Day 8 - Thursday 4/ 15/10 Early Morning Ride

Well our day began early this morning, I bet you all are wondering what we did today that would get us out and about so early and what would we be doing that would surprise you all..............................

Well we were picked up at 5:20 am this morning by Mark our pilot. Now you may be asking yourself, pilot of what? We have already flew in a plane, a helicopter, and a biplane. So whatelse might we be flying in????

Mark had already picked up two other couples, one from British Coloumbia and one from New Jersey. We proceeded to pick up 2 other couples, one was from Florida, and a mother and daughter. Then were driven out to where we were to meet up with the others. In all there were to be 35 of us counting 2 pilots, Mark and Marky Mark, oh and 6 crew.

Now it was time to start setting thing up for the flight. Out came the ............................................
baskets, then tarps, then the balloons. Yes, you have it. We are going on a Hot Air Balloon ride. Can you believe it???? Me with my fear of heights, going a hot air balloon. Wow the setting up, what a site to see. I never knew that they had ones so large; ours will have 16 in it counting the pilot, and the other one will have 19 counting the pilot. Mark will be out pilot, and Marky Mark will pilot the other one. There are only two companies in this area that are licensed in this area to go close to the red rocks, and they are one of them.

The basket has 5 compartments, 1 for the pilot which is in the center then 2 on each end. Once the balloons were 3/4 full they had 8 people get in while it was still on it's side. Which is actually easier than climbing in once it is up right. We were choosen to get in while it was on its side. We got into one of the top compartments with me getting in first then Kevin. We were then laying on our backs until the balloon was up-righted. Once the balloon had enough air to right its self the others climbed in. The balloon had been anchored to the front of the truck and the crew members that had been helping the other balloon take off came over and helped hold onto ours after releasing it from the truck until Mark was ready for take off. This was one of the most thrilling experiences I have ever had. Our ride lasted between 1-1 1/2 hours floating up and around the red rock cliffs and the Sedona Valley. At times we could see our balloons shadow on the red rock formations. It is amazing how by pulling on a couple of ropes they can turn the balloon around. Because of the winds we didn't end up landing where they had planned the the crew had to move their location. We ended up landing on a dirt road. The landing was very smooth. They then laid out tarps over some of the near by trees and cactus so that they would not hurt the balloon. It is amazing watching them take it down and pack it up. We then went to a park for a Champagne & Mimosa Picnic including muffins and fruit. If you ever get a chance to take a Hot Air Balloon ride, I reccommend that you do so!! Barbi