IN OUR BEAUTIFUL BALLOON September 29, 1998

Ever since I can remember, I have dreamed of going up in a hot air balloon. This past fall, I got my chance to experience the adventure of a lifetime (at least for my lifetime), thanks to a very special birthday present.  I handed in my "Balloons Over New England" gift certificate for a hot air balloon ride for two. Although my birthday is in the summer, Geoff and I decided to hold off till fall and maybe catch some foliage. We booked a room at the Parker House Inn, Quechee, VT. which sits right above the village green where the balloons launch.

September 29th turned out to be a beautiful day.  We got up early, packed the bikes on the truck, and headed north.  We arrived at the inn at around noon and were told to come back at three.  So we hopped on the bikes for a wonderful 16 mi. (round-trip) ride to Woodstock.  Poked around the town for awhile and then decided to grab some sandwiches and picnic by a small brook off the side of the road.  This ride follows the Ottauquechee River most of the way and it is fairly level for being in Vermont!  Getting back to the inn at exactly three, we had time for a quick rest and cleanup -- then off to the village green to meet the balloon.

There seemed to be quite a little crowd gathering around the basket, then we learned that we would not be alone on this adventure. There were two balloons going up carrying ten people.  We were joined by one couple and the other balloon had the other six people. There was a lot of commotion about the wind and if it was going to be OK to launch. The window of opportunity for ballooning is narrow.  Conditions must be just right in order to fly safely.  After some time ht in order to fly safely.  After some time and a couple of test balloons, Gary (the owner) said "Let's do it!".  There was a great sigh of relief and lots of applause -- then we all set to work to get these beauties off the ground.
In about 1/2 hour, with a lot of huffing and puffing, the two baskets lifted off.  The sky was absolutely pristine and visibility went on forever.  It was a warm day and since you are flying with the wind it is quite calm.  It is as if you are standing still and the earth is slowly moving underneath.  It is a sensation like no other.  We sailed over farms and houses, where everyone came out to wave.  We went across the White River and watched as the other balloon did a splash and dash!  It was great having the another balloon there to watch, because you can watch your own experience.  In ballooning there is never a guarantee of how long or how far you travel.  ravel.  As it turned out, we were pretty fortunate and had a good sized ride.  We were up for at least an hour.  Steve, our pilot,  touched down in a field smoothly. Then it was back to work to fold up and pack it back in the trail car.

Back at the green, champagne was opened and a good time was had by all.  We were also fortunate to make some friends on this trip,  Charles & Kay from N.C.  They were in the other balloon and were kind enough to send us a copy of their video. Now, we can relive the experience anytime we want. Now that I am totally hooked I can't wait till the next time.

Sometimes dreams really can come true.