OT - Mid-life crisis

[Julianka7]

I am also scared of heights. But I have been told by
people who have been up in hot air balloons that
it is the most exhilarating thing you can do.
When it's over Connie, please post some pictures
with the words to "Up, Up and Away in my Beautiful
Balloon"

[Julia99]

Hot air balloon rides are great fun!  I live in the Bay Area and they do it up in NAPA all the time .. .rarely, very rarely is there an accident and I've been to the Albuquerque Balloon Fest they have every year.. . just ensure the balloon pilot is licenses, insured and/or bonded (same thing).  ..then follow earlier given advice. . .wave to him as he goes up but not before giving a really hot kiss.  ..

[Dr. Eric Lang]

Well, that's what I've been worried about - exactly HOW safe is it, ya know?  I mean, there's not much control - you're just sort of floating wherever the wind takes you.  I find it hard to believe that it's safer than an airplane though.  (Actually, I'm not crazy about planes either).  LOL

It's safer, Connie. For one thing, people don't go up 10,000 feet in a hot air balloon. Any experienced balloonist can operate safely enough to insure the passengers are safe. The only difficulty is finding a clear spot to land. Sometimes you can drift a bit as you come down so if there are power lines or trees nearby the balloon goes back up and tries to find another spot. Believe me, there's nothing to worry about. Stop and think about how many times, if ever, you've heard about someone dying in a tragic balloon accident? And I'm not talking about that millionaire guy who keeps trying to go around the world in one - we're talking about commercial/civilian balloon rides here. Statistically, roller coasters are more dangerous.

[Mark Rainey]

When I was a youngster, the occasional hot air balloon would go over our house. I usually tried to knock them out of the sky with my slingshot.

Somehow, I don't think anyone was ever in great danger of plummeting.

--M

[Blue_Whale_Barfly]

I think you should go for it too.  Life is way too short and they are pretty safe.  Take a picnic and a good bottle of wine and some cheese and enjoy the view.