Despite the fact that I'm not a big fan of heights, I was really excited to try this out. Gauri and Missy were on board with joining me so while Gauri was on break from Saba island life, we booked an appointment to go. The balloons run at sunrise and sunset some times of the year but due to the heat in April, they only offer sunrise rides at this time. We met at Deer Valley Airport and commuted out to the west side- Peoria area. The sun was rising as we were getting ready to watch the crew fire up the balloons and it was gorgeous.
They started setting up the balloons and we waited as they were filled. With enough fuel and fire, they were up and ready to go. Time to get in...which was a little complicated.
As you can see in the above picture, the baskets have square foot holes that you have to step into and fling yourself over. It wasn't terribly hard but some people had more trouble than others. The basket was split into 5 sections- 4 for passengers (3 people into each) and one for Captain Mark and the fuel. To say that 3 people can fit into each of the 4 passenger areas is a stretch. Putting 3 full size adults into a basket was possible, but not comfortable. We began take off and that was the only part that made me a little nervous. It was one of those feelings that makes your stomach turn (well, mine did since I don't like heights) but it was a fleeting feeling and shortly after it was just exciting to be rising.
It was very relaxing and the views of the city were really great. Even though we were out in northwest Phoenix, you could see the skyline of downtown and the area around Lake Pleasant. We were in the air for approximately an hour to an hour and a half before it was time to land.
Ah, landing. Captain Mark explained the importance of following instructions because if we didn't, we would likely fall out of the basket. We all had to put our backs toward the landing area, keep our legs bent, and brace ourselves or impact. Why? Because the basket bounces of the ground when it lands and wants to keep rising. So we hit ground, took out some bushes and 2 crew members on the ground jumped on the side of the basket to help weigh it down so they could tie it up (sweet job by the way). Upon landing we had to get out one section at a time, because another set of passengers were getting ready to take their rides. I think getting out was more complicated than getting in- less room to maneuver. The view of the other balloons preparing and in the process of take off made for some cool pictures.
Once our whole group was out of the basket, they set up a picnic for us. We all got some cheese, quiche, chocolate filled croissants, and apples (I passed on those- haha). Along with orange juice and champagne. It was actually quite tasty and once we got our special "flight certificates" we packed up and headed back to Deer Valley Airport.
I enjoyed it thoroughly and wouldn't have any hesitations to go again. However, I'd like to do a ride over a different type of terrain instead of desert. Maybe more trees or water or mountains. Just for a different view. But it was cool to see the valley from high above it and just sort of go along with the flow...wind flow that is. A great experience, and one I would recommend anyone to try.
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