Balloon trip, June 10, 2001

We celebrated Shawn’s 40^th birthday with a hot air balloon trip. Click on the images below for a larger view.

First the balloon has to be inflated. Remember, you don’t blow up a balloon. That’s bad. You inflate it. That’s good.

The inside of the balloon becomes a spectacular dome

We’re ready to take off! Kjartan, Nancy, Shawn and John (Toni, Joe, Cindy and Charlie and pilot Dick are right behind us).

Successful takeoff!

The rest is history… a beautiful flight over North Brookfield

(apparently that term covers half of Western Massachusetts).

Cindy and Charlie

The landing was somewhat of an excitement…

Brushing the treetops towards a landing field

And a couple of bumps later…

Safe on the ground again!

The deflating process

Thanks to John for organizing this and thanks to Aerial Adventures for a great trip!