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