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CRUISING IN A HOT AIR BALLOON |
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Story by Lee Juillerat; Photos by Lee Juillerat, Liane Venzke, Cheryl Kinney |
The flight, which began in Newberg, near Portland, was eye-opening and fun. And so were the on-ground activities. Unlike a previous hot air balloon ride that I’d enjoyed 20 years earlier, ths morning with Vista Balloon Adventures the process involved assisting the all-volunteer ground crew in inflating our 10-passenger balloon. As the volunteers held on, the ground crew fired multiple 3- to 5-second blasts of propane into the ballon. The fiery flame-colored inferno-like blasts eventually caused what had been a long, flat sack to rise 100-feet upright.
Once upright, we took turns high-stepping into the balloon’s basket, then listened to instructions from our FAA-certified pilot while gaining elevation for an hour of high-flying. Rising 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 feet, we peered down at the panoramic sight of vineyards, the twisting Willamette River, Mount Hood, distant Cascade peaks, car-busy highways and railroad tracks that - from our vantage - looked like miniature toys.
But our hot air balloon, the Steens, wasn’t the only flying balloon. Five others, some with passenger capacities of two, six and eight people likewise hovered nearby.
Paula Brown, who made her second hot air ride, echoed Kinney. “Both times in the air were spectacular and I agree with the comments about the kindness and professionalism of the pilot and crew,” she wowed after the flight. “But the most outstanding thing for me was to watch my friends who were experiencing their first time in a hot air balloon. Their joy was palpable and it made my heart soar.”
Susan Anselmi, a first-timer, was obviously delighted with fulfilling a lifetime dream. “This is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a little girl. At 78 years of age I finally got to do a hot air balloon ride and with very special friends. It was all I ever hoped it would be.”
Likewise, Maggie Huntley was moved by the experience. “I’ve been trying to put into words my emotions surrounding this wonderful experience, but how to describe the warmth of friends, the excitement of being in a hot air balloon, and the blessing of such a skilled crew is very difficult. Thank you, everyone, for making this a ‘ride of a lifetime.’”
Sarah Gray, who was part of the group that took a hot air balloon ride in 2025, said of her second ride, “Lovely friends went last year, and encouraged a return visit for all who were interested. I was impressed with how huge the balloon was before it was inflated, and how much work there was to be done to safely get it off the ground. Once we were up, the views were lovely and the cloud-mottled sky made for lovely sunrise watching. Then, when it was time to come down, it felt a little frightening looking at all the things we might hit. The volunteer crew who had followed us by truck then guided us on how to put the balloon away worked like a well-oiled machine. When my sister had confirmed that I had survived the balloon trip, she sent a podcast documenting a balloon execution. Our trip,” she concluded, “was wonderful. I don’t think I need to go again, but glad I went.”
“To me it was a peaceful, enjoyable experience,” Maribeth Schwartz said of the ride and views of the checkered landscape, “It was an enjoyable weekend with friends. It was educational because you learn about ballooning,” she noted of helping to fill the balloon before the flight and then teaming up with others to fully deflate it. And, in response to some people who fear that hot air balloons are “frightening,” Maribeth believes, “It is a lot less scary than many rollercoaster rides in amusement parks these days.”
One of the first-timers was my wife, Liane Venzke. On reflecting about the ride she said, “I have fear of heights but when I had an opportunity to go on a balloon ride with friends, I immediately said YES. I thought that I could always sit on the floor of the basket if fear took over. Actually, it was not bad at all, much better than standing on a high bridge and looking down.
Liane said another bonus was seeing and flying near the five other balloons – “It was fun to see the other balloons as we all drifted along at different heights.” And, “After a spectacular flight we landed in a field next to an elementary school. The kids came running out, screaming with excitement over the big balloons right next to their school. It was a fitting grand finale to a wonderful experience.”
And, me, the token male, what can I say? I’ll echo their thoughts and the Fifth Dimension’s lyrics … “We could float among the stars together, you and I … The world’s a nicer place in my beautiful balloon. It wears a nicer face in my beautiful balloon … Up, up and away.” More about Vista Balloon Adventurers The Vista launch site is at Sportsman Airpark in the town of Newberg, about 35 minutes from Portland, Oregon. The balloons fly once a day, beginning shortly after sunrise, which generally provides the calmest wind conditions. The specific time will depend on the time of year. Vista recommends that people plan on 2-1/2 to 3 hours for the whole experience, which includes arrival and check-in, balloon inflation, the flight, balloon deflation, and the van ride back to the launch field. The flight itself is about an hour long, depending on wind conditions and landing options. Because mornings can be brisk, people should dress appropriately – layers are advised but the 15 million BTU propane burner reflects enough heat to keep riders comfortable. Most important of all - bring a camera! Flights are offered every weekend from mid-April thru September. Weekday flights are added as the summer progresses and the weather improves. The standard price for shared flights is $248 per person for up to five adults, $230 per person for six or more adults and $220 for children weighing less than 100 pounds. The cost for a private balloon with two passengers is $690, The balloons are FAA-certified hot air balloons made by Ultramagic, one of the world's top manufacturers of hot air balloons. The balloons go through a thorough safety inspection annually and after every 100 hours of flight, per FAA regulations. There is no minimum age but passengers must be at least 40 inches tall so they can see over the side of the basket. Infants and toddlers in front packs or backpacks are not permitted. For more information visit the Vista Balloon Adventures website at https://vistaballoon.com, call 503-625-7385 or email info@vistaballoon.com.
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