We got Carried Away…….

Did I mention that on the weekend of June 4th, Cambridge was having a hot air Balloon Festival?

We could hardly miss this event, as they were launching several balloons in a field just behind our camper. So what were we to do?……but get Carried Away and take a balloon ride!

Saturday morning started early, as we were scheduled to fly at 5:45 am! Fortunately, all we had to do was walk up the hill……..

And watch “Captain Mike” and his crew unload and set up the balloon. Do you know….I was surprised that the basket was a real woven basket….and so small!

The balloon is stretched out….and inflated, using a big fan.

Next, the propane burner is lit, and warms the air…..and the balloon begins to rise!

Then we jumped in…..and up we went!

I thought that I would feel more …..scared? ……nervous? I thought that the basket would sway….or be uncomfortable…..

But it was AMAZING!  and so calm and peaceful…..just floating…..up…..and carried on the air currents…..not blown by the wind, but just……floating. The only noise was the sound of the burner, which heats the balloon air and causes the balloon to rise.

The pilot controlled the altitude, rising or falling to catch air currents to blow us in the direction that he wanted.

After flying for over an hour, we landed in the yard of a farm house about 7 miles from where we started. The chase crew had followed us, and helped to ‘catch’ the balloon basket, and we quickly hopped out.

Then, the balloon was deflated, and packed back up.

What an AMAZING experience!!