What an incredible experience!
We met the group just before 6am at a local vineyard (Europa Village) and piled into the passenger van to find a good launch site a mile or two away. After watching the crew set up the balloon (~15 minutes) and getting some amazing photos of another balloon, we hopped in with each couple getting some great posed shots. Then it was time to launch: an incredibly simple, seamless experience as we gently rose to great heights above the Temecula Valley. Our pilot Bill was hilarious (I really appreciate Dad jokes), knowledgable of the area having been there for 20+ years, and skillful with navigating the balloon through the air currents and across the terrain. We were able to see tons of other balloons, coyotes, rabbits, and cows! Our experience even lasted an extra 20-30 minutes as we looked for a good place to land. Finishing off with an aeronaut toast of champagne and OJ was the icing on the cake.
We highly recommend this group, felt extremely safe the entire time, and would absolutely come back!