What a birthday gift! My husband, Chuck, was treating our family to a hot air balloon ride for my 50th birthday. My tummy fluttered with excitement! We couldn’t even imagine the views and fun we’d have when we arrived at Altitude Endeavors in Battle Creek!

Following our safety briefing, we piled into one van which would take us to the launch site. It turned out to be quite a caravan containing two groups of hot air balloon riders along with spotter cars and the support staff.

Filling The Balloons

Our pilot, Phil, and the crew laid out two balloons as if it had been a well choreographed dance.
Altitude Endeavors has been in business since 1997 and has had a wonderful safety record.

The Birthday Girl

I never knew that turning 50 could be so thrilling! Thanks, Chuck!

Take Off!

As the burner sounded I felt our basket wobble and lift. The ground quickly moved away from us. Heather, a member of the ground crew, appeared to be shrinking. I looked upward as we ascended. I felt confident with Phil at the burner and the ground crew following us.

I thought it would be windy, but as we moved along with the breeze, I only felt the briskness of the autumn air.

The Fall Colors

The fall colors were still apparent on this early November day. Chuck had scheduled the event for October, but the weather hadn’t cooperated. So at the first opportunity, Phil had called to reschedule.

Tree Tops

Phil raised and lowered the balloon steadily providing a wide spectrum of views.

The Lakes

Ahead of us we could view the other balloon low over the lake. Phil opened a flap and we descended until we, too, glided just above the water. What a treat to be enveloped in a variety of perspectives, viewing the lake from a distance and then up close!

I felt as if we were part of a secret. Few people are permitted to be a witness to these scenes.

Landing

Phil gently maneuvered the basket to a church’s grounds with nary a bump. The crew appeared within moments of our landing. With clear confidence they began organizing the balloons. We were invited to help, if we wanted. My family stepped into their role pulling the metal bar, squeezing out the hot air. The balloons were packed away and we headed back to their barn.

Champagne?

“This is a time honored tradition.” Pilot Phil explained to our huddled group as he held up a bottle of Champagne. “This had started long ago when hot air balloons had first been used in France.” Phil began to work on the cork. “You see, farmers would be frightened of the vessel that appeared to breathe fire like a dragon. When the balloon would land in their fields, frightening the farmer and his livestock, the pilot would produce a bottle of Champagne to smooth over the intrusion.” Phil popped the cork and the spray sprinkled us with the bubbly drink. Those of us who were of age partook in a small plastic cup of the bubbly beverage.

Hot Air Balloon History

On November 21, 1783 a chemistry and physics teacher, Jean-Francois Pilatre de Rozier and Francois Laurent le Vieux d’Arlandes, a military officer, took the first hot air balloon flight. It had lasted 25 minutes.

As these massive flying objects descended on French fields, farmers would be ill at ease. Was it a monster, an alien? The field man would often take up arms be ready to fight protecting his livestock and crops. When the pilot would present the bottle of Champagne, tensions would ease and the damage to the plants would be forgiven.

Altitude Endeavors

Having served thousands of passengers with an “unblemished safety record,” Altitude Endeavors is “the largest and most experienced hot air balloon company in Southwest Michigan.” Phil Clinger is the chief pilot of this talented crew who fly Lindstand balloons for competitions and private events.

Thank you, Altitude Endeavors!

Resources:

Altitude Endeavors 1255 Hunter Ridge, Battle Creek, MI 49017 (888)933-5964 (888) WE FLY MI

A High Flying History of Champagne, Hot-Air Balloons and French Farmers article by Jenn Rice