Life is always an adventure and I love knowing adventurous and amazing women. My sweet friend Sharyl turned 70 years young last year and for her birthday she wanted to ride in a hot air balloon. UM YES PLEASE!
Me, Miriam, and Sharyl booked our flight for December 10th and were up bright and early to make it happen, We learned very quickly that hot air balloon riding is a very finnicky thing and in the commitment to be utterly safe, the winds were not favorable and we had to postpone it until last month.
We were so hopeful and after 2 stops they all gave us the go! We were going to go up, up, and away!!!
The entire set up is pretty incredible. The balloon is one of the largest balloons in the region, and the basket alone fits up to 24+ people! WOW. It was huge!
The efficiency of this crew was an experience in itself and as they unfurled the balloon I think all 3 of us were mesmerized.
Sharyl was one of 2 riders selected to help with the initial inflation of the balloon. Her smile says it all.
The Arizona Balloon Safaris lets all of its riders experience walking into the balloon before they fill it with heat. It is truly AMAZING and such a wonderful experience.
It was time for the fire! The balloon was big, but perspective was shifted as soon as it started rising. It truly was massive and such an incredible experience watching the whole thing take shape.
It was time to get in the basket and to put it simply, there really was no graceful way in. I won't lie, SUPER impressed with Sharyl and only slightly do I feel bad for catching her nearly falling in. This woman is 70 and makes it look easy! Sharyl helped with the inflation, so we got to have a spot in the basket closest to the pilot with a visual up into the balloon. YAY Sharyl!
What a birthday party celebration!!!!! Those smiles are for real!
We rose slowly and quietly above the City. I was amazed how effortless the balloon seemed to rise. It was blissfully peaceful and an experience unlike any other.
Looking up into the balloon as we floated on the breeze was probably my favorite part of the entire experience.
Our flight was over far too fast and we slowly descended. The landing was wild and somewhat jostling but we arrived on the ground with all of our parts and pieces.
To deflate the balloon one of the most beautiful things happens, they pull the top inward in a magical showing. Its gorgeous and spectacular and simply beautiful.
As the air leaves, the balloon slowly comes down and the crew quickly ties it all up and packs it in. Truly amazing.
As part of our experience we also had a champagne breakfast awaiting us. During the set up process, we all took part in the Ballooner's prayer ceremony. In ballooning history, every rider that survived the journey would say the ballooners prayer and then kiss the ground.
We didn't kiss the ground, but we did raise our glass and then enjoy a wonderful breakfast complete with mimosas!
Our trip in the balloon was magical and a beautiful adventure to celebrate a lovely, amazing, and incredible woman.
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