Regular fans half inflated the balloon before the propane burners did the rest (note that the hot air is in the balloon behind us).Along with nine other souls and our pilot, the lift off was surprisingly uneventful - no sudden surge, or pop to free us from earth's gravity; nor any music from the Fifth Dimension. Just a sense that things on the ground were getting smaller.
Traveling along with the slight breeze, there was no sense of speed, nor any wind either, of course. The only real noise was that of the propane burners which the pilot would ignite for about 5 seconds to control our ascent/descent. When the burners were off, you could hear sounds drifting up from the ground - bird songs, traffic, construction noises, and so on. A little like being in the middle of a quiet lake in a canoe. We rose to about 3000 feet above ground level. 
Roni discussing landing techniques with our pilot.
Roni discussing landing techniques with our pilot.
Another balloon from the same company launched nearby at the same time as we did, so we had a bit of company during our ride.After about an hour aloft, our pilot brought us down in an open area about 3 or 4 miles away. We had to hop over some low bushes before finally settling down.
Awaiting us was a gourmet champagne breakfast, apparently a tradition for first-time balloonists like us!
Awaiting us was a gourmet champagne breakfast, apparently a tradition for first-time balloonists like us!
The Balloonist's Prayer
"The winds have welcomed you with softness. The sun has blessed you with his warm hands. You have flown so well and so high, that God has joined you in your laughter and set you gently back again into the loving arms of Mother Earth."
"The winds have welcomed you with softness. The sun has blessed you with his warm hands. You have flown so well and so high, that God has joined you in your laughter and set you gently back again into the loving arms of Mother Earth."
