Rising with the Sun – Hot Air Ballooning over Atlanta, Georgia

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We found new meaning to “rising with the sun”.Balloon Atlanta

On Saturday morning, at 7am, we gracefully floated up through the sky with a sea of colors above our heads. As the sun made its first appearance for the day, the golden rays warmed the sky and our world was brighter. We were floating above Atlanta in a basket built for four below a gigantic balloon built for the sky. What a way to experience a sun rise! We booked our journey withĀ Great American Days andĀ flew withĀ Balloon AtlantaĀ creatingĀ anotherĀ unforgettableĀ bucket list adventure.Ā Life is more beautiful when you are in the sky.Ā 

Balloon AtlantaGreat American Days offers more than 6000 amazing experience gifts for every budget, taste, and occasion. From riding in a race car to relaxing at a day spa, their experience gifts create memories that last a lifetime. You just select an experience, receive the gift certificate, book your experience online, and have the time of your life. There is no better site for adventure seekers like Darren and I. When I’m trying to think of a gift for an occasion or just a special treat, I always start at Great American Days. Even when I’m in a new state or city, I browse their site for ideas and inspiration.

Stuart, our pilot, is at ease in the air. He has over 2400 hours in hot air balloons, more than Balloon Atlanta200 in gas balloons, 500+ in airplanes, and 80+ parachute jumps; he’s my kind of guy. His relaxed personality and easy-going demeanor added to the serenity of the flight. We soared away from the traffic and stresses of daily life to a more peaceful place where your neighbors are birds and other balloons.

As the sun rays burst into the sky, the massive orange and yellow glow rose to meet us. We were rising with the sun and equally beautiful in color andĀ grandeur.

Balloon AtlantaBalloon AtlantaBalloon Atlanta

Surprisingly, left and right can’t be controlled during flight in a hot air balloon, making landing an interesting part of the adventure as well. One hour of flying was followed by a cul-de-sac landing in anĀ unsuspectingĀ community. Two young men, Austin Lacey and Hunter Wilkey, were awaken by the sounds of a beast in their yard. (The forceful flames of the burner have an uncanny resemblance to the sounds of a dragon.)

Balloon AtlantaWe dropped into the neighborhood and radioed our location to the chase crew. At 8am, it must have been quite the surprise for Austin when he looked out his front window only to be greeted by a hot air balloon on his lawn. He and his friend, along with other community members, crowded around to ask questions. We were the highlight of their day and their inquisitive nature heightened the awareness of our “Great American” adventure.

The flight ended with a toast to us, ballooning, and life. Stuart’s heartfelt words were a Balloon Atlantareflection of his passion for flight. We sippedĀ champagneĀ with a couple that just got engaged during their flight and Darren and I looked at each other in appreciation and lovingĀ acknowledgement. We are living the life of our dreams with beauty and new experiences around every corner.
Balloon Atlanta

It can be difficult at times to find a new adventure, something that neither Darren or I have experienced, but with inspiration from Great American Days and unique ventures like ballooning over Atlanta, we manage to continuing adding life to our list.

108 thoughts on “Rising with the Sun – Hot Air Ballooning over Atlanta, Georgia”

  4. Looks like a blast. I was hoping to go to the balloon festival in Glens Falls today, to get some photos, but my husband was not feeling well. Maybe next year. We did go up in a balloon once but it was tethered so we didn’t get much of a ride.

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  19. Thank you for sharing this wonderful moment. I can see that you had such a great time, who wouldn’t? Being able to get closer to nature and witness it at its best with the sun rising must be breathtaking. Something you definitely want to put in your life’s wonderful achievements list šŸ˜‰

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  33. Fantastic, what an experience ……
    Now is the time to sit undisturbed for one hour , close the eyes & re-live the the feelings of inner journey & narrate the experience of that journey ……………

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    • Hola
      To whom should one narrate it;) that is not life, life is how she lives;)
      Hope people, individuals in the world are more like you, nice to share your journeys “the couple with the kid”.

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  43. Love your blog. How inspiring. I am scared of sitting in a roller-coaster but let me tell you….I’m thinking of doing this sometime. Thinking about it, is a big first step, right?!

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  48. Wow! What an amazing experience as I have only been on the ground at a balloon launch with over fifty balloons, the raw of the burners breaks the stillness of the early mornings peace, but to actually be flying at sunrise must take your breath away……..

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  50. Pingback: 2012 Bucket List – Adventure Awaits! | Bucket List Publications

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