Dave, the owner, picked us up at our hotel well before the crack of dawn. The check-in process was quick and we were able to watch closely as the balloons were assembled and inflated. We had booked a separate one as part of our daughter's 30th birthday celebration, and Dave was our skilled pilot. As we ascended, he described points of interest and regaled us with tales of his previous adventures aloft. It was a very enjoyable couple of hours, even when a change in wind direction made us come down in a field across the street from the preferred landing site. I would describe the balloon and all related equipment as well-maintained and first-rate, and the entire California Dreamin' staff as first-rate as well. An unexpected bonus was an invitation to visit Vindemia, Dave's Temecula winery. We did and found the wine to be very good. I even bought a few bottles.