Up, up and away

Today we had an amazing opportunity to do something we have never done. Holly and her dad and myself woke up early and headed out to the Plano Balloon Festival to go up in one of the 65 balloons that were partaking in the festivities. It was a surreal morning as the launch of the balloons was delayed over half an hour due to no wind. It is rare here in North Texas that we don't have any wind and they said in the 25 year history of the festival that is has only happened twice. As the sun came up the wind increased and we were ready for launch.

Our pilot was named Mike and he and his crew are based out of Albuquerque. He does over 250 flights a year (Holly was much relieved to hear that when we were ascending into the air!). There were many cool balloons that went up with us and many of them didn't make it very far due to there sheer size and lack of wind. The flight was very calm and we got as high as 1200 feet off the ground. This was the point where Holly's hand turned blue from grabbing onto the wicker basket so tight. It was a little freaky standing on a wicker basket that high in the air, but the views were worth it. It was fun floating over neighborhoods and seeing people working in there yards and waving to little kids playing in soccer games. We landed in a park and it was funny watching random people come out of nowhere to help us get the balloon down and under control. All and all it was a great ride and we will definitely be doing it again in the future. Thanks Rod and Marian.

We are having a great time with Rod and Marian in town, always a pleasure. Monopoly is getting a little out of hand. More later.