Hot Air Balloon Ride

In May, our friends, the Blinsmons, were kind enough to take us with them on a hot air balloon ride.  We had to leave REALLY early in the morning and drive down to some place that I can't remember.  Once we got there we had to sign all those waiver forms - you know, the ones that usually make you more wary of what you are about to do to yourself.  Anyway, despite the butterflies in my stomach, I was excited.  How many people really get to go on a hot air balloon ride?  I mean really?  The balloon was way bigger than I thought it would be - but that actually made me feel better.  Who wants to go up in the sky with a pea sized balloon.  It was also way hotter than I thought it would be.  That flame is literally blowing inches away from the top of your head.  All in all - it was a fun trip and really exhilarating!

Me with Ceri.  In the next few pictures you will see the blowing up stages of the balloon.  Here we begin small.  The boys were a little unnerved that we had a "rainbow" balloon.  

Getting bigger.  Mark and I striking a pose.  

Time for the flame.  

Up, up, and away!  Isn't that honkin?

Here we are with the Blinsmons - ready for take off!

I know, aren't I lovely?  Mark is pushing me out of the balloon.  Ha ha funny.

Our captain told us that most balloons never make it above 2200 ft.  We, however, went above 4000 feet.  I did wonder if balloons incinerated in the higher atmosphere.  Mark thought it was really funny to spit and watch his spit fall.

Back safe and sound on the ground.  What a fun trip!