When opening the window blinds with the first cup of morning coffee in my hand, I was surprised to see a hot air balloon on the ground in my neighborhood. I grabbed the camera, walked around the corner, and started taking pictures. Extra hands were needed, so I pitched in to help keep the balloon from snagging on sharp objects, giving me close-up access to the action.

With the pilot and passengers still in the basket, the ground crew went to work. First they tied the basket to the chase van to keep it from blowing away if the wind came up. As the balloon slowly deflated, the ground crew grabbed a fixed rope and pulled the top of the balloon down the street. Slight winds made things a bit exciting as we worked to keep the balloon from snagging on palm trees and light posts. With the deflated balloon flat on the ground and secured, the passengers disembarked; the pilot followed shortly thereafter and drove them away in the van. The crew disassembled the basket, rolled and packed the balloon, hoisted everything onto a trailer, and drove away about 45 minutes after coming down.

I'm not sure why they went down, but the crew said they experience 3-4 "neighborhood landings" per year. The pilot seemed confident and capable as he directed the ground crew, the passengers seemed to think it was all part of the show, the ground crew was friendly and efficient. From what I saw, I'd fly with them. Check out D&R Balloons at their website: Las Vegas Balloon Rides.

 
Thanks for coming to visit!
Logos are the property of their respective owners.
© 2012 Jim Boone; Last updated 110507