Sunday, February 11th - Hot Air Balloon Ride

We set the alarm for 5:00am and headed over to the Wilson Creek Winery, the meeting place for The Grape Escape hot air balloon adventure. There were about 25 passengers, flying in six balloons. We met our fellow passengers, James and Deborah (from Los Angeles) and our pilot, Matt, who teaches 6th grade math in the Temecula, CA area.

We drove the pick-up truck about five miles away where we unloaded tarps (spread on the ground to protect the balloon), the gondola (basket) and the balloon itself. WE were the last of the six balloons to lift off. It was very smoothe and quiet, except when the burner is creating the hot air needed for lift). We traveled about one hour at various altitudes, from several feet off the ground to over 2,000 feet. The countryside was full of vineyards, large estates and farmland. It was never scary, only smoothe and quiet and exhilerating!

After the flight, there was a champagne continental breakfast back at the winery. It was a terrific experience!