Up, up, and away in our beautiful balloon...

Balloonist Prayer

May the winds welcome you with softness.
May the sun bless you with its warm hands.
May you fly so high and so well that God
joins you in laughter and sets you gently
back into the loving arms of Mother Earth.

At 4:45 the alarm rings…and mom and I are off to a sunrise flight followed by a traditional champagne toast then on to a hot brunch! Considering my mom is almost 79, I had concerns about the safety and ease of such a thrilling adventure.  Those concerns were quickly mitigated with some research (see end of article and videos) and opinions from my readers and friends. We were definitely ready for the ultimate sky cruise. 

 Our adventure started with a record breaking cold for Spring here in Florida.  There was actual frost nipping at our toes, but wearing closed toed shoes, warm socks, and layers as suggested was a blessing. Getting up early is a must as the drive to the launching site has to be determined by the pilot and his crew that morning and may be one of several choice open fields.  This Thursday turned out to be exceptional…winds 5-8 mph, ground fog lapping the edges of the ponds and low lying areas, and a crisp clear sky.

After boarding the van with its trailer carrying all the equipment, we headed north but south of Ocala to a small field near a new homes construction site. The whole process of unloading and setting up the balloon (envelope) was quite interesting, and we were amazed at the unfolding of the whole event.

 First is removing the gondola, a real wicker basket; ours had four compartments for two and the pilot’s middle section where the fuel tanks and gages are inserted. The burners are set atop the basket which is then laid on its side in preparation for the envelope to be pulled out to begin the process of filling the balloon with cold air (from commercial size fans and generator) then hot air so it can rise ever so gently over the basket tethered by ropes. It’s an amazing process directed by the pilot, crew, and willing participants.

With heightened anticipation, we assisted my mom into the stepping holes and over the padded edges into the gondola. She did that with relative ease considering her two titanium knees. The staff was very considerate, assisting all of us up and over into the wicker chariot, and then, with the most quiet and graceful departure, we were on our way. Understanding that we were at the mercy of the winds, our experienced pilot, Dave, answered all our questions about flying, equipment, and training.  Any concerns melted away as we glided over Tampa’s homes, scenic pine scrubs, and ponds, as we took photos of all things worthy. We saw deer, curious cattle, and flocks of birds. It was so serene. Everyone, eight passengers and our pilot, cruised over tree tops with such ease…we stayed at around 80 feet this day so as to slow the speed of our journey. It was worth every dollar!

 As Dave radioed his choice of the landing spot, Mom and I noticed the high wires, but Dave was quick to inform us this is the norm to have to pilot over them. He did so easily. The descent was much more gentle than we anticipated considering we were briefed for the roughest possibility. We learned to hang on to the handles inside the basket, lean with our backs against the edge facing away from the direction we would come into for the landing, and maintain bent knees to absorb any shock.  Of course, we came in so softly hovering just  inches above the ground to an exemplary touchdown. Dave made us all laugh when he started screaming, “Oh no, watch out, ahhhh!!!” just before we “hit” ground!

 The experience doesn't end for the ground crew who met us at the final destination, nor Dave because packing it all up is quite an ordeal! The process looks choreographed as each member pulls on the balloon as it falls deflated to the ground looking much like it did at the beginning of our journey. Dave brings out a bent pipe, and he and a crew member tug it along the balloon’s length to get all the residual air out before packing it into the bag again. The gondola is dismantled, and everything is placed back into the trailer. We are given a short history of ballooning, shared a prayer, and participated in the traditional champagne toast. The morning had warmed as did our friendships for all those who joined us on this Big Red Balloon 
sightseeing cruise in the sky.

Cold air fill.

Our adventure was an absolute pleasure, and now I will begin to work on the other half of TravelingTilleys for a hot air balloon ride over the scenic autumn foliage up north someday soon. As dreams go, this marked one off my list, and I got to do it with my mom!

Hot air fill.Up, up, and away.

Running deer.

Skittish cattle.

Awwwwwsome.

Our pilot, Dave, and a little history.

Big Red Balloon Sightseeing Adventures: Click link.

…………….

“Buying a hot air balloon and becoming a hot air balloon pilot will put you in rare company. There are only about 4,000 hot air balloonists in the United States. Hot air ballooning is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and all pilots and balloons must meet their regulatory standards. New balloons are expensive (think luxury car prices) and must pass annual and 100-hour inspections. In addition to the balloon, pilots must invest in additional equipment, ground crews, and insurance,” according to whatitcosts.com

Some research points:

“Training for a private license requires at least ten hours of flight instruction combined with additional hours of ground training and a written test. A commercial license requires more experience- pilots must have at least thirty-five hours of flight time with additional ground experience and must pass a much more stringent written test.”

“The costs for training for a private license can range from $1,200 to $2,750, a commercial license can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3500.”

“Buying a “flight system” consists of the balloon (also called the envelope), the basket or gondola, fuel, burners and an inflation fan that is used to help inflate the envelope. Costs of these items can vary and some of them are included when you purchase a balloon. Others you will have to buy on your own, such as fuel for each flight (from $15 to $30 and up per hour) and the inflation fan ($900 and up). Additionally, comprehensive insurance will cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200 annually.”

“During the flight, members of the chaser crew keep in contact with the pilot via two-way radio and ultimately meet them at the flight’s landing spot, where they help pack up the balloon and bring the pilot and any passengers back to where they started from.”

“A new balloon will last anywhere from 300-500 hours before it needs to be replaced or significantly repaired.”

“Smaller or sport-sized balloons are for solo flights (pilot only) can start at $20,000. Larger balloons for commercial flights, where pilots are hired to take people on rides, can start at $45,000 and can go much higher.”

“Balloons must undergo annual and 100-hour inspections, fees vary for this inspection, a good ballpark cost for inspections is $350.

For more of the complete article see:  http://hobbies.whatitcosts.com/buy-hot-air-balloon.htm

Juneau, Alaska

Taku Glacier

Juneau, Alaska - helicopter view.

Juneau is Alaska's capital and the third largest city, and although it is on the North American mainland, it can not be reached by road.  Our cruise ship nestled in their port, and just visible across the Gastineau Channel in this picture, gives you a great view of the city's layout. Juneau is quite compact so most of its attractions are within walking distance. Look for as many as 20 signs around downtown that will detail the city's fascinating history. Although not my favorite stop for shopping, it is the primo spot to take a helicopter excursion to land on any one of the several glaciers.

We chose ERA Helicopters, who give a fantastic narrated tour.  I'll tell you up front, I was nervous about going up in a "bubble" over mountain peaks with weather that was iffy... at least it looked somewhat rainy/cloudy where we were headed.  But, our pilot quickly eased our fears, and we relaxed as we  took off for Taku Glacier.  The views were heavenly!  The ease with which our pilot, AKA Jack Bower, flew the copter was impressive and was not like flying in a small plane: they maneuver easily through clouds, rain, and they land so gently!  I decided that if I were to get a pilot's license, it would be for helicopters.

Over the peaks to Taku Glacier

Taku in sight!

We are on the glacier's snout!

It is interesting to note that Taku Glacier has a small calving, a normal geological process of breaking ice sheets and a documented rate of advancement since 1988 at 17 meters a year.  Taku covers 261 square miles and is about 57 miles long - all the more reason to take a helicopter ride to see it all!

Following the Taku through the mountains.

A highway of sheering ice!

In awe of the view!

Sad that it was over so soon.

I was overjoyed by this adventure and would highly recommend it to all!

http://www.eraflightseeing.com/content/e3/e18/e32/

ERA Flights do provide shoe covers for traction, but if you have hiking boots or Sorel boots like mine, you will be fine without them. I stayed warm on the glacier with a parka, hat, and gloves.  In town, I did not wear the hat or gloves because the temps were never colder than 55 degrees. We all enjoyed the climate even when it drizzled.

After being dropped off in town, we headed to Hanger on the Wharf to eat.  Wild Salmon was the deal for me while others ordered locally caught Halibut. Strolling back to our ship, we met other cruisers who had a great time touring Mendenhall Glacier or who went on the whale watching tours. Juneau is a great place to observe Eagles and marine life from its timbered slopes to its rocky shores. In fact, mid-May through mid-September is their peak season of tourism, the return of the humpback, gray, and orca whales, when bears come out of hibernation, and salmon spawn. 

This year, June 2010, we missed the salmon who were late, did not see bear, and missed the pod of whales as we came in to Juneau because we were on the wrong side of the ship while dining!  Go figure. We did not, however, miss the beauty of the mountains, icebergs, glaciers, sea lions, otters, eagles, jelly fish, or even the hummingbirds. (I can't attract hummingbirds at home in my Florida garden, but they came to visit us on our deck at the back of the ship in Alaska!  Double go figure!)

Skagway, Alaska

Train car 202

Our first port on our Carnival Spirit cruise was Skagway (skaguay), and right across from the ship was our train for the White Pass & Yukon Route excursion!  Wow, we'd have to tour the town after our ride through the gold-rush country.  It was already filling up, but we (Ed, his brother and wife, and a friend and his daughter) lucked out by passing through several cars before finding car 202 (this is top secret info for my readers)) - it was the handicap car, but we had it to ourselves!

Lake Bennet, Canada

Here you can see a glimpse of Lynn Canal where our ship is docked.

As we chugged our way along, it was both exciting visually and relaxing.  The view from the top of the summit was breathtaking, and so very different than Florida's tropical scenery.

We learned much on this narrated ride up to the border of Canada/USA, and that we'd reach the summit at 2,865 feet elevation where the gold rush stampeders could pass only if they had a years worth of food and supplies. Needless to say, the gold-rush brought all sorts of "crazies" into this town, and the hardships were many.  The stories of the loss of human life, horses, etc., were sad...and all for money.  Did you know that Nordstrom and Trump's great grandfathers got their start up here with the gold rush?  Turns out Trump's grand daddy owned a brothel up there somewhere!  Nordstrom used his gold earnings to start a shoe store (knowing that women love shoes) so he could find a wife, and eventually lead to the famous Nordstrom Department Store.

USA/Canadian border

Besides the wonderful pics (too many to paste in here), there was some wildlife to see: from eagles to some type of otter.  We were all on the look-out for bear, but did not see any from our train car though others had reported seeing one.  At the summit, our train turned around, and as usual, many people enjoyed standing outside between the cars.  It was cold enough to need coats and see our breath; the air was so clean smelling and refreshing.

In town, we decided to stop for early dinner at a place called Stowaway Cafe.  You should check out the Jimmy fries and dippin' sauce!  We also enjoyed a meal of King Crab, though as it was explained, is still flash frozen on the fishing boats because they stay for days to get their quota.  Most of us have seen Deadliest Catch, so we enjoyed the crab anyway.  Other fresh catch of the day choices are listed - the salmon is always a favorite.

Skagway from our deck on the ship.

Fun store in town.

Well. Skagway is a fun little town.  There is the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - a great museum, and the well known Red Onion Saloon.  As for shopping, there were lots of deals on T-shirts and souvenirs, and you can't get lost; its that small with only a few main streets.  I have one disclaimer - I loved shopping the most in Ketchikan, so save some money!

The next blog will cover Juneau, Alaska.

Llangollen's Narrow Boats

Our two hour trip on the motorized canal boat carried us through the beautiful Vale of Llangollen and across the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct built by Thomas Telford between 1795 and 1805.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontcysyllte_Aqueduct A World Heritage Site, this canal is one of North Wales’s biggest navigable aqueduct towers - a massive iron trough 126ft above the River Dee supported by 18 stone piers. The aqua duct crossing is 1007 feet long, 11 feet 10 inches wide, and 5 feet 3 inches deep. Water is fed from the River Dee at the Horseshoe Falls near Llangollen. There are no rails preventing a tumble if you lean out or over the boat; you’d drop 128 feet to the valley floor below!

The motorized narrow boat is fully weather proof and is centrally heated with comfortable seats and excellent views from every table. There is an informative live commentary on board and the bar is open throughout the journey. We enjoyed both. The lady of the boat brews a great cup of tea in her little kitchen in the back, and spins a few good “yarns” as well.  http://www.canaltrip.co.uk/node/1


Although our teens were somewhat dismayed by the lack of speed, we adults enjoyed the leisurely pace and country scenery. We were often in close proximity to the grazing sheep, a few wandering rabbits, and other occasional narrow boat’s crew waving hello. The aqua duct was biggest thrill…I’m a bit nervous about heights, but it was slow enough to get great pictures and video.

Afterwards, we all went to the pub across the street! Everybody enjoyed the local pot pies, fish and chips, sandwiches, and selections of beverages.          

Her is the link for The Sun Trevor Family Pub and Restaurant:     http://www.suntrevor.co.uk/