Up, Up, and Away

Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s … a hot air
balloon. Adventures Out West, a Colorado-based company, recently
expanded its operations to the Santa Ynez Valley, and they are
offering flights daily at sunrise, weather permitting. Passengers
meet the balloon pilot and two crewmembers at dawn in Los Olivos
before heading to the launch site, which is determined each morning
based on the wind direction. The balloon can carry as many as 12
guests at a time and most flights consist of low- altitude contour
flying and high-altitude sight-seeing. After the flight, a
continental breakfast is served in the field where the balloon
lands. The cost is $250 per guest, although Internet specials and
other discounts are available for locals, tourism professionals,
retired folk, and others. For reservations, call (800) 755-0935 or
visit adventuresoutwest.com.