| Imagine drifting on the breeze, watching the | | | | fabrics, and bring a hat and sunglasses, as |
| world drift below in all its beauty and | | | | well as a light jacket. It can be very warm |
| splendor, buildings and vehicles looking like | | | | in the basket, but you will be surprised how |
| toys. Imagine leaving all of life's problems | | | | much cooler the air is a few thousand feet |
| behind as you spend the most fabulous morning | | | | off the ground! And don't forget your camera, |
| or evening imaginable on a hot air balloon | | | | to capture those magical panoramic views from |
| flight.Begun in the 1700s by several | | | | high above the earth.Most hot air balloon |
| Frenchmen, building and flying hot air | | | | flights last about an hour, and you will be |
| balloons has really not changed that much | | | | picked up by the "chase crew" who follow the |
| over the years, except that hot air | | | | balloon in a vehicle and meet the balloon |
| ballooning is safer and more popular than | | | | upon landing to collect the equipment and |
| ever!The basket is comfortable and the | | | | passengers.Because nobody can be absolutely |
| experience is exhilirating. No matter what | | | | sure where you will land in a hot air |
| terrain you fly over, or how many flights | | | | balloon, a side trip by car after the ride is |
| you've taken, each experience is a once in a | | | | often an added bonus. Most flights finish |
| lifetime event. You and nature seem to be one | | | | with a champagne toast, and you generally |
| as the world glides beneath you.If you think | | | | receive a flignt certificate to commemorate |
| hot air balloon rides are expensive and hard | | | | the event.If you've never been on a hot air |
| to find, think again. In fact, it's very | | | | balloon ride, you're in for a treat! Most |
| affordable, and hot air ballooning is | | | | flights are extremely smooth and gentle, |
| becoming more and more prevalent all over the | | | | balloon pilots must be FAA certified, and all |
| world. There's probably a hot air balloon | | | | equipment is examined and safety-checked |
| flight service close to you, just waiting to | | | | thoroughly before passengers are ever taken |
| take you on the ride of your life.Educate | | | | aboard. Hot air ballooning is a safe, |
| yourself and be prepared when booking a hot | | | | exciting, and fun activity for the entire |
| air balloon flight. Most launch either at | | | | family!Freelance author John Barbour writes |
| dawn, or just before dusk, due to the winds | | | | on a variety of subjects and is a frequent |
| being at their most favorable at those times | | | | contributor at hot air balloon stop. |
| of day. Dress comfortably in light layered | | | | |