Safe Landing!

 All too soon my first magical hot air balloon flight was to be over. It was now time to understand the complexities and logistics of landing. Pilot Mark explained that you can technically land a balloon nearly anywhere. BUT, the balloon itself weighs over 500 pounds, not counting the basket and so forth. So, if you want to carry all that for miles, you can. Realistically, look for an open field in Coconino National Forest, near a road without too many objects that could rip the balloon, oh, and stay away from power lines! We, well Mark, chose wisely!

We touched down and fairly quickly the balloon began to deflate. But every once in a while it would lift us up a few feet off the ground, teasing us with another ride!

Here comes the remaining 3 members of the crew to pack us up.

Trying to keep us from escaping

 once again!

 Finally secured, and passengers exiting, one crew member takes a line and walks away to gently guide the balloon to the ground so it falls properly...for easier packing so to speak!

 At the end, it took the might of 3 crew to pull down the balloon....must be a heck of an upper body workout...

Now they just had to patiently wait

 for it to fully deflate.

 Mark disassembling the basket....funny, I guess I wasn't paying attention to that part of the set up!

 A shameless plug for Red Rock Balloon Flights!

The trick is to get the balloon to fall in a nice, straight line like this so that it can be rolled up easily....well, I'm not so sure at 500+ pounds that it is THAT easy.

The final disassembly of the basket that held all 9 of us.

Crew member Phil, standing atop the packed balloon to squish it down some more!

PUSH! It really didn't look too easy, I know they were thankful that we were able to put down fairly close to where the van could easily access the landing site.

 The two fellows from India and the man from Vancouver were recruited to tip the basket back and push it into the trailer. I'm sure the crew appreciated the help!

I simply can't say enough about what a magical experience this was! Mark and his entire staff at Red Rock Balloon Flights really made this experience a memory that I will always treasure! Please please please......if you get the chance to go for a ride in a hot air balloon...DO IT!