The month of June 2009 provided some real enjoyment for my family. We had the opportunity to crew for balloon pilots, enjoy a flight, and to learn what ballooning was all about. What a pleasure, and interesting experience. Can you imagine, we moved through the air, floating, suspended by a bag in a basket. See the pictures below for the latest balloon trips.

I found part of the enjoyment of ballooning is the community of people that work together, socialize, and share in the tradition of the sport. After landing, we were all indoctrinated and invited to participate in the festivities of the day.

That said, what is ballooning? The Free Dictionary by Farflex describes hot air ballooning as the ability to travel through the air in a basket suspended below a large bag of heated air. Wikipedia defines hot air ballooning as the activity of flying hot air balloons; and Webster's states one who operates or travels in an airship or balloon is a Aeronaut. I guess we are aeronauts. 

As I learn more about this unique and interesting sport, I will find additional links for viewing. For now, Click here to learn more about ballooning and here for the Southern California Balloon Association. Here are some links to other flying experiences; Gone Soaring, Gone Soaring Cross Country, Gone Flying, Gone Flying Two, Gone Aerobatic, Redlands Weather Underground.

Pictures taken by my Wife, Daughter, Son, and myself. Special Thanks goes to Orval and Bo and Jerry and Wally for sharing Ballooing with Us. Thanks everyone!
 

Lone Pine, Driving to Alabama Hills With All the Chase Cars and Crew Members.	We've Arrived at Alabama Hills!
Parked, and Getting Ready for Pilot Briefing, then Checking the Weather.	Orval, Pilot and Crew Master Checking the Winds.
On the Go to Our Departure Site.	Orval Unlocking the Trailer with Crew Members Standing By.
Orval Sometimes Operates with a Skeleton Crew.	Future Paleontologist Checking Rock Formations and the Soil.
Jerry, Balloon Pilot Extraordinaire Watching Over Kim During Her First Crew.	Testing the Burners.
The Crew Unfolding the Balloon Tarp.	A Hard Working Crew Member.
Final Prep Before Go No Go!	The Balloon Unvailed with All Rigs Connected.
Testing the Winds Again Before Final Decision to Go or No Go.	Unfortunately, the Winds Were Strong.
Packing the Balloon.	It Takes the Crew to Get the Air Out of the Pack.
Crew Loading the Balloon Back in the Trailer.	Enticed by Streams Around, Our Poles Decided to Take a Dip Before Going Home. Notice the Hand Holding Me Before Falling In.
Here is a Great Fisherman.	On the Hunt for Fish.
Notice This Fisherman's Technique.	Scenery Driving Back From the Hills.
The Movie Museum at Lone Pine.	This Guy Could Have Been A Cowboy.
Diaz Lake, Lone Pine.	Yes, He Catches Fish Everywhere!
Taking the Jeep Into Town.	The Fisherman Taking a Break.
On the Way Home We Stopped at Ransburg, an Old Gold Mining Town. We are Headed for a Sarsaparilla.	Two Modern Day Cowboys Going Into the Saloon for a Sarsaparilla.
Hole in the Wall at Ransburg.	The O'l General Store.
We Left Before the Saloon Got Out of Hand.	Jerry the Pilot, Wally the Master Crew Chief, and Our Fisherman at the Temecula Wine Festival.
Rigging The Balloon. It Is Much More Than Meets The Eye.	A Balloon Just Next To Us.
The Balloon Just Next To Us Almost Ready.	The Balloon Lifting Off.
Smokey The Bear and Others Ready for Lift Off.	It Is Getting Close To Our Turn.
The Fan Ready To Go.	The Burners On Standby.
Almost Inflated With Air.	Getting Closer!
Burners Lit Off!	Kids are Ready to Go.
Final View Before Climbing Aboard.	Lift Off and Off To The Races.
What A View.	Landing In a Back Yard to Change Crews.
Inches Over the Vineyards.	Dashing Along the Vineyards.
The Kids Crewing. All in a Day's Ballooning!	The New Balloon Crew, Done for the Day!