Would You Like To Ride…
In My Beautiful Balloon?
As I mentioned, this excursion started *early.* By 6:15am we were on site and watching the balloons being prepared for flight. First the bags are inflated with giant fans,
then the air is heated with propane jets. The warmer air inside the balloon is lighter than the surrounding air, thus creating lift.
It’s really pretty to watch. Once the balloons are upright, we climb into the baskets. Our balloon and basket were the biggest, carrying fourteen people plus the pilot.
The first balloon ready to go…
and…
lift off!
Soon after, we were airborne.
We mostly cruised at about an altitude of 2000-2500 ft. The winds were very light, so we drifted slowly down the valley. There’s no steering a hot air balloon; you go where the wind takes you.
Looking back up the valley, northward toward Saint Helena.
And south toward the city of Napa and San Pablo Bay.
Another southward view.
And westward toward the Mt. Veeder region.
The balloon bag itself was 85 feet tall and 65 feet wide. You can see the flames from the propane jet, which puts out a LOT of heat! Other than the occasional noise of the jets, you float silently and smoothly through the air. It’s very serene.
After drifting slowly southward for about an hour, the landing site was decided upon. Above, the first of our four balloons touches down.
The ground crews work quickly to deflate the balloon and pull to the side so passengers can safely exit the basket.
The second balloon was a little off target, so a line was dropped to the ground crew who pulled it to the correct landing spot.
Our pilot landed us “on a dime” in the desired spot. To quickly deflate the bag, there’s a very large vent on the top that the pilot opens once we’re on the ground. The crews then “milk” the air out of the balloon from bottom to top up through the vent, and tie the bag up for transport. They have several sites in the valley where they have permission to land, but want to get out of the way quickly as this is a working vineyard with a harvest in progress.
After landing we were picked up in vans and taken back to Domaine Chandon for a champagne brunch. I’ve had few days that have begun in such a fabulous way.
If you’re interested, the company we rode with was Napa Valley Balloons. Une femme enthusiastically recommends!
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It looks like it was a wonderful experience. What a fascinating process to land them. I didn’t realize they could sort of be accurate about picking a place.
thanks for sharing.
How pretty! What a neat experience! How far did you travel/long were you up?
Exciting! Beautiful pics.
I swear we saw you in the air. How far down towards Napa did you come? Where did you land?
I did this last year and loved it! I want to go again.
What a thrilling experience! Thanks for sharing it with all of us!
For anyone interested in the balloons: one of those things you must do before you die, is to go to the annual Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM. I lived there for six (wonderful) years, and the Balloon Fiesta is one of those things that must be seen to be believed. The pre-dawn inflation of the balloons Pseu documented in her beautiful pictures? Imagine 600 balloons lighting up all at once, like huge lanterns in the dawn sky. IN-credible.
For anyone interested in the balloons: one of those things you must do before you die, is to go to the annual Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM. I lived there for six (wonderful) years, and the Balloon Fiesta is one of those things that must be seen to be believed. The pre-dawn inflation of the balloons Pseu documented in her beautiful pictures? Imagine 600 balloons lighting up all at once, like huge lanterns in the dawn sky. IN-credible.
Sorry for the double post! Gremlins in the internet, apparently.
My husband has been a few times on those balloons, just above our home, but- wild horses would not get me inside one. You are a brave lady!
What great pictures of your beautiful adventure. I’ve done this once, a 40th birthday present from my husband. I was nervous since I hate ladders and open heights, but your described it perfectly. Quiet, floating and secure feeling with just the occasional noise of the fuel. When we lived in Petaluma, CA for a few years it was a treat to see them floating over those beautiful hills and valleys.
What a lovely airy adventure. Thanks for taking and sharing the photos!
I’ve never been interested in a Napa tour before reading your blog and seeing these lovely photos. Thank you for sharing!
Stunning photos, Pseu — thanks for sharing the experience.
What an adventure!
I am not sure if I could ever go up in one…I am nervous of flying…you are brave!
Oh dear, yet another item to add to my bucket list.
Wow, that looks amazing!
How amazing and what a great outing no wonder you recommend it… In Melbourne they have similar trips with a breakfast at Domaine Chandon I believe in the Yarra Valley… THink I may have to look into it! Great post. x
Incredible pix, but Id love to see one of you in the balloon. What does one wear for a ride in a beautiful balloon?
Amazing!! I’d love to do that someday. I think I’d have to go alone, since my husband is afraid of heights, but I’d do it. Can’t wait to read of your other adventures there.
Wow! Beautiful photos — sounds like you had an amazing time.
You are braver than I — I’d have been cowering on the bottom of the basket.
Sounds like a great experience. Would love to try that sometime!
Northmoon – they can be accurate up to a point. We probably were lucky in that the winds were very light. On a day with more or changing winds, it must get very tricky! That’s why they have the ground crews who follow the balloons.
Lisa Laree – it really was a great experience! We were up just a little over an hour, and ultimately travelled about five miles southward, though there were some drifts to one side or another depending on the currents at various altitudes.
metscan – I don’t consider myself particularly brave. This is actually very safe apparently.
Rita – thanks!
LPC – you might have, we were pretty high up. We left from Yountville and landed just north of the city of Napa itself.
Wendy B – it’s really fun, isnt’ it?
Gayle Ann Berg – my pleasure!
Susan Tiner – it was my pleasure. I’m glad I took so many photos.
lauries – it’s really a lovely place to visit, even if one isn’t into wine.
Jill Ann – now I want to go! It must be absolutely spectacular!
Terri – it’s really a blast.
Tiffany – it was. It was very thrilling and serene all at the same time.
Jane M – I was really surprised my husband wanted to do this as he’s usually nervous at heights. But he loved it too.
materfamilias – you’re very welcome.
hostess of the humble bungalow – it’s really not scary at all, very smooth and controlled.
Semi Expat – this was so worth doing, hope you get the opportunity!
nononsensebeauty – the weather was still quite warm once the sun came up, so I was wearing white pants, sneakers, a linen top and a lightweight sweater (which came off after sunrise). There might be a pic on one of the phones, will have to check.
Aunt Snow – mine is afraid of heights too, but this didn’t bother him.
Rubiatonta – it’s really not scary at all. The movement is so smooth and controlled, and the basket is VERY sturdy.
J – it was a fabulous experience and I’m really glad we went.
I love your whole recounting, but the pics of the balloons in the early morning light are my favorite — they look like stained glass!
What a relaxing-yet-invigorating trip you seem to have had. Hope the afterglow stays with you as long as possible.