well the day finally happened ... j and n took an amazing hot air balloon ride over the city :)
not bad almost 2 years later, numerous cancellations by phone and 2 unsuccessful trips out to the launch site and the birthday surprise for n was finally accomplished. it truly was an amazing experience to float across the sky wherever the wind blows. it was such a peaceful trip and i must say we really did get to see the best parts of our city ... floating alongside the river really is the best views our little city has to offer ... so without further adieu i hope you enjoy a tiny glimpse of our adventure
j eagerly volunteered to hold the balloon open while the fans did their job
working with our pilot lee
he has been flying hot air balloons for 27 years and
had even flown all the way across canada!
getting so close ...
but to be totally honest j and n were just a little bit skeptical because we have gotten to this point before
hanging loose before the trip
(anyone who knows j knows that this is his favorite way to pose for pictures)
ooh haven't seen this happen before ... getting ready to tip the basket upright and climb aboard
we are in the basket and ready for takeoff!
very gently and slowly leaving the ground
across the river
over hawrelak park
we even got to float right over uofa our alma mater
the other balloon that went up with us
uofa
along the river valley ... legislature and high level bridge in view :)
telus field and downtown
even a view of the muttart conservatory pyramids
the wind blew us east beside the oil refinery
and we landed gently in a canola field
we all packed up the balloon and toasted our safe return to the earth with champagne
truly a fantastic flight ... thanks j ... glad to cross something else off my life list of things and adventures to experiencecheers ~n