I went to Napa, I woke up early, I showed up on time... only to be told after 20 minutes of filling out paperwork and sipping on stale coffee that the balloon rides would be cancelled for the day.
The look of disappointment that filled the room was one for the books.
Couples on their honeymoon were near tears, people were complaining, families asked WHYYY!! But WHYY!
Heck, I even asked why. I had come all the way from Miami to see my best friend, drove all the way to Napa, for THIS. I came for this!! And my dreams were being shattered.
After hearing a 30 min explanation about our safety and why it was just not happening, we put on our big people pants, and walked out in stride --- with the promise of bakery goods to fill our empty fat stomachs.
When we were done with breakfast and heading back to our rented home, we see FUCKING BALLOONS ready to TAKE OFF! WHAT COMPANY RUNS THIS?? Why can they go up and we can't!?!
This can't be! our eyes are playing tricks on us. These assholes are going out!!! And we were told we couldn't. We were livid.
We drove up to the place, and started taking pictures in hopes we could fool or families and friends, and tell them we too went on a ride ---
Look ma' BALLOONS!
.... well.... that excitement didn't last too long. We started following the balloons in hopes we could take more pics and just see the route these balloons usually take.
3 minutes into flight, this very same balloon I was pointing at hit a power line.
yes, a power line.
and caught on fire.
yes, again. ON FIRE.
Ana calls 911. Freaking out. At this moment I realize I don't react well when emergencies happen. I didn't even move. I just kept snapping pics! like a crazy paparazzi!!! Who am I???
Anyway, we followed the falling balloon meanwhile guiding emergency vehicles to the falling balloon - PACKED with PEOPLE on board!
The balloon starts falling at a faster speed, eventually hitting the ground. This is just nuts!! We were so nervous for these poor people! I can't imagine how scary this must have been!
Moral of the story: Always listen to your tour guide. If conditions are NOT good, don't be disappointed... it's for a reason.
Here is the link to the full story - Glad everyone is ok!
