Up, Up, and OH...WOW!

Mark's cell phone chirped us to life prompty at 7am with a call from Ballooning Cap'n Mike. There was a touch of fog at the airport but it seemed to be lifting...were we still interested in going?

Hell, yes!

And so we did.

We watched in awe as Mike's friendly and efficient crew prepared the two massive balloons that our group would be using. The whole process (from trailer to tarmac) took less than 45 minutes.

















Mark was put to work, helping keep the various cords in place as our balloon was inflated. I kept busy taking pictures.















When the moment of truth arrived and it was time to climb into the basket, anticipation and excitement prevailed over nervousness.













It took only a few blasts from our rig's propane torch to lift us.


The basket did not so much as shudder as we "slipped the surly bonds of earth" and made our way up, up, and away from the airport - over the very runway we would use to fly home tomorrow! What a trip!



For nearly 2 hours our Captain, David, glided our balloon expertly over the vineyards, apple orchards, equestrian centers, and country estates surrounding Santa Rosa.


The early morning air was chilly at first, but warmed as we climbed higher and higher. (temperature inversions are common in these valleys). Blasts of flame from the torch also kept us warm...and aware of the proximity of Mark's hair to the burner!




We both took a few pictures at opportune moments, but mostly we just looked on quietly, taking in the awesomeness of the experience.



Frustrated farm dogs announced our presence, which brought out friendly locals who waved and snapped pictures of us as we glided by. One woman called out a cheery "Happy Thanksgiving" to us!

The company bus and trailer were waiting for us as we approached our landing spot - a clearing in a grass field. As directed, we braced ourselves for landing - nothing more than a soft bump. The crew dismanted the balloon quickly and we were soon on our way back to the airport to join the others for a delicious brunch in a nearby park.

As we headed off to enjoy the rest of our last day away, I thought back to the well-wisher's greeting.

Happy? Do we look happy?!


Thanks-giving? Every single moment.