Joseph and Jacques Montgolfier created a hot air balloon 226 years ago, and mankind has been enthralled with them ever since.
When we spotted balloons being filled alongside the road, I knew we were in for an adventure. My husband has always been very impromptu and loves to experience the world around him.
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Occasionally on a Saturday, we get ready, jump in the car and drive. Once, we ended up watching a Native American make an intricate ring out of silver and turquoise. Another time, we watched a semi unload a shipment of new cars. (Haven’t you always wondered how that works?) We’ve watched sidewalks being poured, a roof being lifted onto a house with a crane, sunsets, sunrises, eclipses, parasailing, and wind-surfing.
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Sometimes, we find an adventure just where we are. This time we couldn’t drive by. We had to experience.
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While he’s watching the balloons, I’m watching him. I am remembering how I always kept the diaper bag fully stocked when the kids were little. I never knew when he would pop up and say, “Let’s go!” Despite having a lot of little ones, I wanted to support that sense of adventure.
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I knew it would make all of our lives fuller and more exciting, even though at times I had to contend with forgetting something or missing a naptime.
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Now, the kids are older and my camera bag has replaced the diaper bag. I keep my batteries charged and keep personal care items in my camera bag, never knowing where I am going to end up or what I’m going to see.
You can go up for about $200. You can watch for free. Really, though, it isn’t the money. I am a little scared of heights.
Didja’ know they have to have a commercial pilot’s license to fly/steer/raise one of these beauties? From the website above, “They must have at least 35 hours of flight instruction, attend ground school for basic aviation training, pass a written test for hot-air balloons, and have a flight check from a Federal Aviation Administration official.”
It just seems so daring, adventurous, romantic and scary all at the same time. At least in a boat, you have a life preserver. I was wondering what was going through the minds of those people in the little, tiny basket hanging under the brilliant balloon. Was this a dream come true, an adventure to cross off their list of “Things To Do Before I Die”?
My mind is wondering what my next adventure will be with this man. He fills our life with love, excitement, and enthusiasm. Wherever the road leads, I’m ready.
So is my camera.
Me too. 🙂
This post made me smile.