My Itchy Travel Feet | The Baby Boomer's Guide To Travel

Saturday’s scene: A Winter Balloon Ride

by on 2011/12/10

balloon-snow-bluff-utah

Hot Air Balloon in the Red Rocks of Utah

When Alan and I look back on our baby boomer adventures, riding in a hot air balloon over the snowy Utah landscape is near the top of the list. We were lucky that right before our January visit, winter decorated the red rocks of southeastern Utah with a coating of white. What a beautiful setting for colorful hot air balloons! We were in photographer’s heaven. Don’t miss this year’s Bluff International Balloon Festival, January 13-15, 2012. If you go, consider staying at Desert Rose Inn or Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast.

Have you flown in a hot air balloon? Post a comment to share your experience. Alan and I highly recommend a winter flight.

Thanks to Bill Lee of Koshare Gallup Balloon, for providing this baby boomer adventure.

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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }

Barbara Weibel December 10, 2011 at 11:58 am

So pretty with the white snow dusting the red rocks.
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Donna Hull
Twitter:
December 13, 2011 at 6:14 am

Glad you liked the photo, Barbara. The snow made it harder to photograph (all that glare) but gave it character. After all, how many photos of hot air ballooning in the snow have you seen?

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Nomadic Samuel December 11, 2011 at 1:20 pm

That looks like an amazing experience. I’ve yet to fly in a hot air balloon but I sure want to! :)
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Donna Hull
Twitter:
December 13, 2011 at 6:13 am

Nomadic Samuel, put it at the top of your list. But, hopefully, you’ll find a more off-the-beaten-path experience like we did. The huge balloon festivals are fun but this was much more intimate. We were able to meet and talk with many of the balloon owners. Lots of fun.

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AlexBerger
Twitter:
December 12, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Donna Hull
Twitter:
December 13, 2011 at 6:10 am

Alex, we did have great views. Taking photos of hot air balloons while flying among them offers a different perspective.

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Christy
Twitter:
December 13, 2011 at 7:43 am

That’s a gorgeous photo, with the bright balloon and stark background. I think when we finally take a balloon ride that’s the sort of landscape we’d love to explore!
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Jade Johnston December 14, 2011 at 5:13 am

That is a fantastic photo!!
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Christy & Scott December 15, 2011 at 12:12 am

That photo is gorgeous! I REALLY want to go on a hot air balloon ride, but I want someone else to pay for it. ;)
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Heather on her travels December 30, 2011 at 7:12 am

I bet it’s freezing once you get up high though
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Donna Hull
Twitter:
January 10, 2012 at 7:59 am

Heather, no, it wasn’t freezing. The heat from the gas flame keeps you warm. We were very surprised to discover just how pleasant a ride it could be on a very cold day.

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