Shaking Legs and Soaring High

Challenge accepted?  Every once in a while life presents you with an opportunity you can either face head on, or run away screaming from.  A chance to spread your wings and go for it, or curl into a ball and read a rock like a baby.  Huh?  Yup.  These were the kind of whack a do thoughts that were running through my head as I looked my bloodshot eyes in the mirror one foggy morning at 4am, and tried to convince myself that I was going to get my butt into a Hot Air Balloon and float up up up into the stratosphere.  Was I nuts?

Recently I was provided the opportunity to take a ride into the bright blue sky with Orlando Balloon Rides and to tell you I met this opportunity with open arms would be an outright lie.  I was shaking in my boots.  The idea of putting myself, my safety, my fate in the hands of stranger and climbing into a basket that would float sky high into the puffy clouds was paralyzing.  I felt anxious, light headed, even a little queazy?  I was on a media trip with people I had just met.  It was a once in a life time kind of opportunity.  I could not chicken out.  I knuckled down, popped half a Gravol, and I decided I had to do it.

With a quick briefing from the very warm and comforting people at Orlando Ballon Rides we were prepared.

The balloons were fired up.

We climbed into our giant baskets, and headed into the sky.  The basket rocket.  I let out a pip squeak of a scream,  I truly hope nobody heard me, and we left the earth.

Within moments we were floating high above the trees.  Looking down on golf courses and ponds, familiar subdivisions, and  a view of Disney World in the distance.

Finally I could let out a breath.  The sun was coming up.  I found myself smiling, laughing and just a little bit proud that I had forced myself out of my comfort zone and was now master of the sky.  Okay, not so much master, but my knees were no longer knocking togehther and my hands had almost stopped shaking.

The views were astounding.  The experience surreal.  The people who managed and ran this experience; the sweetest ever.   They knew I was a “wee” bit nervous and quietly checked in on me to make sure all was well.  It was.

A sweet tour, an amazing flight.  A fairly soft landing later.  My first Hot Air Ballon ride under my belt and then a realization.  I need to do it again.  Next time with the kids and the SassyHubby.  Riding in a Hot Air Ballon was unlike anything I’ve ever tried and I’m grateful to have checked something off my bucket list I didn’t even know should have been on it.

What you should know:

Flights are approximately one hour.

Flights take place early in the morning, just before sunrise.

Don’t forget your camera, the picture opportunities are amazing!

Prices range from $99.00 – $225 depending on age and day of the week

If travelling to Florida and this is something you really want to do, book it near the beginning of your trip.  Flights can be delayed due to weather and you may need that extra morning to get your flight in.  Orlando Ballon Rides puts your safety first and will only fly under the safest of conditions.

Disclosure: This experience was provided to me as part of a media trip, as always opinions on this site are my own.