| There is something about a hot air balloon that is | | | | vary on the time of year as they are either at |
| intriguing, captivating and awe- inspiring. Perhaps it | | | | sunrise or a few hours before sunset. This always |
| has to do with man and woman's fascination with | | | | offers the most favorable flying conditions. The |
| flight since the beginning of time. Experimentation | | | | entire experience is quite an adventure for most |
| with hot air ballooning began over 200 years ago. | | | | passengers. Once you arrive at the launch field |
| The first hot air balloon or lighter than air | | | | the pilot and crew will begin to unload the basket |
| demonstration was with the Montgolfier brothers | | | | and the balloon, called the envelope. Passengers, if |
| in 1783. Their first successful flight carried a | | | | they wish, can participate in putting together |
| sheep, a rooster and a duck on board. The first | | | | basket and balloon and then help with the inflation. |
| flight in the United States was from Philadelphia, | | | | Most passengers are very eager to help as the |
| PA to Deptford, New Jersey. In fact, there is a | | | | entire process is a bit bewildering and new, and |
| Deptford hot air balloon that flies the skies of | | | | even a little questionable when they find out the |
| Southern New Jersey as well as many festivals | | | | very top of the balloon is held in place with velcro |
| around the US. | | | | during the inflation! When the balloon stands up the |
| A large number of hot air balloonists live and play | | | | pilot will instruct the passenger to add some |
| in northwest New Jersey, in particular Warren and | | | | weight by hopping in – before he takes off by |
| Hunterdon Counties. This part of New Jersey is | | | | himself. And within a few minutes the balloon is |
| quite rural in some parts so landing spots are | | | | completely inflated and stabilized. Then it is time |
| plentiful. Balloonatics & Aeronuts is situated | | | | to take off. The balloon rises ever so gently off |
| just a mile from the Delaware River and | | | | the ground, that at first the passengers don't |
| sometimes if the winds are favorable, you end up | | | | even realize there is nothing but air below. When |
| doing a "splash and dash" on the river. | | | | the balloon lifts the wind then dictates the |
| Once a year Balloonatics & Aeronuts | | | | direction and speed of the flight. The pilot can |
| coordinate one of two balloon festivals held | | | | steer the balloon by changing altitude hoping to |
| annually in New Jersey. Roughly 30 pilots | | | | find a favorable wind! They can only steer the |
| congregate each year for some exciting | | | | balloon with the wind conditions given that morning |
| competition and camaraderie at the Hot Air | | | | or evening. The wind pushes the balloon along and |
| Balloon Festival at the Warren County Farmers | | | | the adventure begins over the blossoming trees in |
| Fair. One of the most popular and unusual races | | | | the spring, the farmers' crops in the summer and |
| at this balloon festival is the Bicycle Balloon Race. | | | | the kaleidoscope of fall foliage in the autumn. |
| In this race a bicyclist rides in the balloon and the | | | | During the flight the pilot is in communication with |
| bike gets strapped to the outside of the basket. | | | | the crew on the ground. The game plan is to |
| Pilots need to pass a particular landmark at which | | | | have the crew be there upon landing to assist in |
| point they can land and let the biker out. At that | | | | stabilizing the balloon. Depending on where the |
| point the biker races back to the fairground. Leslie | | | | balloon has landed a crowd of big and small |
| Bensley, executive director of Morris County | | | | children and spectators have gathered. There are |
| Tourism Bureau had an opportunity to hitch a ride | | | | always plenty of questions and offers to help |
| with balloonmeister Fred Grotenhuis during the | | | | pack up. As Fred Grotenhuis, owner and pilot for |
| competition. She says about the experience, "no | | | | Balloonatics & Aeronuts says, "I am too old |
| one could have prepared me for what has truly | | | | to refuse help." So the pilot, crew, passengers and |
| become the most breathtaking experience of my | | | | volunteers all get to work packing the envelope |
| life – hot air ballooning. Not only was I there to | | | | back into the bag it came out of and loading the |
| enjoy the most magnificent evening ride but I | | | | equipment back on the truck. A tradition in |
| also participated in the bicycle race and all the | | | | ballooning is to leave a bottle of champagne for |
| excitement that went along with it! Up, down, | | | | the landowner who graciously allows the hot air |
| fast, slow and then landing on what seemed like a | | | | balloon to land. For the passengers and crew the |
| postage stamp. A must for those that have yet | | | | adventure ends with a champagne picnic or |
| to try it." The festival is sponsored by the New | | | | brunch and good conversation about the |
| Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism. | | | | adventure! |
| Flights can be taken year round but flight times | | | | |