In my previous post, I wrote about the great time DH and I had at the Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival this past Friday and Saturday. But the REAL adventure took place on Sunday …
We realized we didn’t really need to buy tickets to see the balloons so early Sunday morning we returned to the same vacant lot in Temecula. There were already about 3-4 balloons preparing to launch.
One pilot in particular was struggling with his balloon. Turns out his crew had not shown up. Although he had no clue what to do, DH offered to help him out.
It’s a lot of hard work getting these puppies up! Double-click on a picture, and you’ll see DH struggling with the rope as Panda bear becomes upright.
If you look closely at this last picture, you’ll see a group of folks standing around the basket, which sports a “Happy Birthday” sign. It is easy to assume this group is preparing to board the basket for a fun-filled experience.
Imagine his surprise when the pilot Tim told DH to jump in for the ride of his life! Turns out the group was only there taking pictures and not there for a ride. DH was so excited, as much as any child visiting Disneyland for the first time!
Up, up and away in my hot air balloon!
Here is a slide show of some great pictures he took.
They rode for about an hour before landing in another vacant lot.
I drove to the landing site where I picked them up and took the pilot back to his original launch site to retrieve his vehicle.
Deflating the Panda is almost as much work as inflating it! Here’s a short clip …
DH is still walking on air!
DH and Tim
www.panda-moniumballoonflights.com
Next … Albuquerque, NM for the International Balloon Fiesta in October!
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