Balloon Ride in Del Mar

Have you ever pictured yourself floating in the sky above Del Mar experiencing the most beautiful sunset?  Well, here's your chance.   Take a Hot Air Balloon Sunset ride and see what you've been missing.
 
We started our journey late in the afternoon in Del Mar.  We rode in a van to a huge empty field where the hot air balloons were being launched.  This is where the balloon masters test the wind velocity to see which way the wind is blowing. (Very important!) We were lucky, all systems were GO!
 
As we watched them fill up our balloon with gigantic fans, we were amazed at the process.  With the balloon attached, they tip the basket on its side.  When the balloon is completely filled with air, the burners are turned on to heat the air in the balloon; the balloon automatically lifts the basket upright.
 
After our group of 16 people jumped in, including our pilot, we lifted off.  Even though there was a total of 2000 pounds being carried away, we were moving gracefully and smoothly.   It was an incredible feeling of floating.  There are baskets for smaller groups as well, such as for four people, six, etc.  The balloon company also has a "romantic ride" for two people.  Remember though, you are never totally alone.....the pilot is constantly maneuvering the stick and dispensing the proper amount of heat.
 
The views were amazing.  Del Mar has multi-million dollar homes that appeared huge from any vantage point.  There are a lot of homes with custom pools and tennis courts.  Del Mar is such a beautiful community.
 
After we reached a height of around 6,000 feet, we just floated effortlessly through the sky.  We could see all of Del Mar including the Pacific Ocean.  In fact, it was such a miraculously clear evening (lucky us!), we could see south all the way into Mexico and as far north as Long Beach.
 
After about an hour, we touched down miles away from our launch site, another seamless experience, into another empty field where the van was waiting to take us back to our starting point.
 
With spectacular views, a gorgeous sunset, effortless floating, a little champagne (or sparkling water), it was an incredible experience.  It was our very first flight and it certainly won't be our last.