Up, Up, and Away

Taking to the sky for an early August morning sunrise balloon ride to celebrate Angelica's Penn State graduation day, was a unique experience for Susanna, David, and Angelica as they soared above Happy Valley with The Sky's the Limit Ballooning  

An industrial fan was used to fill the balloon with air. Once it had unfolded, furled, and filled with air, the fire breathing dragon added hot air to add lift. The sturdy USA made triangular basket crafted in North Carolina didn't allow for much movement in the basket. When one person shifted position, everyone else rotated along.

The whoosh of the hot air is exhilarating. The sight of the balloon against the blue sky is peaceful and tranquil.

Weather is a concerning factor, and wind speed, fog, all determine whether or not the balloon will take flight. We were grateful that the weather accommodated this surprise flight for the graduate. The flight lasts approx. an hour, and landing might be in a farmers field, a cul-de-sac, or a recently harvested corn field, wherever the winds take you. From a distance you can spot the towering Penn State stadium as the balloon came down in a nearby field. The chase vehicle follows the balloon from the ground, and is at the ready to help bring it down and in position to let the balloon deflate.

All hands on deck to help push the air out of the balloon and get it back into its carry case.

Once safely on the ground, a glass of champagne is celebrated along with the reading of an Irish Blessing, a prayer of the Balloonists, from the end of the 18th century.

The Winds have welcomed us with softness.

The Sun has blessed us with his warm hands.

We have flown so high and so well

That God has joined us in our laughter

And He has set us gently back again

Into the loving arms of Mother Earth.