Wednesday, June 15, 2011

My Beautiful, My Beautiful Balloon!!!

Would You Like To Ride In My Beautiful Balloon?

Inflating!!

Getting ready....so excited!

Last chance to jump out before lift off!!

Lift off!!

Just above the tree tops!!

Climbing...

Sunrise Launch!!

Floating...

Gaining Altitude...

Flying High!!

There we are!!

Look out below!!

Our highest altitude was 1 mile (a little over 5,000 feet)
Main crusing altitude was 1,300 - 1,400 feet!!
Talk about a view!!

Breathtaking!!

Farms...


Crops...

Our shadow...I see a heart!

We traveled 15.1 miles...as the crow flies,
it took about an hour.

Air speed...17 mph!!

Keeping us a float!

Our pick up crew.....trying to keep up!!
The balloon rarely lands in the same spot...
they have to try and find us!!

Getting ready to land!


Beautiful landscape...

Awesome, right??

Touchdown!!

I had the time of my life...

and I owe it all to you!!
 

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, Debbie! This is so awesome! The photos are breath taking! I'm so glad you got to experience this!
You are brave, my friend! As much as I would love to do something like this...I am too chicken! :)

How long does it take to float (fly?) 15 miles?

Chuck said...

What a great experience. It was a perfect morning. I'm so glad we took the time to do this. I love these adventures with you.

TexWisGirl said...

oh, that sweet man (hi chuck!) i love seeing the earth from above. the fields and their perfect lines and fences and colors... greatness! absolutely wonderful!

LBB said...

AMAZING!!!! You are one lucky girl!! This is something on my list & after seeing your photos I know I HAVE to do this!!!

Ruth Hiebert said...

I am so glad you got to experience this.The country side looks so neat and clean from up above.Beautiful scenes,and that smile on your face is priceless.

Bev said...

How brave are you!! It looks wonderful...but don't think I could do it!!

Farm Girl said...

That is the most fantastic thing I have ever seen, I have never known anyone to go up into a hot air balloon. It all looks so beautiful.
What a thrilling experience, thank you so much for taking me along for your ride.

Leenie said...

Jealous, Jealous, Jealous! That one is on my bucket list. What a perfect day and a perfect ride. Thanks!!!

Adrienne said...

Never have understood the sky-diving thing, but this looks amazing! My dad this once, and it's on my "list" too!!! (visiting from Debbie's blog...will hop around and read some more!)

Bonnie said...

Wow! How so very exciting! Love the pictures.

Julie G. said...

What a spectacular experience for you! So many beautiful scenes to view. Awesome photographs! Terrific post!

Nancy said...

It's times like these I hate that I'm afraid of heights.This looks so fun -- but I would not be able to lean over the edge like you did. Or look down. Or across... :)

Negerigeletschtempoit said...

Wow!! What a fantastic experience you had! Thank you so much for the ride - the only way I could go up there. And, as Nancy said, nothing could make me look down, or lean over the edge as you did!

The view was gorgeous, the thrill must have been priceless!
xxx

Debbie said...

here are a few details, i left out of my story and probably should have included......based on the comments many people have left.

the wind speed varies, our wind speed averaged 15 mph, the trip took about 1 hour.

i was surprised that we didn't land where we took off. you travel in one direction the entire time and that truck & trailer have to find you and pick you up!!!

it was soooo fun, i have a fear of heights, but it did not bother me at all. all the research i did on balloon rides emphasizes that. for some reason because you are NOT attached to the ground & you are floating, there is zero fear. i loved it. we are going to go again in the fall. no motion sickness either. one of the most exciting things i have ever done!!!!

thank you all so much for the very kind comments!!!!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Debbie, I've come over from Dianna's blog where she gifted us with the Versatile Blogger award. I like what I see here and will sign up as your newest follower.

I think you are one brave woman to go up in the hot air balloon! I think it would be neat to do, but I'm a big chicken and afraid of heights! Your photos are great and you have a very nice blog! I'll be back to read more. ~Cheryl

Buttons Thoughts said...

This was so cool it was like I was there. Incredible photos. I am so glad you did this very very cool. B

Susan said...

Wow Debbie... I got caught up in your excitement too!
It was fabulous the way you took us with you through your great photos.
Such a thrilling trip for you both and, after reading what you had to say in the comments section, it made it all the more interesting.
The scenery looked so beautiful from way up there too.
Your return trip can't come soon enough by the sound of things!
Thanks for sharing it :D)

Dianna said...

How thrilling that must have been! Love the sunrise picture!

All the photos are amazing. Maybe one day, I'll get the courage to do this.

have to admit, though, my hands were beginning to perspire - heights do that to me.

stardust said...

Terrific balloon ride, debbie! Bird’s-eye views are awesome. Actually I’m a bit afraid of height, but by making myself busy with photography, I think I’ll enjoy myself. Thank you for sharing this special experience.

Dawn said...

Oh SO MUCH FUN!!!!
What a thrill...I'm so happy for you. (And glad you showed me your captures of the entire thing. Now I feel like I've done it myself...and can be content to keep my feet on the ground;)) You're super brave!
What a beautiful adventure:))))

Debbie @ Swampbilly Ranch said...

How exciting! It looks beautiful! I'm afraid I would pass out and fall out of the basket!

Lisa Gordon said...

Wasn't this just the best Debbie????
When I went up, what surprised me most was the lack of motion while we were up there.
So glad you were able to do this, and thank you so much for sharing it here!!

Tammy said...

Great shots. I treated my husband to a balloon ride for his 30th birthday (20 years ago). Thanks for bringing back some good memories :)

Ellie said...

Oh Debbie, that looks so much fun -I think the word would be awesome!! The views are breathtaking. I also have a fear of heights but I would love to do this. Was this a treat from your hubby?

Rose said...

Oh, Debbie, thanks for giving me this link...I really enjoyed all the pics. I think I would really enjoy a balloon ride.

Anonymous said...

One day, I just have to do this, too! I'm scared of heights, but I just gotta do it!!! =)
Love the sunset shot of the two of you

Ida said...

Just now getting to this post. Thanks for sending me the link. Wow, wow & wow! You had some amazing photo's of this experience. I'm wondering though with a fear of heights if I'd be able to handle this.