Balloon trip, June 10, 2001

We celebrated Shawn’s 40th birthday with a hot air balloon trip.  Click on the images below for a larger view.

 

First the balloon has to be inflated.  Remember, you don’t blow up a balloon.  That’s bad.  You inflate it.  That’s good.

 

 

 

The inside of the balloon becomes a spectacular dome

 

We’re ready to take off!

Kjartan, Nancy, Shawn and John

(Toni, Joe, Cindy and Charlie and pilot Dick are right behind us).

 

Successful takeoff!

 

The rest is history… a beautiful flight over North Brookfield

(apparently that term covers half of Western Massachusetts).

 

 

 

Cindy and Charlie

 

The landing was somewhat of an excitement…

 

Brushing the treetops towards a landing field

 

And a couple of bumps later…

 

Safe on the ground again!

 

The deflating process

 

 

Thanks to John for organizing this and thanks to Aerial Adventures for a great trip!