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(SEATTLE)
WHAT TO EXPECT
The best time to schedule a flight is
June through September. Flights are offered twice a day. The exact meeting times fluctuate since they depend on sunrise and sunset
because they affect the wind which is the single most important factor in ballooning. So flights are first thing in the morning (6:30a.m. or 7:00a.m.) and a couple of hours prior to sunset. Usually the middle of the
day is more breezy.
First you'll call about an hour and a half before your scheduled flight to make sure the forecasted weather conditions look agreeable and for any last minute instructions.
You
will, of course, need to sign a waiver. Once everyone has signed in, we will shuttle you to a launch site the pilots have selected depending on current wind conditions they have
observed at the time.
Once
at the launch site, we will set up the balloon which takes about 15 minutes or so. Though we have plenty of experienced crew, if you wish to assist, let us know. There are always things to be done that require no
training and are not dangerous.
Then you'll board your craft for a once in a lifetime experience. Your pilot will brief you regarding safety and anything you should know. You can relax and enjoy about an hour
aloft while you drift effortlessly over the picturesque Samamish Valley (home of the Chateau
St. Michelle, Columbia & other fine wineries and the Redhook
Brewery,). Some of the flight will take place up
high--l,500 feet to 5,000 feet up where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Seattle skyline (easily spotting the world famous Space Needle!), Mount Rainier, Mount Baker and the mountain ranges surrounding the Puget
Sound area. Also in sight are many bodies of water like Lake Washington and Puget Sound and many smaller ones depending on your flight route. And you'll spend some of your flight barely above the surface as you
brush the tree tops. Help yourself to the leaves for a souvenir!!
As each flight is unique, traveling where the wind carries us, we don't know where we will land. So the vehicle you rode in to the launch site
will be following along on the ground. We will be in contact visually as well as by radio. The "chase vehicle" will be there to "catch" the balloon. The crew' will pack up the equipment taking
only 10 to 15 minutes, then we will travel in the van back to the initial meeting site.
The pilot will share a fascinating story about the original balloon flight
and recite the Balloonists Prayer. After the morning
flight you'll enjoy a traditional champagne and
fruit juice toast. After the evening flight you'll enjoy a light supper featuring the authentic Italian food of The Golden Goat Italian Restaurant in Woodinville. Fresh garden salad, pasta and rustic bread will be enjoyed by all. Seasonal fresh fruit is served for dessert. An Italian wine selection, beer, mineral water, coffee and Italian sodas are available and all of this is included in the price of your evening flight. During the meal, your pilot will share with you some interesting information about the origins of ballooning.
You may depart at your convenience as your car is there. Some wish to linger for another glass of champagne. We know you'll be leaving content with memories that will last a lifetime and be difficult to ever top.
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