Teton Hot Air Balloon

Are we viewers, or are we doers?

Sometimes, it gets to be both. Up early for a Hot Air Balloon ride. (Wyoming Balloon Company) The sun was rising. The air was crisp and just a bit damp.

It is not uncommon to let the guests experience some of the set up, but in this instance, they were short staffed, so we had fun helping out.

Once set up, it was launch time.

NOOOO! Not launch. The beauty of the hot air balloon is that it moves upward lighter than the fuzz on a butterfly's head.

I have never felt so weightless - weightless in mass and weightless of anything beyond my view.

The sun above the horizon but not yet surpassing the height of the mountain range.

A view of the valley, river, fields and trees blending together in a portrait. My Lovely within my grasp. I whisper words of peace and appreciation.

We have plenty of photos of course, but I have learned from my time scuba diving, sometimes you have to put the camera down.

We breathed. We soaked it all in until a trio of bald eagles were spotted, two sitting together on a fence line. The pilot lowers us down close. My Lovely captures one taking flight.

The flight was not exhilarating. It was soft. It was sweet. It was effortless.

One of the best experiences of my life.

From Amy: my 2nd ride ...with this company and with this pilot! Andy, owner of the company. 13 years ago it was with Jacob and Sam (and Phillip).
I really wanted to experience this with Pat...I knew he would love it. It did not disappoint. After the flight we got to be part of the crew again and help bring the balloon down and pack it up. It wasn't required, but they were short handed and it was fun to help. We were lucky and very thankful because the flights the day prior and most likely the rest of the week were cancelled because of weather.Read more