Hot Air Balloons? Not For This Chicken…

A hot air balloon! Such a fun sight see when you’re walking outside to take out the trash. Two of them greeted me this morning as I was completing this daily, mundane task. I almost always see hot air balloons when I’m out on my bike in Lucas, but it’s much more fun when I’m home and can quickly grab my camera for a few pictures.

This morning, the balloons were low enough that I could hear (and see) the flames from the burner that the aeronaut (fancy name for hot air balloon pilot) used to heat up the air inside of the balloon so they could gain altitude. After seeing them, I ran in to get my camera, and when I came back out, I was surprised by how quickly they were moving! But I was able to capture a few fun photos of them before they dropped out of my line of sight behind some houses…

I often think about what wonderful photos I’d be able to take from up in a hot air balloon, but the problem is that I’m deathly afraid of heights. And being up very high in a small wicker basket, is not something I’m willing to do to get a great photo. It’s a little comforting to know that not just anyone can pilot a hot air balloon. You have to have an actual pilot’s license to fly one, but this still does not make me feel any better.

If you look closely at the picture of the blue, green, and yellow balloon you can see just how tiny their basket is! Yikes. The other balloon’s basket is much bigger, but being up there with a bunch of strangers might be scarier… So for now, riding in a hot air balloon is a no-go for me. Maybe some day…

Have you ever ridden in one? If so, I’d love to hear about it. And if you took pictures from way up there, I’d love to see them! Have fun and be safe! As for me, I’ll continue to enjoy looking at them at balloon festivals or when they fly over my neighborhood – from my safe spot down below, with both of my feet planted firmly on the ground.

I love taking pictures of cool and interesting things and events. If you need help with a picture like that, be sure to read about my special photo sessions. I’d love to work with you on your project.

Until next time…