Yet before anyone was ready, our pilot Scott was looking for a place to land.

Then, sadly we are on the ground and the balloon is being deflated. Which is more fun to watch than when it was inflated, since we were closer. I liked seeing the silk move and fold in upon itself. After, we were escorted back to the hotel where we got to enjoy a champagne brunch!