May the Winds Welcome you With Softness...

After experiencing hosting our first Hot Air Balloon Festival this past weekend, the only

word that comes to mind... is magical! The beauty of the balloons, their sheer size itself

is something to marvel at. They command attention, but you want to give it willingly anyway.

A Hoosier Reference I heard from a pilot this weekend, you can fit 144,000 basketballs inside of a typical balloon. 144,000 cubic feet of space. The delicate handling of them on the ground and in the air is a marvel itself, maybe that's why people are so intrigued by them. they are tough yet delicate in nature. When you are executing the spirit of MacGuyver and Maverick all at the same time, I mean, that creates respect. The pilots of these vessels are nothing shy of adventurers and nerves of steel. Imagine being only guided up and down, at the mercy of the wind current. Only heat generation and release controls where you go. And when you land.

That is a lot of skill and faith. But they have it! Seamless rides and a grand show on the ground, it was truly a sight to see. If you didn't get to attend, I would add it to your bucket list and get to a show soon. You will find yourself naturally just smiling and in awe of their uniqueness. Take a break from the stresses of the daily grind, allow yourself to be a little bit childlike again. Enjoy the mystery and science that goes into it all. People were just naturally happier in their presence. The vast community it brought together was a beautiful thing. Leaving you with this from the Balloonist Prayer... May the Winds Welcome you with Softness...