First-time ever ride in a hot air balloon, sailing high over the vineyards of the Temecula area of Southern California.
The pilot was Dylan, a 14-year veteran of hot air ballooning.
Dylan was extremely thorough & professional in every aspect of the morning.
We had to be at the meeting place at 5:15 am, to allow time for Dylan’s orientation talk and take a short bus ride to the launch point.
The early morning air was cool & calm, with a low cloud cover. Dylan let us know that we couldn’t take off unless there’s at least 200’ clearance below the clouds. A short drive further inland and the clouds were higher and we were ready to go.
It took only about 30 minutes for the crew to get the balloon unrolled and begin filling with air. Once the balloon was filled the propane jets were turned on and began heating the air.
We then climbed into the big basket and took off.
As the ride progressed, the clouds above parted and Dylan was able to pop us up above the clouds.
We had beautiful clear views of Palomar Mountain, Mt. San Jacinto, and the highest peak in Southern California, Mt. San Gorgonio.
The balloon ride was supposed to be about an hour, however the weather was so beautiful & calm that Dylan gave us a little extra time aloft.
After returning to solid ground, the bus took us back to the meeting place, which was the Vindemia Vineyard, right in the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country.
The vineyard staff had a wonderful breakfast waiting for us, including champagne mimosas and even included wine tasting.
As it turns out, Dylan and his family not only have the hot air balloon rides - they also own & operate the winery.
(I can personally vouch for their Zinfandel)
In all this adventure is highly recommended!