Great experience going up (finally) after living here watching people fly right over our house for 5 years!!
It's a big splurge for us but my hubby used Groupon deal and got it as my birthday present.
You can reserve your spot online and to be honest it was a bit stressful before the flight. I got a text and call to confirm a month before the date however I got another text last week while I was on vacation saying they haven't heard from me so they gave away my spot. It's very difficult to get time off work to do this so I made a reservation long before the date. I was devastated, stressed out and began to freak out...
when I explained to them that I have spoken to them and replied to their texts, they assured me that they're going to make it work
So yesterday, the day before the flight I only got a VM to confirm (again) and at this point I wasn't even sure if I'm going or not. My hubby came to the rescue and called them, confirmed and got the direction to the meeting place. It was right across from my house! Ha!
Readers, rest assured, that was the only of my experience.
Once we got there's, every crew member introduced themselves and warmly welcomed us. Explained how it's going to go before, during, and after.
We watched our balloon inflate with a powerful fan then with just a few gusts of hot air, it was upright.
Before you know it it was time to climb aboard and we were up, up, up in the air!!
Normally, we see these balloons going above our house moving towards south but today's wind took us northwest to Rio Rancho. I much prefer going towards open space vs middle of ABQ so I was happy. Buzz told us some geographical and historical info about the volcanic fissures, mountains, and vacant lots in the boonies
The ride is so peaceful and smooth. I didn't know what I expected but every time I've flown in my past was by airplane which is bumpy and noisy so it was surreally peaceful. Imagine FLOATING. That's exactly what I did today. I floated into morning air with added satisfaction to my secret pyromaniac traits with intermittent
(Burners would understand)
After a careful calculation and with the help of chase crew, a landing spot identified and secured. It was VERY smooth landing. I understand that it can be bumpy at times but the meticulously executed their perfect landing for us. I was "busy" filming the time lapse video of them folding up the balloon but you can help with any part of their prep and post process if you're not lazy like me
Then we went to a nearby park for a customary "champagne" toast, balloonist's prayer (look this up. Buzz will explain to you at the ceremony. http://www.aerostation.org/BalloonPrayer.php), and you'll receive your certificate.
What a memorable experience!! Thank you for making a special memory today!
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