I mentioned awhile back that the lovely Becca invited me to come to Reno and ride in a hot air balloon as part of the Great Reno Balloon Race. Thanks to her awesome photography skills, my dear friend Leslie was able to join me, too! It made the trip extra fun and it scored me some awesome pictures (all photos in this post were taken by Leslie).
We rolled up to Reno after I finished working on Wednesday, and were treated to an amazing hotel room at the Silver Legacy. I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Reno, and this was by far the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed in and our room was clean, spacious and boasted an awesome view of the strip! After a quick dinner, Leslie and I went to bed early so we’d be ready for our balloon ride the next morning.
At 6:15, we arrived at the park where we’d be lifting off the ground. We met our pilot and wandered down to the field.
And then we waited.
When we first arrived, the wind was really too high for balloons to get off the ground, so we stood around and watched as some pilots stood their balloons up and checked the wind. As we waited, our pilot regaled us with stories about the things we most feared: balloons blown into trees, balloons the pilot loses control of and the danger of lifting off in such crazy weather. The longer we waited, the more sure we were that we weren’t going up…even if they said it was safe for us to go.
Balloons started taking off all around us and Becca stepped in to ask if we wanted to go with another pilot. Despite being a bit freaked out, we said okay, sure. A really nice pilot, Rick Hunt of Castle Dawn Balloon Adventures, flying a balloon sponsored by DaVita stepped in to save the day. We quickly loaded into the balloon basket and before we knew it, we were floating into the sky.
Leslie and I as the balloon was lifting off the ground
Getting off the ground, floating away from the other balloons
Leaving the park
Headed towards downtown
I wish I could explain the awesomeness that is hot air ballooning. The ride is what I have always imagined flying would feel like: weightless, smooth and peaceful. The views of Reno were stunning and our balloon-mates were charming. The whole time I was up in the air, I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be there.
We came to a soft landing on the local university campus and got to help the pilot put away the balloon. After that, we joined Doniree and her lovely boyfriend, Chris for lunch at the Squeeze In, a local omelette place that’s been featured on the Food Network and was delicious, despite my having to stick with a healthy, cheese-and-meatless omelette.
The whole time we were floating, I took in the breathtaking views, but I also thought a lot. I thought about how a few years ago, I would have said no to the experience, simply because I was afraid. I would have brushed it off as something “too scary” for me to really enjoy. I thought about how amazing it is that this space, this little blog, brought me an opportunity I doubt I’d have had otherwise. I thought about how grateful I am for friendships like Leslie’s, and for new, growing friendships like Doni’s. I thought about how grateful I am to have a job that knows about my blog and digs it enough that I’m allowed to be out of the office for a bit for a completely fun opportunity.
I thought about how rewarding it is to stop being afraid and just say yes.
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Those pictures are amazing!!! Wow. What a beautiful day, what a beautiful post, what a beautiful lady you are, Amy.
I still can’t get over those pictures! What an amazing opportunity
I’m so jealous!! I know I’d be terrified, but it’s definitely something I want to do!
What an awesome adventure! Those pictures are gorgeous!
“I thought about how rewarding it is to stop being afraid and just say yes.”
You get it. Now don’t forget.
What an amazing opportunity.
I probably would have been afraid to go on a hot air balloon ride, but seeing that you overcame your fear and had such an amazing experience makes me so happy!
I’m so glad you did this – and these photos are gorgeous. How brave & beautiful of you!
I am soooo jealous! Going on a hot air balloon is basically my biggest dream EVER. But it’ll happen one day, and I’m glad you got to experience it, too!
what an amazing opportunity!
What gorgeous pictures! That’s something I’ve always wanted to do, I’m so jealous!
Coolness! And here’s a comment for Leslie: Your pictures are bomb!
Things that I’ve already told you: Leslie’s pictures are pretty. Your hair is very cute. What an amazing opportunity. I am routinely jealous. I can’t wait to see you!
GIRL. You are so brave and incredible. Thank YOU for sharing this with all of us, and for sharing in my city, and our most cherished event.
I am so glad you and Leslie came (and actually got to fly!) and I can’t WAIT to see your beautiful face again (soon)!!!
<3 <3 x infinity.
I am SO BUMMED I missed this! Next year, I will make sure I am not on timeout the same month as the balloon race. Beautiful photos!
This looks amazing and magical and awesome! Good for you
Also, sorry I missed you on gchat. My life is currently crazypants, but I will be seeing you SO SOON!!!
All of the pictures are absolutely gorgeous. You should blow them up & frame them!
Going up in a hot air balloon has never been something that really appeals to me, simply because I’m a tiny bit afraid of heights. But I think if the opportunity was given to me, I would take it because it’s just too amazing of an opportunity to let pass!
It looks like a great day. Your photos are amazing!
That is the coolest thing EVER! I’m super jealous! But so happy you got to do it and that I get to hear about it IRL on Sunday! =)
[...] was a little nervous. I’m not a huge fan of heights, but I refuse to let that stop me from saying yes to experiences like this. And I’m so glad I did! The ride was brief, but incredible. [...]
My grandfather derived great pleasure from hot air ballooning. Every year, he and my grandmother vacationed in the southwest … and he always tried to go for at least one ride while there. Ever since then, I am tickled when other people discover the awesomeness that is hot air ballooning. Congrats for overcoming a fear!
This is such a beautiful post! I love the photos and your bravery in going up in the balloon. Maybe that is what I will do to get rid of my fear of heights instead of jumping out of a plane. That may be easier. So glad it was a fun and worthwhile experience for you. Thanks for sharing! xoxo
I’m so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to go hot air ballooning but it’s so expensive (I think!). Beautiful photos by the way!
Amy: 1 / Fear: 0
Awesome that you decided to take a chance and get to do this. It was worth it, was it not?
awesome! i was just in 2 weeks ago; my dad lives there. he’s talked about the balloon races before and how fun they are! looks like a great time!
I was just talking about the power of saying yes and how it’s made such a good impact on my life. I’m glad you took a chance & had fun!
Oh wow, the photos are breathtaking! I have never gone hot air ballooning but it looks amazing.
Awesome shots! What a great experience.. hot air ballooning was one of the coolest things I did on my USA road trip, even if it did mean I had to get up at the crazy hour of 5am to hit the sunrise!
I am incredibly jealous. It looks like it was absolutely amazing and the pictures are awesome!
[...] said yes to big things: trips and a hot air balloon ride and a new job, but I also said yes to little things. To happy hour, to trying to be better at the [...]