Up, Up and Away

Photo by John Calvin

Photo by Pat Thoms

Still looking for that perfect Valentine's gift?  Consider a hot air balloon ride.  Flying over Scottsdale with a bird's eye view of the city and desert is an experience of a lifetime.  Balloons leave early in the morning when the winds are calmest.  Watch the glow of the burners lighting up before sunrise.  At takeoff, I was amazed at the smooth ascension, like going up in an elevator.  No motion sickness as there is no motion.  Look out over the McDowells toward Four Peaks, a great way to see the expansive McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  When the burner turns off, the silence is amazing, though I do like the whoosh sound of the burner.  During the winter months, sunset rides are also available.   October is the month to see all of the balloons lifting off from Salt River Fields at Talking Stick near the 101 freeway as the Spooktacular Balloon Festival offers several races as well as tethered balloons for children or tthe less daring.  Balloon rides last for a little over an hour, but cost about $260 each.  Today, there is a Living Social coupon for $139, or  find a Valentine's special offered by most balloon companies.  And all rides end with a champagne toast.  Niiiice . . .
Ballooning video