Hot Air has its place

If you have never allowed yourself the luxury of a ride in a hot air balloon,  it needs to be added to your bucket list.   The experience created some of my favorite memories.  Before it I had thought I would like to sky dive.  Not anymore,  my need to free fly has been satisfied.

Ten years ago during our residency in Durango Colorado we had the opportunity to participate in the winter festival that is Snowdown.

In addition to a plethora of other cold weather activities,  there was a hot air balloon ride through the Real Estate company we were affiliated with at that time.  We rode in the balloon basket in the yearly parade.  

Sloggimg through the wet snow to get to the balloon was a genuine no funner, nor was the getting into the basket.  I had purchased the granddaddy of snow boots.  Not knowing anything about navigating in snow that was two feet deep, it was a serious learning curve.  Grace and agility were lacking.  Fortunately I did maintain an upright position which made the approach possible.

Once successfully  aboard the balloon,  the  ride was spectacular.  Sailing into the clear blue sky with beautiful vistas  all around was an exhilarating experience .  Imagine everything being covered with a blanket of sparking white.  Snow is lovely and covers a multitude of imperfection .

To heighten the views, there were an array if colorful balloons all around.  There was no shortage of visual thrills and the quiet was another jolt for my overloaded senses.

It had never occurred to me to be concerned about getting down.  That was until one of the other basket passengers made a comment about hoping we did not get stranded on a mountain where the chase crew would not easily be able to get to us.

Why on earth did she have to inject ugly reality into all the flawless tranquility we were enjoying?

As we descended into the desired landing area things sped up exponentially .  The chase team was close by and the landing area seemed relatively clear of obstacles.  That was except for a large house with a large tree.

The pilot skillfully brought the balloon down painfully close to the tree, but not in it.

Getting out of the basket was not any easier than getting in it had been,  but the task was accomplished.

It took a few minutes to re establish walking after being airborne.  It has also been difficult to resist the temptation to go up again.  I have a totally different perception of what hot air is good for.  It does have practical and delightful uses.  If you ever get a chance to ride in a hot air balloon,  seize the moment!