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Flying high with a hot air balloon
If you think hot air ballooning means simply getting in a basket and soaring through the air, think again. There are more ways to have balloon fun than you think. I found this out when I was in Orlando and took a ride with Orlando Balloon Rides. So here’s what I learned:
First you fill your hot air balloon up with air. Then you heat the air.
And then you crawl inside the balloon.
And then you burn to a crisp. KIDDING. If you’re going to go inside a balloon, go inside before you give it the torch. It’s quite freaky in there, like you’re in a That 70s Show ad. I only knew I wasn’t because Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis didn’t show up and no one was wearing flared pants.
You can also wear a hot air balloon like a hat (see above). Although I’m not guaranteeing you’ll be a hit on the runway.
Just a note: If you’re going up in a hot air balloon you will be getting up very early. So one way to have fun is to think longingly about caffeine.
And then it gets light and you start enjoying the ride. There’s no wind because you’re moving with the wind. You’re one with the wind. You’re Gone With the Wind. You get the idea.
Another way to amuse yourself is to think about how little is standing between you and a great big plunge. But maybe because it’s so serene up there, it doesn’t seem scary. Because you’re one with nature. You’re one with the birds. And the clouds. And oh, shut up, Carol.
You can have fun waving to people who won’t see you and you can also wonder how you got a golden halo half falling off your head (see above).
You can enjoy the view. And then you can bump to the ground and have your photo taken with the guy who found your camera in the grass after you somehow tossed it out of the basket when you were landing.
And then you can pretend to help pack up the balloon.
And then you can go home and have a nap and dream about being airborne once again.
Orlando Balloon Rides is $175 per adult. Breakfast included. Bring your camera and here’s a tip – hold onto it when you land.
Quebec leaf peeping fall
Hi Carol – you have a new fan here! Love your writing style, and your photos are gorgeous! You made me laugh out loud, which I always appreciate. Ballooning is something I have always longed to do. One day I will. I really want to try the ballooning experience I wrote about on my online travel mag, but it’s in Myanmar so that will take some extra planning and, sigh, money! Hope you will come to explore my unique & luxury travel website, and if you do, please leave me a comment! Would love to hear from you!
The hot air balloon ride is not so much expensive, it is very affordable which is provided by some easy flights. And the cheap flights are widely regarded as the great experience of the lifetime.
I did that once and it is as you say, exactly…no wind. Nice photos. I remember they said to watch out for power lines and don’t decide to get out after take off because it rises quickly. Amazing to think some people do that.
Hi Friends,
One important news for you that = The standard settings for a hot air oven are:
1.5 to 2 hours at 160 °C (320 °F) and 6 to 12 minutes at 190 °C (374 °F)
Hi Catherine. It’w weird, right? There’s wind – but because you’re going with it, you don’t notice it at all. Thanks for commenting.
There’s really no wind up there? I’m kinda amazed by that bit of information.
Thanks, Karin. And happy flying to you. Hope we travel together again soon.
Carol you make me lol at work. Never stop being hilarious, thanks. Xx