Full of hot air...

...and no, I don't mean me. At least, not this time. This time, I am talking about the wonderfully awesome hot air balloon ride that I took this past holiday weekend. I am so afraid of heights but I have this stupid idea that I should throw myself into the air at every opportunity. Roller coasters - the higher the better. Roof ladders - had to try a few times for fire school. Gondolas - yeah, beautiful view, until they start climbing in an almost vertical ascent. You get the picture. Well, my cousin and I decided that we should be brave and tackle the fear by riding in a hot air balloon over Lancaster county, PA. I must admit, I am mighty proud of us. Then again, I shouldn't be. It's not like there's actually any sensation of height. Well, with the exception of the first few minutes, as it lifts off the ground. Once you're in the air, though, it literally feels like you are just floating a few feet above the ground. It has something to do with no visual tether like a rope or ladder, which throws off your perception or some such thing. We had the best time and can't wait to do it again. Next trip: jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. Time to skydive, baby! Or maybe take a clear-bottomed helicopter into the Grand Canyon. Or perhaps ride a mule down the trails of the Grand Canyon. Or maybe I'll just try out the new roller coaster at Kings Dominion for now!