Ever Ridden In A Hot Air Balloon?

[+ Avalon]

I haven't but it looks like fun.

 

When I was a boy I remember once when my father and I were out walking several floated by. So low one person yelled "HELLO" down to us.

[EastbayMike]

Noisy and boring.

[marylander1940]

I haven't but it looks like fun.

 

When I was a boy I remember once when my father and I were out walking several floated by. So low one person yelled "HELLO" down to us.

 

For the first minutes... later on you're bored like hell and in a tight space.

 

[TruthBTold]

No, but I have always wanted to ride in a helicopter rather than a hot air balloon.

[+ Avalon]

No, but I have always wanted to ride in a helicopter rather than a hot air balloon.

 

Just the opposite for me. I'd be scared in a helicopter but I think I'd be okay with a hot air balloon ride.

[+ Avalon]

No. I had a dream about hijacking one. The hot air balloon operator told the police "He muttered something about being back in 100 days, and he went (pointing up) THAT WAY!!"

 

Don't you mean 80 days?

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Around_the_World_in_80_Days_(1956_film)

[Nvr2Thick]

I went in a ride once with two of my brothers to celebrate one brother's 40th birthday. I enjoyed the trip. It's a nice memory to look back on, and I have some good pictures -- somewhere. I wouldn't bother to do it again.

 

The guy who took us on the ride seemed to have his act together. As passengers we had to be quick on our feet and help with some of the handling for the take-off. He was a little impatient with me when I snapped a few pictures. The landing seemed a little strange. He determined the length of our ride based on where we drifted. He had to keep an eye out for places to land along our line of travel. With open fields all around us we had to cut our trip short because of buildings along our route that limited our options. We landed in a parking lot. When the basket set down we had to jump out quick, while the pilot tried to keep the thing steady. Right after the three of us bailed he was directing us to help him bring it down, and the wind dumped the basket on its side -- hard. He was prepared for it. I could see how an inexperience passenger could have smacked his or her head on the pavement or broken a hand or arm.

 

I can see how you could easily get hurt based on dumb luck, or an unskilled pilot. When you take a balloon ride you're putting your life in the hands of someone who may or may not be all that disciplined or smart. We did this at one of those once-a-year fiestas like in the video @marylander1940 posted. Balloon enthusiasts come from all over, and the ones offering rides all register with an organizer. When we walked up to that booth they assigned us to the next available guy on the list -- we did no vetting, and it could have been anyone.

[Walker1]

Yes near Taos , New Mexico. it was beautiful, the balloon got right in the canyon and it was simply beautiful.

[+ sf westcoaster]

Fours times, each on a different continent. Lift offs and landings have been exciting, but once in the air, boredom kicks in big time.

[liubit]

I took a very nice balloon trip in NY to fly over the autumn leaves in the forest North of the city. It was a beautiful experience.

[+ PapaTony]

Yes in Napa and Tehachapi.

I’ve also ridden in a helicopter several times; around the NYC area as well as the Grand Canyon.

And I’ve gone skydiving in Perris, CA

[spider]

I know they don’t go that high, but any stories of joining the mile high club in one?

Edited March 16, 2018 by spider

[+ Billsboy4]

I took a hot air balloon over the Masi Mara in Kenya as the sun was rising and the animals were waking up. It was a memorable experience floating over it all.

[JayCeeKy]

A friend gave me a gift certificate for a hot air balloon ride a few years ago. My major recollection of the ride was the rhythmic aspiration of searing heat on my bald spot.

[+ sync]

Nada! Pass! No way!

[Muscle Lover 2]

I did it 4 years ago over the African plains in Tanzania and, since the scenery was brilliant, so too was the experience. About to take my other half, because he really wants to ride in one, on a ride Easter weekend here locally in Texas. Not expecting quite the same experience. Bottom line, I believe if you like the scenery, you'll like the ride.

[+ Charlie]

I would never go up in the air in something that didn't have a toilet.

[+ OliverSaks]

“It’s a wicker basket propelled by flames!?!”

 

(Paraphrasing)

[+ Avalon]

I would never go up in the air in something that didn't have a toilet.

 

lol

 

Otherwise the people down below better watch out! Puts a whole new meaning into "Bombs away!" ;-))))

[spider]

lol

 

Otherwise the people down below better watch out! Puts a whole new meaning into "Bombs away!" ;-))))

 

Garde loo!

[alkan]

We took a trip in one when we went to Luxor in Egypt. The whole experience was very exciting and felt very safe. I don't know if that last bit would be as true today as the local tourist industry has been starved of money over recent years.

[Racketjock]

I have a few times and consider it a treasured experience. I have done one in Jackson Hole, WY with a birds eye view of the Grand Tetons and the sun rising. It was incredible and peaceful gliding through the air. Tradition calls for champagne upon touch down which is always a nice touch.

[Guest]

I feel a song coming on. And yes, I did it on the Idaho side of the Grand Tetons. Quite beautiful and inspiring!