remphish1 Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 My wife has been wanting to go on a hot air ballon ride ever since we met. So for our 3rd wedding anniversary I finally pulled the trigger. As the date is quickly approacing I am getting anxiety about the ride. I am not affraid of heights perse but the lack of control due to weather and wind etc and being attached to a freakin ballon as a means of travel is starting to freak me out... Anyone ever been...how was it? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
caliber66 Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 I don't think that's really any of your business. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jff Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 My wife has been wanting to go on a hot air ballon ride ever since we met. So for our 3rd wedding anniversary I finally pulled the trigger. As the date is quickly approacing I am getting anxiety about the ride. I am not affraid of heights perse but the lack of control due to weather and wind etc and being attached to a freakin ballon as a means of travel is starting to freak me out... Anyone ever been...how was it? No, but I'll be skydiving for the first (and probably only) time in June. Looking forward to it being a memory. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Magnetized Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 My wife has been wanting to go on a hot air ballon ride ever since we met. So for our 3rd wedding anniversary I finally pulled the trigger. As the date is quickly approacing I am getting anxiety about the ride. I am not affraid of heights perse but the lack of control due to weather and wind etc and being attached to a freakin ballon as a means of travel is starting to freak me out... Anyone ever been...how was it? I've done it twice, and it's fun. Definitely not scary at all, but it is surprisingly loud at times. It looks so serene when you see those balloons hovering in the air, but there are some loud, hot gusts of propane that the pilot periodically shoots out to keep the balloon aloft, and those can be jarring. But it's a really peaceful feeling when you're floating silently in the air, at a level where you can see below you quite clearly. I remember an early morning ride over farms (countryside around Charlottesville, VA) where the cows were all looking up at us. It was a very cool experience, since there's no other way to get that exact kind of perspective. And the associated rituals are fun too. Driving up to the balloon, watching the crew inflate it, getting the jitters, and then the traditional champagne celebration afterwards. By the way, I've heard that even people who are deathly afraid of heights have no problem with ballooning. There's something about actually being attached to the ground that gives people vertigo, whereas when you're in a balloon it's more akin to flying. I can almost guarantee you'll have a memorable experience. You can make a Wilco playlist to accompany you, starting off with "I Must Be High!" Quote Link to post Share on other sites
remphish1 Posted April 21, 2011 Author Share Posted April 21, 2011 DO IT!! THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES I'VE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!!!!! We did it in Sedona AZ at dawn. Floating over rock formations!!!!! The outfit we did it with really knew their stuff as far as saftey, how air flow would move the baloon with regards to an approximate landing spot. And we were pretty close to hitting that spot. There was a "chase" team to meet us with breakfast and a ride back to our cars. VERY saftey oriented. The only little annoyance (and it wasnt for me) was my husband who is 6'4". Being so tall, his head was closer to the burner that fires the air, and it was a bit toasty. He didnt get burned, but he said it was definitely warm. I felt it too, but I'm not that tall. So if you're a tall guy make sure you wear a cap. I cant wait to do it again. I want to wait until my daughter is older, she's 7 now. There's a festival In Ravenna OH ever summer. I've been meaning to check that out. Enjoy!!! Ahh thanks for the replies everyone..Good points..I am 6' 1" so I will wear a hat as I can not afford to lose any more hair than I already have Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Good Old Neon Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 When I was probably like, ten or twelve, a group of friends and I were out riding our bikes, suddenly, a hot air balloon appeared above us – this thing was obviously in distress, bouncing off the tree tops and shit. We followed it for as long as we could – well, a short while later, we heard sirens. Turns out, the dude crashed into a tree, tipped his basket and, no shitting here, fell to his death. Anyways, have fun up there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
remphish1 Posted April 21, 2011 Author Share Posted April 21, 2011 When I was probably like, ten or twelve, a group of friends and I were out riding our bikes, suddenly, a hot air balloon appeared above us – this thing was obviously in distress, bouncing off the tree tops and shit. We followed it for as long as we could – well, a short while later, we heard sirens. Turns out, the dude crashed into a tree, tipped his basket and, no shitting here, fell to his death. Anyways, have fun up there. That is not the "uplifting" story I was hoping to hear...thanks guys Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PopTodd Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 Anyone been on a hot air ballon ride before?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKkNQ8l9XqQ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wendy Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 I don't get it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
froggie Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 i did it once around melbourne. its fun while i was looking around, but once i looked down, i had to check my pants if you're not afraid of heights, go for it! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sonicshoulder Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Does a Nitrous balloon ride count? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scott Gyrrr Posted April 30, 2011 Share Posted April 30, 2011 Go get 'em tiger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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