I really didn't intend to go for so many "big ticket" items so close to kicking off my goals list, but Groupon had other plans. It's hard to pass up a 1/2 off balloon ride when it's on your list of things do and experience right?
What can I say about the experience? Well, lesson one: they don't go nearly high as they appear to be from the ground. I kind of expected all of the Las Vegas tract housing to look more ant like. I'm pretty sure I could repel from this height. If I knew how to repel that it is.
Red Rock Canyon from the air
Lesson two: it's called a hot air balloon for a reason apparently. This might be an activity better scheduled for a cool winter day because you can absolutely feel that hot, hot air each time the pilot hits the lever to shoot some fire up into the balloon. Even a 6 am September flight felt quite toasty oasty. But it is so very cool to look up and see this...
Lesson three: wide angle lenses are not appropriate portrait lenses, and portraits should not be shot from 9 inches away. There's not a lot of space to move around in those baskets.
Lesson four: balloons do not go very fast. If there is no wind, they don't move much at all. It's more like floating up in the sky while taking in the view. But oh the view. Outstanding.
All in all, so glad to have participated. I think I expected more of a rush like skydiving would bring, but it's really just a chillaxing, super mellow time. No blood pressure rising. No adrenaline released. Not even a tiny bit scary(if you are not afraid of heights). And when we landed in the desert field, we had a fruit and mimosa treat awaiting us. Not too shabby at all.
I've always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon. It seems so exciting and daring, of course, that's about as daring as this girl gets.
ReplyDeleteI bought this groupon too and was just googling to see if there were any reviews. A blog posting with photos is even better Can't wait to redeem my groupon now! Very pretty pictures!
ReplyDeletehow fun! so nice when things work out like that!
ReplyDeletemy word verification is 'triste'...which means 'sad' in Spanish...? I'm not sad...are you? :)
This is on my newly created 101 list too! But I am terrified of heights so this about overcoming! Glad to know it's mellow as that might help with the fear that rages through my veins even thinking about it!
ReplyDelete,,,#47 "check",,,awe the mountains make me yearn for AZ,,,did you do this solo or with a friend/family?,,,i had a roommate (way back when) she owned her own balloon and piloted it herself and we would go up in her balloon as often as possible,,,there's something really wonderful about the balloon fest in albuquerque NM, have you been?, at the festival is where i got my rush, all the balloons are so beautiful in the sky!,,,
ReplyDeleteMy husband proposed in a balloon over Napa. I said yes obviously. It was the perfect proposal and I loved the balloon flight!
ReplyDeleteFun fun fun! I'm way jealous. Glad you enjoyed it...even with the heat.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering
ReplyDeleteshoot. I don't know why blogger always cuts me off!!! :( I have been wondering if this might be scary or not. I'm not a huge fan of heights but I can tolerate them as long as we're not also going fast. I think I might really enjoy a balloon ride!
ReplyDeletewhat a fun bucket list item to check off!!! Those images are beautiful. I rode in a hot air balloon for the first time in Napa and it was the most amazing, beautiful experience.
ReplyDeleteA long time dream of mine! Love the view of the strip!
ReplyDelete