At one point, the Torch Tender was too busy explaining the mechanics of the balloon to notice we were dropping quite close to a pack of trees we were advancing upon. I asked my date, “Should I say something about this?” She smiled and shrugged. I turned to the Torch Tender and wordlessly pointed at the approaching tree.
He nodded as if it was no big deal, hit the flame handle, and held it down. The basket brushed along the top of the tree but safely scooted over it. I looked back at the Torch Tender who just nodded at me.
Apparently, the basket is quite strong and durable enough to hit branches and trees without harm… so long as neither the balloon nor the ropes hit the trees.
We were floating like a bird over the luscious wine fields illuminated by the early morning sun. It was an incredible sight. My date and I, already snuggled against the edge, snuck a few kisses. The basket felt quite sturdy and was chest-high which it made it nearly impossible for me to look directly down and trigger my acrophobia.
The flight lasted about an hour. The landing was surprisingly smooth; especially considering the Torch Tender’s penchant for running into objects mid-air. We plopped down easily in an open field about ten minutes from the winery.
The workers in the pickup truck made their way down a dirt road and found us, along with a white passenger van to haul us back to the winery. The workers in the pickup truck stayed behind and disassembled the balloon for transport.
Back at the winery, we were offered a champagne toast, mimosas, and some finger food. Only two other couples joined us in the offer. The winery was closed but one of the workers went in and brought us out a bottle of wine to sample. My date and I named the wine, “Hair of the Dog.”
We got out of the winery a little after 9 a.m. The hors d’oeuvres only stoked our appetites and as we pulled through the small town nearby, we stopped at Denny’s to eat large breakfasts. I can’t tell you how much it inspires me to see an attractive girl eat greasy food and make no apologies for it.
