| When you want to give a gift that will be | | | | are typically a series of two or three |
| remembered, consider giving a gift | | | | take-offs, flights, and landings, and usually |
| certificate for a hot air balloon ride or | | | | last about an hour and a half. Another type |
| other soaring adventures. Humans have always | | | | of glider ride takes the rider up one mile in |
| craved the freedom of flight, and balloon | | | | the air, where they can enjoy a smooth, |
| rides, glider rides, or skydiving are sure to | | | | quiet, peaceful ride with views of |
| be gifts that will thrill your recipients. | | | | spectacular scenery. Other gliders have more |
| | | | room, so that two riders can accompany the |
| A hot air balloon ride typically has room for | | | | pilot for a beautiful flight. |
| one, two, three, four, or more passengers, | | | | |
| depending upon the size of the gondola (the | | | | For the truly adventuresome, tandem skydiving |
| basket). Usually a crew chief will take your | | | | makes the perfect gift. Typically, the novice |
| friend or friends to a launch site where the | | | | and the instructor board the jump plane and |
| balloon is being inflated. After the balloon | | | | climb to between 10,000 and 13,000 feet. |
| is inflated and everyone is in the gondola, | | | | Signals are given and the novice exits the |
| the balloon gently ascends to between 500 and | | | | aircraft harnessed to his or her instructor. |
| 1,000 feet. It travels above the treetops and | | | | The free-fall is a rush and the feeling of |
| below the clouds for about an hour, covering | | | | flying is breathtaking. Then, the chute is |
| five or ten miles. Upon landing, it's typical | | | | opened and the two float to earth together. |
| to adhere to an old French tradition of | | | | |
| celebrating with a champagne toast as the | | | | Soaring adventures make a wonderful gift, but |
| balloon is being rolled up. The entire | | | | they can also create memorable bonding |
| experience takes about three hours. | | | | experiences. A hot air balloon ride on your |
| | | | first wedding anniversary can be incredibly |
| A glider ride can take several forms. Some | | | | romantic and exciting. Likewise, a hot air |
| gliders are equipped with dual-controlled | | | | balloon ride can provide the perfect backdrop |
| joysticks, so a single rider can take the | | | | for a reunion of close friends or classmates. |
| controls from the pilot for a short time and | | | | Whatever the occasion, soaring adventures can |
| actually fly the glider. These glider rides | | | | put the wind beneath your wings. |