Just moments before lift off, a crew member takes a last minute picture.
As we begin to ascend, we could see other balloons preparing to lift off. The ascent was so quite that we have no idea we are climbing higher and higher.
Before long, we finally feel ourselves moving away from the other balloons and start heading west towards the freeway which is about 8 miles away.
Filled with 10 passengers, the gondola is extremely crowded. Preston brought his binoculars along so he could spot wild life down below.
Although the balloon adventure is for the family, Susan is actually the one who wanted to have the adventure. She always enjoys having the feeling of flight.
It is a matter of minutes before all the other balloons have lifted off and start heading west.
The captain takes time to explain the theory of ballooning and how different altitudes give each balloon a different heading.
At times, we come what seems to be extremely close to other balloonists. The captain always keep a watch on other balloons to figure out just what the winds are doing at the altitude where another balloon is located.
Brooklyn takes a moment to thank mom for this balloon idea. She has the same feeling of wanting to fly.
We know the flight is coming to an end when we see the support crew getting closer to us.
Before the landing, the captain explains there are two types of landing procedures, "A" and "B". "A" will be if things are going well, we will stand up and face a certain direction. "B" will be if things get bad and we will crouch down in the gondola. Although we start in the "A" position, it quickly changes to the "B" position. We crouch down expecting a wild ride. The basket bounces one time and comes to a rest.
We are all expecting a wild ride but don't get it. Better safe than sorrow.
Click to continue the story in sequence and go to Landing and Breakfast.