Balloon Ride

Bob and I have been wanting to go on a hot air balloon ride for ages. Since we decided to take an extra day before going up to JMU for Parent's Weekend, it seemed to be a good time. After researching the different companies in the Charlottesville area, we chose Bonaire Charter. Several weeks in advance I called and talked to Scott, who we later found out would be our pilot. I held myself back from getting super excited because I was afraid the weather wouldn't cooperate and we'd end up not being able to go. Monday before our scheduled ride on Thursday I called to confirm and it looked like the weather was going to be really nice, but Scott told me to call back after 2pm Thursday after he received the current update. As we drove towards Charlottesville the temperature was perfect and the sky a beautiful blue, with only a few fluffy clouds. I started letting myself get excited! Scott told us to meet him in the parking lot next to the Boar's Head Inn and we would be able to spot him because the basket would be in the back of the truck. He wasn't kidding! This is what we found we we drove up:

Scott then told us we'd be going to another location to light off with three other balloons! How cool!! My mind was already racing ahead to the photos I'd be able to get. :) It was fascinating to see the process from the very beginning! Kyle (the chaser) took this photo of us inside the balloon while it was still be blown up with the fan:

Once the balloon almost full of air, Scott started adding heat to the air ... and balloon started rising. It was SO COOL!

Lift-off was so gradual we didn't hardly even realize we were off the ground! It was so peaceful and serene. The views were awesome, especially with the other three balloons! The views were amazing. Of course I was snapping photos like crazy.


And one thing that really surprised us was the even 1300'+ in the air we could hear dogs barking like they were just down the street. Scott told us that they could hear conversations from the ground - that sounds are muffled by trees and buildings and such on the ground, but they carry in the air. It was wild. There are beautiful lakes in Charlottesville and we were above the one the UVA rowing team uses - we actually saw them practicing. Here's one of my favorite shots over the water:


The next amazing thing that happened was the "Splash and Go" technique. As we watched from our balloon, one of the other ones was slowly "falling" towards the water. As they got closer and closer to the water, Scott explained the "Splash and Go" technique to us. The pilot actually sets the basket down on the water for a few seconds, then takes off again. Wow! How cool is that?

... and here is OUR basket hitting the water. See the ripples?


How cool is that? Pretty cool, I'm thinkin'. As we rose again one of the other pilots warned Scott there was a front (with rain) coming in. We could actually see it...

Sadly, we needed to set down a bit earlier than otherwise so Scott started looking for an appropriate place to land. We ended up in a field, on a hill. It was a good thing Scott has been flying for 20 years and had plenty of experience. He walked that balloon up a hill like a dog. Kyle soon came along with the truck and the process of packing the balloon up began. Imagine our delight when we were asked to help! LOL

After the balloon was all packed up in the truck again, we headed back to the Boar's Head Inn where we enjoyed the final phase of this wonderful experience. Scott popped a bottle of champagne for us!

When we asked Scott to recommend a place for dinner he suggested "Duner's" right down the road. So off we headed. It was a small place with a packed parking lot, but we were immediately seated. As we browsed the menu, we ordered wine and munched on the delicious bread provided. Dinner was absolutely wonderful!! It was some of the best we've ever had! My marinated pork tenderloin and mashed sweet potatoes were amazing! By the time we headed back to our hotel we were slugs. The only thing that could've made our day/evening better was if Cari had been able to join us. She had planned to but had too many issues with her computer programming assignment that was due that night and couldn't make it. Hopefully next time though.

The first day of our trip started off with a bang. We looked forward to seeing some of Blue Ridge Parkway on Friday and having dinner with Cari.

... tata for now

photos by Wanda Troupe and Kyle.