The Balloon Takes Flight

A Journey by Balloon

On a day when the wind is calm, there is just enough room on the rock to launch a hot air balloon.

Inflating the balloon takes some doing. The six stories of fabric are rolled out flat, then a fan blows air into the base, slowly turning the mass from a pile of laundry into a globe. The fan by itself isn't enough, however. The balloon can't be fully inflated until it is heated and begins to rise. Carefully, a propane burner begins to force hot air into the balloon, and slowly it begins to rise. After much effort, the balloon is fully inflated and pulling at the moorings holding it down.

Now you may climb in. Now the burner is run again, adding more heat to lift the extra weight.

Now the moorings are released, and the balloon begins to rise, ready to take you high into the air .