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Betty Jo's Birthday Balloon Adventure.
Sam and I woke at 4:30 am. We were told to meet the other brave soles and the balloon company, The Grape Escape, by 5:30 am. There was still fog and a chill in the air. As we all checked in and waited for the others to arrive, small groups formed and just kept to themselves. There were many going up in a Hot Air Balloon for the first time as Sam and I that day. We were all excited and we wanted to get going.
Sam had arranged this adventure for me, for my birthday. He had been surprised that I had even wanted to go, as many people he had spoken with about this trip, had said they had been afraid of heights and would not even think of going. Sam had checked with the company, The Grape Escape, and had mentioned to them that I had difficulty walking and I did use a cane. Would they be able to assist me into the basket and out? How long was the flight? (The name The Grape Escape is so named because the flights are done over
wine country).
Sam’s questions had been answered quickly. The company said they could help me into and out of the basket. The flight would be approximately 60-75 minutes but I would need to stand that whole time in the basket. As this flight would take place early in the morning, my legs aren’t too bad then. I took the chance.
As we had checked in, we had been assigned to pilots. The time had arrived to leave and find a place to get our balloons in the air! The fog still was hanging around so we had to drive a little bit to find the sun but the SUN we did find!
It is quite a chore to put up the balloons. They have to lie out two layers of
tarp before they even begin to lie out the balloon. Once the balloon is laid out, then a fan is needed to open the balloon up so it can be attached to the basket and the propane can be started to heat it up. Once that is in place, the passengers are asked to get into the basket and then away you go!
I handled standing for that duration without a problem. When it came time for me to get into the basket, the company had brought one of their trucks over and used their lift to bring me to the edge of the basket. I sat down on the edge and fell backwards as Sam caught me. I was then in the basket. The other passengers had openings in the side of the basket for them to use like a stepladder. There was no way I could manage this maneuver!
After our flight was over and the basket was on the ground, the other passengers had been able to leave the basket first. Again, they had brought the truck near the basket. I was asked to left one leg up and then the other. They had caught the legs and then lifted me up to edge of the basket and then to the lift. The lift was lowered and I walked off.
We returned to the spot where we had checked in and were given champagne and orange juice or cider to toast our trip. We also had a prayer read that could only be read to persons from a hot air balloon trip. It had been a special day.
I have heard of other balloon companies that could accommodate wheelchairs but you would have to do research regarding this, as I am not sure where they are located. I would suggest you try to find them. It was worth every moment. A very peaceful experience, which I will always
remember.
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