California hot air ballooning: A hundred people
will try to describe the sensation many different ways. ''Floating,'' ''weightlessness,''
''soaring,'' they'll say. Chances are more than one will say, ''indescribable.''
Robert Atlee, who runs High Sierra Ballooning near Mammoth Lakes, Calif., calls it the
''smoothest form of air flight possible".
Without a doubt, Mammoth Lakes is one of the best places to hover above terra firma. Just
one of many activities available at the popular California ski and Summer resort.
Atlee offers 30-minute, one-hour and two-hour hot-air balloon rides that take you for a
gentle float around the Mammoth and Crowley Lake Basin. Great for Christmas gift or
birthday surprise!
Launches are scheduled at dawn year-round (Summer & Fall most popular seasons). Upon
arrival, everyone is encouraged to help unload the wicker basket and the 1,000 square
yards of nylon, rainbow-colored balloon envelope.
With the sun slowly creeping over craggy peaks in the distance, the balloon is gradually
inflated with air using a huge inflator fan. Two crew members prop up the balloon's 7-foot
opening while you join the rest of the passengers in slowly unfolding the voluminous
mounds of envelope.
When the balloon reaches its 140,000-cubic-foot capacity, Atlee turns on the two propane
burners, aiming their huge bluish flames toward the center of the balloon.
''Together, these burners blast out 24 million BTU '' he yells above the roar. -'That's
enough to heat two five-bedroom homes in few a minutes.'' Slowly, the balloon rises from
its prone position.
This site is part of CalAdventures.com -
where you'll find coupons for many other adventures.
Be sure to check out our coupon below for a discount on this adventure.
What will you do this weekend? Why not try another
adventure!
