A highlight of our trip was a balloon flight outside Barcelona. Earlier in the week, rainy days made it likely our flight might be cancelled. But, the rain relented, the skies cleared, and we had a "go." At 6:30 a.m., we met our driver from Ballooning outside the Hard Rock Cafe and three other passengers (all from China). Our driver turned out to be the pilot of our balloon.
We drove 45 minutes into the countryside. The first take-off site was eliminated because the wind was unfavorable. So, we drove further north and launched near Vic (about 45 miles from Barcelona). We helped to inflate our balloon and soon climbed into the basket. Almost immediately, we quietly launched. Soon, we spotted the second balloon with the other three passengers far below as it climbed towards the clouds.
The experience of riding a balloon is magical. Except when the blower is on to provide more hot air, it is very quiet. At times, we could hear dogs barking from far below, but mostly we drifted in air currents in silence. We moved with the clouds. Once we climbed above them, we felt motionless. Only seeing the ground pass below through small gaps in the clouds spoiled our illusion of stillness.
Sadly, after an hour, our time aloft was up. We slid down through the clouds and gently landed on a narrow farm road. Our pilot's precision was amazing as it was barely 10 feet wide, with ditches on both sides. The Ballooning truck met us. We repacked the balloon and then drove to reunite with the second balloon.
When you fly in a balloon the first time, there is a tradition that one gets a certificate and drinks champagne (or, in this case, Catalonian cava). The last photo on this page shows us sporting our certificates. Our pilots also toasted grilled cheese sandwiches using one of the balloon burners for us to enjoy before driving back to Barcelona.
If asked what we most liked about Spain, this balloon flight is always mentioned. Getting to see the beauty of the Spanish countryside, to experience the quietness and amazing views, as well as to do something novel, well, I can't recommend it enough.
We drove 45 minutes into the countryside. The first take-off site was eliminated because the wind was unfavorable. So, we drove further north and launched near Vic (about 45 miles from Barcelona). We helped to inflate our balloon and soon climbed into the basket. Almost immediately, we quietly launched. Soon, we spotted the second balloon with the other three passengers far below as it climbed towards the clouds.
The experience of riding a balloon is magical. Except when the blower is on to provide more hot air, it is very quiet. At times, we could hear dogs barking from far below, but mostly we drifted in air currents in silence. We moved with the clouds. Once we climbed above them, we felt motionless. Only seeing the ground pass below through small gaps in the clouds spoiled our illusion of stillness.
Sadly, after an hour, our time aloft was up. We slid down through the clouds and gently landed on a narrow farm road. Our pilot's precision was amazing as it was barely 10 feet wide, with ditches on both sides. The Ballooning truck met us. We repacked the balloon and then drove to reunite with the second balloon.
When you fly in a balloon the first time, there is a tradition that one gets a certificate and drinks champagne (or, in this case, Catalonian cava). The last photo on this page shows us sporting our certificates. Our pilots also toasted grilled cheese sandwiches using one of the balloon burners for us to enjoy before driving back to Barcelona.
If asked what we most liked about Spain, this balloon flight is always mentioned. Getting to see the beauty of the Spanish countryside, to experience the quietness and amazing views, as well as to do something novel, well, I can't recommend it enough.