TIP: In order to avoid feeling like your scalp/hair is getting scorched while the captain uses propane to make the hot air balloon rise, wear a hat in the summer or beanie or jacket with hood in the winter.
TIP: There may be a Groupon, but only buy it if you are a local. If you are from out of town and weather conditions are not ideal and Hot Air Expeditions have to cancel, you can only reschedule with the Groupon; you won't get a refund with a Groupon.
We had a great sunrise flight with Walter. It was interesting watching the whole process. They launched weather balloons to figure out which way and how fast the winds are blowing before hand. It takes a six man crew to unload, set up, and blow up the hot air balloon. There were 12 passengers in our balloon, 3 people per quadrant, in addition to Captain Walter. The take off is so gentle that I did not even realize it happened. The views were tranquil and beautiful. The flight lasted about an hour. The landing was the best part, in my daughter's opinion. The passengers had to assume a defensive position and Captain Walter used the bushes as brakes as we landed. The other balloon that took off at the same time as us from the same company had a even more adventurous landing with their basket tipping over.
Then they set up two tables with table clothes and served mimosas (champagne with orange juice), quiche, and fruit. The whole experience is quite memorable and now I can check that off my bucket list.
Réponse de l'hôte
Feb 2017
Hello Matthew,
We are so glad you were able to cross a bucket list item off with your daughter. It sounds like you had an exciting flight and got to experience one of our controlled "crashes" with Captain Walter! He has a wealth of knowledge about ballooning and you could easily learn something new from him on every flight! You definitely have a good point, the burners bring the heat to the balloon so a hat is a great idea for people who have sensitive scalps or are taller! Of course, a gourmet breakfast at the end is always a great "Welcome Back" once you touch ground again.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, we hope that you will come back to fly with us again soon!