Today was our big day, the hot air balloon ride in Temecula! The guys from California Dreaming picked us up at about 5:00am at our villa and drove us over to the staging area. After the pilot launched a test helium balloon to find wind direction, we soon were driven back to South Coast Winery along with about 15-20 people as that would be the best launch site with current conditions.
Three hot air balloons were quickly prepared and inflated and we soon found ourselves buzzing the tree tops, just as the sun peaked over the mountains. Our Pilot Dave (the owner of both the balloon company and the winery in which we initially staged) was amazing. He brought us within feet of vineyards, floating right above the vines on the rolling hills, and then brought us to altitude for a serene view of the world below.
The experience was a lot different than Marci and I might have thought. The feeling of floating in a balloon is quite sedate and tranquil. I guess we have grown accustomed to the high speeds of jet setting and the turbulance that comes with trying to get from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ as fast and efficiently as possible. Surprisingly, there is never really a feeling of falling, or even rising while flying in a balloon. It felt alot like you were standing on stable ground, just perched at one moment maybe 15 feet in the air, then before you even notice, you were at 3000 feet, looking out over vineyards, mountains, lakes, and valley, with no real feeling of transition. I would imagine even those with serious fears of heights would find this a life changing experience. While Marci and I have had a great time this week, I told her today that the balloon ride really took the cake.
I think the video really speaks for itself. What do you think?
After the balloon ride we were treated to a continental breakfast and were soon brought back to our villa. After packing up, we enjoyed a wine tasting at Falkner Winery followed by lunch at the Pinnacle restaurant. Marci had the Ahi burger and I had the Poblano Steak and Cheese. After lunch, we decided on one final wine tasting at the Cougar Winery before heading back to Manhattan Beach where I sit now writing this post. I believe it is time to mix up a Manhattan to enjoy on our final night here in beautiful California. Cheers!