On August 3rd, 2024, after 4 rescheduled dates, we FINALLY were able to go on our Hot Air Balloon ride.
The morning couldn't have been any more perfect, no threatening winds or potential rainstorms. Just clear skies and a beautiful sunrise to greet us.
My friend Christine and her now 8-year-old daughter joined me. This was the first time her daughter has ever been in flight on anything. I am happy I was there to experience her first. I know this is just the first of many moments I will share with her.
They woke at 2:30 AM, I woke at 4 AM after only 4 hours of sleep. We were all excited it was finally time to go "up up and away". We met at
Stillwater Balloons (Stillwater Balloons | Hot Air Balloon Rides in Minneapolis, MN) in Lakeland Shores, MN around 5:30 AM and by 6:15 AM we were in flight. Unlike with skydiving, there was not a liability waiver we had to sign. One thing to note about any hot air balloon company, their flights are heavily dependent on great weather conditions, there is no reimbursement, and your flight can be rescheduled up to 20 - 50 times. So do not request a flight on a specific day you would be celebrating a milestone or birthday. If they have to reschedule, you will receive a coupon via email and will need to reschedule using their calendar. One thing I did like about their service is if they needed to reschedule, they notify you the night before instead of 2 hours before flight. That way you do not need to go to bed early or have your day ruined. They only offer sunrise and sunset and this is pretty standard for all hot air balloon companies.
There was about 15 or so people taking flight that day and we were the last group of 9.
The first basket was just for the employees to make sure everything was funtioning right and the other two balloons had no issues with their flights.
Each balloon is broken down into 3 sections, the basket (Gondola) with the attached burners, the balloon (made up for panels or gores, that when combined is called an envelope), and the top cap aka the crown. they are assembled in that exact order too. The crown, once the balloon is partially inflated, is connected to the envelope aka main part of the balloon.
Climbing in and out of the basket was the hardest part as the basket was about 5 ft tall. Bella, Christines' daughter, could barely see above the basket without climbing up internally on the rings to see. The other hard part is the landing. You have to face a certain way and squat for impact.
Our favorite two parts (I have video on one of them, too large for this site though) is when we got to stand in the envelope while it was being inflated for a group picture and when the gondola was lowered so much in-flight where we were grazing the top of the corn field before ascending again.
The morning couldn't have been any more perfect, no threatening winds or potential rainstorms. Just clear skies and a beautiful sunrise to greet us.
My friend Christine and her now 8-year-old daughter joined me. This was the first time her daughter has ever been in flight on anything. I am happy I was there to experience her first. I know this is just the first of many moments I will share with her.
They woke at 2:30 AM, I woke at 4 AM after only 4 hours of sleep. We were all excited it was finally time to go "up up and away". We met at
Stillwater Balloons (Stillwater Balloons | Hot Air Balloon Rides in Minneapolis, MN) in Lakeland Shores, MN around 5:30 AM and by 6:15 AM we were in flight. Unlike with skydiving, there was not a liability waiver we had to sign. One thing to note about any hot air balloon company, their flights are heavily dependent on great weather conditions, there is no reimbursement, and your flight can be rescheduled up to 20 - 50 times. So do not request a flight on a specific day you would be celebrating a milestone or birthday. If they have to reschedule, you will receive a coupon via email and will need to reschedule using their calendar. One thing I did like about their service is if they needed to reschedule, they notify you the night before instead of 2 hours before flight. That way you do not need to go to bed early or have your day ruined. They only offer sunrise and sunset and this is pretty standard for all hot air balloon companies.
There was about 15 or so people taking flight that day and we were the last group of 9.
The first basket was just for the employees to make sure everything was funtioning right and the other two balloons had no issues with their flights.
Each balloon is broken down into 3 sections, the basket (Gondola) with the attached burners, the balloon (made up for panels or gores, that when combined is called an envelope), and the top cap aka the crown. they are assembled in that exact order too. The crown, once the balloon is partially inflated, is connected to the envelope aka main part of the balloon.
Climbing in and out of the basket was the hardest part as the basket was about 5 ft tall. Bella, Christines' daughter, could barely see above the basket without climbing up internally on the rings to see. The other hard part is the landing. You have to face a certain way and squat for impact.
Our favorite two parts (I have video on one of them, too large for this site though) is when we got to stand in the envelope while it was being inflated for a group picture and when the gondola was lowered so much in-flight where we were grazing the top of the corn field before ascending again.
Here are some before flight photos and video (Please note that the videos are loud, so adjust your volume):
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In-flight and landed pics:
Final Thoughts!
We all had a blast. The ride was about 75 minutes long. We flew over Lakeland Shores, Afton, and Woodbury before landing in a soccer field with a close by pavilion and small playground in a residential area.
Was this a 1-time thing? Yes. With no regrets.
Enjoy!
Was this a 1-time thing? Yes. With no regrets.
Enjoy!